A Two Minute Investment to Living a Healthier, Longer Life
A daily 2 minute investment can add years onto your life: 1 ½ - 6 years depending on which gerontologist you believe. What’s this investment? Flossing!
Wait, no one ever died from gum disease or gingivitis. While that is true, it turns out that in a way, lack of bad breath is a side benefit from the more important result in routine flossing – heart disease!
A 2008 New York University study showed that daily flossing reduced the amount of gum-disease-causing bacteria in the mouth. This bacteria is thought to enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammation in the arteries, a major risk factor for heart disease. Other research has shown that those who have high amounts of bacteria in their mouth are more likely to have thickening in their arteries, another sign of heart disease.
What’s more, over 90 percent of people with gingival disease are at risk for diabetes according to an NYU study: http://www.nyu.edu/dental/nexus/issues/winter2011/545
The American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease reported that NYUCD researchers have found new evidence to support a link between gingival inflammation and Alzheimer's disease. The news was also reported by The New York State Dental Journal, Dallas Morning News, Woman's World, More Magazine, and numerous other health news Web sites and blogs worldwide. (same source as above)Here’s how to get started:
Choose floss that feels good to you. The ribbon style is, in our opinion, the most comfortable.
Practice in front of the mirror until it becomes second nature. How to floss: http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/gingivitis/prevention.html
Put it on your daily to do list and enjoy crossing it out! The process of adding this activity to your list reminds you of your new healthful activity.
Our challenge to you: commit to flossing one or two times a day…and live a longer, cleaner life.