On an ordinary afternoon, Uncle Zhang, as usual, picked up a toothpick after dinner and began his daily flossing ritual. This habit, which he has maintained for decades, never imagined that it would pose a threat to his health. However, during a routine check-up last year, Uncle Zhang was diagnosed with heart disease, which the doctor told him had to do with his long-term habit of flossing his teeth after meals. This news was undoubtedly a bolt from the blue for Uncle Zhang.
We often hear that "small holes are not filled, big holes suffer", but this phrase is rarely applied to our daily habits, especially the seemingly harmless small action - teeth picking. Most people probably don't think that a simple act of flossing your teeth can become the killer that causes bacteria to "eat" the heart. The science behind this, and how we can protect our hearts by changing our daily habits, is important for everyone to know.
In our daily life, flossing after meals seems to be a simple and common habit, and many people believe that it is an effective way to keep your mouth clean. However, this seemingly innocuous act may actually hide a serious threat to heart health.
Hidden risk: The indissoluble bond between the mouth and the heart
When we use toothpicks for toothpicking, if it is not done properly, it is easy to scratch the gums, causing tiny wounds. These wounds become channels through which oral bacteria enter the blood circulation. Once bacteria enter the bloodstream, they can travel with the bloodstream to any part of the body, including the heart. In the long run, this not only increases the risk of oral diseases, but also makes it more likely to cause serious heart diseases such as endocarditis.
Scientific studies have proven that there is a strong link between oral health and heart health。Certain bacteria in the mouth, such as those associated with gingivitis, can trigger atherosclerosis once they enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart attack. These bacteria invade through the wound orifice, causing an inflammatory response that accelerates the process of damage to the inner wall of the artery.
Oral health isn't just about teeth. Gum diseases, such as periodontitis, not only lead to loose teeth, loss, but more importantly, they are potential contributing factors to heart disease. Patients with periodontitis have higher levels of inflammatory markers in their blood, which are directly linked to the development of heart disease.
The importance of preventive measures cannot be overlooked. Proper brushing techniques, daily flossing and regular dental check-ups are effective ways to prevent gum disease. These simple daily behaviors can not only maintain oral health, but also indirectly protect the heart and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Practice advice: oral health care in everyday life
Brush your teeth properly:Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid overexerting force to avoid damaging your gums. Brush your teeth at least twice a day for at least two minutes.
Flossing:Flossing at least once a day can effectively remove food debris and bacteria from the gaps between your teeth and reduce the occurrence of gingivitis.
Regular oral check-ups:Professional oral examination and teeth cleaning are carried out every six months to one year to detect and deal with oral problems in a timely manner.
Through the above elaboration, it is not difficult to find that a small lifestyle habit such as teeth picking after meals can have a significant impact on our health. Maintaining oral health is not only for good teeth, but also for our overall health, including heart health. By changing some lifestyle habits and adopting the right oral hygiene measures, we can effectively reduce health risks and enjoy a healthy life.
Sedentary Thoughts: The Crisis of Meditation
Being sedentary for a long time is the norm in modern lifestyles, especially for office workers and middle-aged and elderly people who love TV and computers. Sitting for a long time not only leads to muscle atrophy and decreased bone density, but also increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as increased blood pressure in systemic arteries and abnormal glucose metabolism. Long-term sitting slows down blood circulation in the body, increasing the likelihood of blood clots, which is extremely detrimental to heart health. It is recommended to get up and move for 5 minutes every 45 minutes, such as simple stretching exercises or walking, to stimulate blood circulation and reduce the risk of heart attack.
Killer: Excessive alcohol consumption
Drinking alcohol in moderation may have certain benefits for the body, but the damage to the heart caused by excessive alcohol consumption cannot be ignored。Long-term heavy alcohol consumption can lead to increased blood pressure in the systemic arteries, arrhythmias and even cardiomyopathy, which seriously threatens heart health. Alcohol can directly damage the heart muscle cells and affect heart function. For middle-aged and older adults, it is recommended to limit alcohol intake to no more than a certain standard amount per day, no more than two servings for men and no more than one serving for women, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.
Sugar**: The hidden heart enemy
A high-sugar diet is not only a trigger for abnormal glucose metabolism, but also a driver of heart disease. Excessive sugar intake can lead to increased insulin resistance in the body, which in turn can affect heart health and increase the risk of heart disease. In addition, a diet high in sugar can also cause weight gain and increase the burden on the heart. Middle-aged and older people are advised to reduce their intake of processed foods and sugary beverages in their daily diet and instead choose whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and moderate amounts of high-quality protein to support heart and overall health.
Lack of exercise: the silent crying of the heart
Regular physical activity is essential to keep your heart healthy. Lack of exercise can lead to a decline in the function of the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of heart disease, increased blood pressure in the systemic arteries, and other diseases. Moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming or cycling, can strengthen heart function, improve blood circulation, and reduce the risk of heart disease. For middle-aged and older adults, it is recommended to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week to keep the heart and vascular system healthy.
Heart health is profoundly influenced by daily habits. Lifestyle modifications, such as increasing physical activity, limiting alcohol consumption, eating a sensible diet and exercising regularly, can effectively reduce the risk of heart disease. Middle-aged and elderly people should pay more attention to their living habits, take active measures to protect their heart health, and enjoy a high-quality life.