Don’t we all just love going to the dentist? Yes, especially the sound of those instruments making drill noises in our ears! Some of us avoid the dentist for years, maybe due to a bad experience or just thinking, “Oh, it’s only my teeth. I brush them every day, so I’ll be fine.”

Dental care is a good thing! In fact, it’s very necessary if you care about your heart health; because the health of your teeth and gums can help you avoid Gum Disease, most commonly known as “gingivitis” or “periodontal disease”.

According to the National Stroke Association, gum disease is responsible for the buildup of plaque which blocks blood flow to the arteries and causes 50% of the average 730,000 strokes per year in the United States. Yes – the same plaque talked about on your teeth makes gum disease and goes to the heart.

What causes Gum Disease?

• Bacterial plaque is the sticky, invisible film that forms daily on the teeth. Brushing your teeth covers 80% of the tooth surface, but misses the most important 20% - the inside edges and grooves between the teeth where the bacteria can climb into the gums, causing gum disease and getting into your blood stream and bodily tissues.
• People with poor immune systems or autoimmune conditions like diabetes may have trouble with gum disease.
• Poor nutrition, lacking vitamins essential for healthy gums and bone like Vitamins C, D and E, and minerals like Zinc which ward off infection, is another cause of gum disease.
• Smoking can cause heavy “calculus” (plaque formation) and gum disease as confirmed by the American Academy of Periodontology.
• Stress can impact both gum disease and heart health.
• Poor pH balance – too much acid in our body’s water – can lead to gum disease and an overtaxed heart.

Gum disease also causes bleeding gums and chronic bad breath. If you have these, and you haven’t been flossing or using a water pik, it’s time for a visit to a periodontist – a gum specialist. Your dentist will know if you have gum disease, and will refer you to a periodontist.

Preventive Treatment against Gum Disease

• Include flossing in your daily routine after brushing, carefully getting the string into the grooves. An alternative or extra precaution can be a home “water pik”, which powerfully sprays the areas you can’t see.
• Go to the dentist regularly – twice a year is advisable.
• Take VÄXA Buffer pH for great pH balance. This internal balance has a lot to do with healthy gums and a healthy heart. Buffer pH is safe to take daily and can help avoid an overly acidic internal environment. To test your body’s pH, get VÄXA pH Test Strips along with Buffer pH.
• VÄXA TriCardia oral chelation capsules can help rid your body of heavy toxins, metal deposits from tooth fillings, and plaque which has reached bodily tissues. It can aid your body in keeping clear arteries. See our Oral Chelation Health Pac which includes both Buffer pH and TriCardia.
• Use a good antiseptic mouthwash – you know, the one that drives you crazy stinging your mouth.
• Eat a healthy diet with plenty of greens and vitamin C (oranges are a great source). Include vitamin C, A, E, D and Zinc, get sunshine (natural vitamin D) and exercise.
• Have activities that relieve stress, and/or take a B-stress vitamin.

What happens with untreated Gingivitis?

Continuing gingivitis can allow plaque to spread under the gum line. The bacteria will then produce toxins, irritating the gums and causing inflammation. This becomes “advanced periodontitis”. The body’s immune defenses will overreact, turning on its owner instead of providing protection, and the tissue and bone supporting the teeth may deteriorate.

Gums separate from the teeth, forming infected pockets in the spaces between teeth and gums. This can still have mild symptoms like “just a little bleeding”. But eventually, the health of the entire body can be weakened from its toxins. Teeth may be lost as well.

So it only stands to reason - For good heart health, a great smile and fresh breath - take care of your gums!