Brushing Teeth Helps Prevent Cardiac Disease

 “Brushing and flossing is not just a cosmetic and sanitary need,” says Jonathan Richter, DDS, of Cardiodontal, in Great Neck. “Its pur- pose goes much further than that. This habit is worth forming because of its importance to a person’s overall health.” Studies are repeat- edly suggesting that periodontal disease makes insulin resistance worse, says Richter. When cells require more insulin to take up blood sugar from the bloodstream, blood insulin and, eventually, blood sugar levels will rise. Increases in blood insulin and blood sugar levels both have undesirable effects, such as the development of Type 2 diabetes. “People routinely invest in their health through diet and gym member- ships, which go a long way to help you fight heart disease, cholesterol, diabetes and obesity, but spending $3 on a tooth- brush may be the defining factor in your health and wellness,” says Richter.