When thinking about the common types of fat (also called lipids) in the body, people are often concerned about their good cholesterol or high-density lipoproteins (HDLs), as well as bad cholesterol or low density lipoproteins (LDLs). But experts at the National Institutes of Health state that triglycerides, another type of lipid, are even more common. And like bad cholesterol, a high triglyceride level can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. Drinking too much alcohol, taking certain medications, being overweight or obese, and being a diabetic whose blood sugars are uncontrolled are all reasons to have an elevated level.
Because the body stores excess calories by turning them into triglycerides, eating more calories than you need (especially excess sugar) is a major culprit. On the other hand, you can have more healthy triglyceride levels by making the right changes. These include quitting smoking, cutting down on sugar and highly sweetened prepared foods, cutting down on alcohol, and getting more exercise. It’s also important to make sure your thyroid is not underactive (usually with a simple blood test) because this also can cause high levels of triglycerides.
If more help is needed, your health care provider may prescribe medications. But what many people may not know is that good dental care is also associated with a healthy triglyceride level, and helps to limit potential damage to your heart and blood vessels as well as to your teeth.
1. Prevent Gingivitis
Gingivitis can happen when a person’s gums develop inflammation because of bacteria. While some bacteria in the mouth is normal, it can mingle with food and create a sticky substance called plaque. Plaque can harden and become tartar if it’s not removed by good oral care. Bacteria in plaque and tarter invade the gums (gingiva) and produce destructive enzymes. This can cause gums to swell and bleed. If not treated, gingivitis can worsen, becoming periodontitis which can erode bones that surround the teeth.
A number of researchers have found that higher lipid levels in the blood is associated with a higher risk for gingivitis. One possible explanation is high normal triglycerides or cholesterol triggers the white blood cells and other chemicals in the body that ordinarily fight disease. This reaction increases inflammation in the body, including the gums, and makes a person more likely to develop gingivitis. Another possible explanation is that someone who already has gingivitis develops chronic inflammation. In addition to damaging the gums and teeth, chronic inflammation changes the way fat is digested and used which raises the amount of lipids in the blood. Either way, preventing gingivitis may be important to keeping triglycerides and other lipids at healthier levels.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]2. Brighter Smile
Regular brushing and flossing, as well as regular teeth cleaning by your dental hygienist or dentist will result in a brighter smile. However, periodontal disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), in which oral bacteria cause the gums to separate from the teeth, can occur if good oral care is lacking.
Dental experts at the National Institutes of Dental and Craniofacial Research warn that improving or worsening of periodontal disease is related to a person’s consistency and ability to take proper care of his or her teeth. A group of researchers from Changsha China looked at the results of several observational studies of patients with periodontitis and high lipid levels. They concluded that chronic periodontitis increases the risk for hypertriglyceridemia. So it may be possible that keeping your smile bright can help you have healthy triglycerides.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]3. Longer Lasting Teeth
Chronic periodontitis is the main reason why adults lose their teeth. When inflammation from bacteria filled plaque cause the gums to separate from the teeth, toxins from the bacteria start to damage the tissues. The connective tissue and bone that secure the teeth become eroded. Teeth can loosen and eventually fall out. The good news is that taking care of your teeth with brushing flossing, and regular dental checkups can prevent periodontitis. And if you do develop it, your dentist can treat it with medications and intensive cleaning to remove the plaque, although surgery may be needed in severe cases. However, you will need to make sure you always continue to take care of your teeth to help keep the problem from recurring.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]4. Less Cavities
Cavities start out as tiny holes in the enamel or hard part of the teeth. They occur when the bacteria in a person’s mouth is combined with the effect of drinking sweet drinks and/or frequent eating without cleaning her or his teeth afterwards. Cavities start small but grow larger if not treated. They can lead to infection inside the tooth which can cause toothache and tooth loss. In addition to getting adequate fluoride (such as in tooth paste) and preventing gingivitis and periodontitis, getting treatment for conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease and eating disorders can help prevent cavities. And remember that excess sugar in the diet can help increase your triglyceride levels so a healthy diet can result in less cavities as well as longer lasting teeth.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]5. No Bad Breath
There are a number of reasons why a person may have bad breath, but both medical and dental experts agree that the most common reason is not having a regimen of regular brushing and flossing. Oral bacteria not only cause tooth decay and gingivitis, but also can cause a bad odor from the mouth. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, rotting food plus bacteria release a type of sulfur which causes halitosis. Medical conditions such as sinusitis and diabetes, and foods such as garlic, onions, and coffee can also add to bad breath. Brushing, flossing, cleaning your tongue, chewing sugar-free gum, as well as treating any underlying medical problems can help you have no bad breath to worry about. If bad breath persists, talk to your dentist about other ways to treat it.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]6. Smoking
Smoking greatly increases your risk for gingivitis and periodontitis. Smoking suppresses the immune response (ability to fight disease) in the body, increasing your chances for developing an infection in your gums. Smoking makes the treatment for gum disease less effective, and may weaken the bone under the gums that help support teeth. Smoking increases the risk for heart disease and stroke, and some studies show it can increase triglyceride levels. If you smoke, quitting is one of the healthiest things you can do for your teeth as well as your overall health.
While more research is needed, it appears likely that having healthy triglycerides is related to having healthy teeth, and having both will help keep you healthier overall.
