Past studies have shown a connection between bacteria in the intestines and atherosclerosis, which is the collection of fatty deposits on the walls of arteries making heart attack and stroke more likely. This recent study focused on whether oral bacteria might also play a role. For the study, researchers took saliva samples from 39 Japanese people. All of them had been diagnosed with atherosclerosis. The saliva samples were compared to samples from people who did not have atherosclerosis. The results showed that the bacteria in the mouths of those with atherosclerosis were different than the saliva from those without the disease.
The researchers believe the results of the study are significant because they may indicate that bacteria from the mouth travels into the intestines where it can impact heart health. The results may also be useful for the development of new treatments for heart disease or lifestyle changes that could prevent it.
This recent study is small, and experts agree that more research is needed. Although doctors have suspected for some time that oral health may play a role in heart health, as of yet, it has not been proven. However, there is a substantial body of research linking the two. Studies have shown that people with gum disease are at an increased risk for heart disease and that poor dental health may lead to bacteria in the bloodstream that can cause problems with heart valves.
Even if oral health doesn’t prevent heart disease, helping your aging relative to take care of their teeth and gums is an important part of staying healthy. Tooth decay and gum disease can cause pain and make eating difficult, which could lead to malnutrition.
Senior care can assist your older family member to brush and floss their teeth. If your aging relative has difficulty holding a toothbrush because of a loss of manual dexterity due to a stroke or arthritis, a senior care provider can brush their teeth for them. In addition, senior care providers can walk older adults with dementia through the steps of brushing their teeth since the disease can make them forget how to do the task on their own.
Co-Owner, First Choice Senior Care
Kayla Stephens is the co-owner of First Choice Senior Care. She grew up in Northeast Arkansas, and has worked in rehabilitation, hospice care, managed nursing homes and a large home care agency. She has received several awards for sales and quality achievements in hospice and long-term care.
Kayla believes in advocating for and educating seniors and their families on a variety of topics and issues that impact them. Reflecting on the need for an independent home care provider interested in quality over quantity, she chased her dream of building her own company that would make a significant difference in the lives of seniors, providing a much-needed service in her own local community.
Kayla holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Arkansas State University, is licensed by the state of Arkansas as a Long-Term Care Administrator, and is a Certified Senior Adviser.
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