contribution over a person’s lifespan,” Demmer says. “It’s not likely to be an event that gets triggered over the course of a day or a week.”
Prevention
Prevention isn’t as simple as better brushing and flossing – or using other products such as mouthwash. Mouthwash also kills good bacteria, Demmer says, so overuse could further disrupt the balance.
Good oral health helps reduce inflammation, but it’s likely not the only way to keep bacteria out of the mouth, Beydoun notes.
Long-term studies consistently tracking variables over years are difficult to design, according to Demmer, because the U.S.’s health insurance system often prevents people from maintaining consistent dental care or records. But in order to answer questions about how oral bacteria contributes to chronic illness, studies are needed to measure that bacteria in people starting in their 40s and 50s and follow up in 20 years or more.
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“There’s a lot of work to be done,” Demmer concludes. “We also need to figure out if there are interventions that can prevent the dementias from developing. We are a long way from that. It’s going to take many years and a lot of complicated studies.”
Although more work needs to be done to prevent chronic illnesses, practicing good oral hygiene doesn’t hurt.
Here are three ways to prevent bacteria in your mouth:
- Brush and floss daily: Brushing daily will remove any plaque buildup that can support bacteria. Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your enamel against high acid. You should wait for a half-hour to an hour after eating before brushing to give saliva time to reduce the acid level in your mouth.
- Cut back on sweets: The more sugar and other carbohydrates you consume, the more acid is produced. Instead, snack on fresh fruits, raw vegetables or dairy products.
- Use decay fighting supplements: If you have low saliva flow, you can boost it with an artificial saliva supplement as well as with products containing xylitol, an alcohol-based sugar. Xylitol helps prevent decay by inhibiting bacteria growth. Before taking any supplement, you should consult with your dentist.
By American Heart Association News