IN YOUR DAILY DOSE today you’ll discover that the amount of bacteria in your mouth can increase your risk for stroke.

IN MAKING CHANGES today are strategies to reduce the bad bacteria, reduce plaque formation and make your next teeth cleaning a LOT more pleasant.

IN FACT OR FICTION are interesting facts about cigarettes that you may not already know. For example, did you know that doctors once prescribed cigarettes to their patients?

In The News

Research from the University of Louisville had demonstrated that patients who have been hospitalized for hemorrhagic stroke have a higher count of oral bacteria, Streptococcus mutans.  There are two types of strokes - hemorrhagic and ischemic. In the first the arterial or venus wall has a tear and blood leaks into the brain and in the second a type of clot (either plaque or blood) blocks the arterial supply of oxygen to the brain.

The researchers also did imaging studies of the participant brains to evaluate for microbleeds that are associated with dementia. They found that people with cnm-positive streptococcus mutans had higher numbers of microbleeds.

SOURCE: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/02/160216181715.htm

Daily Health Tip

Your oral health is important to the health of your heart and your brain, both significant to your overall health.  Your responsibility is to care for your teeth and gums so they will take care of you!

Making Changes

Keeping your mouth and gums healthy is a daily process that involves several strategies.

1. Do NOT use mouthwashes which have alcohol. These create changes to your oral mucosa [mouth tissue] leading to damage.

2. Brush your teeth twice a day.

3. Floss once daily, at night after a day of eating and before you sleep. After flossing brush your teeth. The flossing loosens the plaque and the brushing removes it. Going to bed with a dirty mouth is one of the worst things you can do. If you have to skip one time of brushing your teeth it should be your morning routine. When you sleep at night the bacteria in your mouth replicate quickly. Brushing and flossing before bed reduces the problems associated with more bacteria.

4. Drink water all day and stay hydrated. A dry mouth is uncomfortable and can increase your risk of cavities and gum disease.

***VERY IMPORTANT****

5. Pull with coconut oil once daily for 15-20 minutes. Research has demonstrated that coconut oil, when mixed with digestive enzymes, will kill streptococcus mutans in your mouth. Pulling involves placing a teaspoon of oil in your mouth and swishing it in and around the teeth for 20 minutes. Once finished spit the oil out in the garbage and not the sink so it doesn’t congeal and clog your drains.

SOURCE: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120902222459.htm

This one tactic of pulling for 15 to 20 minutes a day can change the health of your mouth, reduce gum disease, reduce cavities and reduce the risk of brain and heart problems from the bacteria in your mouth.

My Daily Affirmation

Each day encourages me to be good to others. I remind myself to treat people with the same respect and kindness that I seek.

I cherish my relationships with friends. I take every opportunity to tell friends and family how special they are.

Fact Or Fiction?

Cigarettes cause cancer, lung disease and cause problems with your ability to breathe. However, did you know that doctors once prescribed tobacco? or what the statistics are about when you are more likely to start smoking?

In the 1920s and 30s doctors actually prescribed cigarettes to their patients to curb their appetite and anxiety. However, over the years new information caused the medical community to recognize the dangers and recommend their patients quit.  Today we know that 9 out 10 smokers start before the age of 18. This means that if you can get past your 18th year without making the poor decision to light up, you’re probably home free. Doctors know that children aren’t capable of making decisions before 20 that affect their long term health and cigarette companies know it also. Although they help support programs to help you stop smoking, they know many people fail and more young people will pick up a cigarette and start their life-time habit. Cigarettes are a billion dollar industry that ultimately kills the people who use them.

Have a wonderful day!

Your Healthy Life America Team