Saturday, 22 June 2013

Making the Heart Tick Better with Healthier Teeth

Little did I know that apart from making hearts go aflutter with my winning smile, a better dental regime could also contribute to a healthier heart for my own self.  Listening to expert advice about the links between my teeth and ticker was quite a revelation and shed light on the importance of proper brushing, flossing and following the recommendations of a Vancouver Dentist for alleviating the risks of heart diseases and attacks.

The role of gum diseases in heightening the risks of heart ailments

Patients diagnosed for gum diseases such as Gingivitis, which results in infection and inflammation of the gums and Periodontitis which occurs as a result of infiltration of infection into the ligaments and bones beyond, are twice at risk of suffering from heart ailments than others.

According to recent surveys conducted across 320 adults, over half of the participants suffering from tooth loss, bleeding gums, poor dental health and gum diseases were found to be patients of cardiac diseases as well.

Healthier teeth actually prevents heart diseases and strokes

According to Dr. Spalding from the University Of Nebraska Medical Center College Of Dentistry in Lincoln, the risk of gum diseases increases because of the plaque formation on teeth caused due to poor flossing and brushing. This in turn leads to bleeding gums and passing of bacterial infection into the blood stream which triggers off an inflammatory process in the vessels linked to the heart.

The environment created by this bacterial invasion increases the risk factors connected with heart diseases and contributes to clot formations and further build up of plaque in the arteries. This interferes with the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system and blood flow, which leads to heart attacks and diseases.

Atherosclerosis or the hardening of blood vessels presents a strong component of inflammation which is also a progressive stage of plaque formation in the arteries. Apart from reviews which suggest a positive linking of gum diseases with risk factors of coronary arterial diseases, the analysis reports of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) also recommends healthier teeth and oral conditions for alleviating the risks of insufficient supply of blood and oxygen to the brain through clogged blood vessels.

Warning signals which should give way to preventive measures

The experts at the American Academy of Periodontology opine that prevention of gum diseases should start at an early age with regular dental check-ups, flossing and brushing. Patients  should  also look out for tell tale signs such as persistent bad breath, a sour taste in the mouth, swollen and tender gums, bleeding , loose and sensitive teeth and pain while chewing, which act as warning signals for impending cardiac issues.

Apart from uncovering the possible connection between strokes and dental problems, dentists are also finding conclusive evidence about the connection of the latter with respiratory diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis and preterm babies. Prevention of gum diseases through medical intervention, surgery and deep cleanings, go a long way in reducing the risk of ailments connected with the heart and other body systems.

According to a reputed Vancouver dentist, the plausible reasons intertwining a healthier heart with healthy teeth, establish the importance of regular dental checks and healthy oral hygiene regimes.

3 Factors to Consider when Buying a Home in Vancouver

With its tag as one of the most clean and livable cities in the world, Vancouver is fast gaining recognition as a good place to choose as a home. Add to this a warm climate that hovers in the range of 20 to 25 degree Celsius almost all year round, and it is not tough to see why people are making a beeline for property in this city. Vancouver offers a wide range of housing accommodation and you are almost sure to find a good home; however, to ensure you find the perfect home, here are three important factors you ought to consider.

Where to Buy


The location of the home is an important aspect because this will decide it price. According to realty experts, the B.C. Lower Mainland region that includes Vancouver and its surrounding areas is expected to see a definite rise population and as a result, real estate values are expected to spiral upwards in the coming years. Therefore, if you are looking at buying a home as a mode of investment, it makes sense to choose this area so that you can take advantage of the high real estate value at a later date.

The location of your home is an important factor that determines how high a premium you pay on your home insurance in Vancouver. A home in an area where the theft claims are high means your insurer will charge you a higher premium. Viewed from this angle, Vancouver is a good option to buy a home considering the report from Statistics Canada that says that B.C. exhibits the most rapid fall in crime rate compared to the rest of Canada.

Your Needs

The size of your family and the individual requirements of the family members is another important criterion to consider. While apartment buildings and condominiums are quite easily available, finding a single house to rent may be difficult in the heart of Vancouver city. If you do not prefer living in an apartment but cannot find a detached house, try the apartments that have been created from old, Victorian style buildings; however, do check if they have separate kitchen and bathrooms before you buy.

If you and your family like being outdoors and are an adventure sports enthusiast, Vancouver provides a lot of options – hiking, trekking, snowboarding, skiing and kayaking. This city is also a good choice if you have kids who plan on higher education or acquiring skills in the performing arts.

The Cost of a Home

All said and done, the cost of the home is the biggest factor that determines your buying decision. Assess your present financial condition, and factor in all the costs associated with buying a home; not only will you have to pay for the house, you will also need to purchase home insurance in Vancouver, spend on moving to your new home, and perhaps carry out minor renovations to make it suit your taste.

Like any other city, Vancouver has several real estate agents who can help you through the purchase. However, the final decision of which home to buy is yours alone and therefore, it is vital you spend enough time on thinking it through, taking these three factors into consideration.

Summary : The location of your home is an important factor that determines how high a premium you pay on your home insurance in Vancouver. A home in an area where the theft claims are high means your insurer will charge you a higher premium.