An invitation from Dr Raffaella Gabassi (BDS) to raise money for the British Heart Foundation
|
However this day has also got a very personal meaning. Not only is this day celebrated in Italy where women are presented with a small Mimosa flower, this flower was the flower chosen by the organisers of the inaugural International Women's Day in Rome in 1946 .
My mother was born on the 8th of March 1946. Sadly she died at the early age of 58 due to a heart attack.
This year I would like to raise awareness of this special day in celebration of all women as well as in memory of my mother. And I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the link between Oral health and a healthy heart.
Paying attention to your dental hygiene, especially your gums, may give you confidence, a dazzling smile but also, it may keep your heart healthy too.
A review of several published studies finds that gum disease is, by itself, a risk factor for coronary artery disease. (WebMED) Analysis of the large National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) found that gum disease is an important risk factor for diseases of the blood vessels and the arteries that supply the brain, especially strokes involving insufficient blood or oxygen to the brain. Data from another study of more than 50,000 people found that those with fewer teeth and more gum disease had a higher risk of stroke. However, other studies have uncovered no association between gum disease and stroke. Other research found a direct link between clogged arteries in the legs and gum disease.
The joint report also made these recommendations:
Dentists should tell patients with moderate to severe gum disease that they may have an increased risk for heart and blood vessel problems. People who have moderate to severe gum disease and a known risk factor for heart disease, such as smoking, should consider getting a medical evaluation if it's been one year or longer since their last one.
Physicians and their dentists should work together to focus on reducing heart disease risk and ensuring good periodontal care for patients with heart disease and gum disease.
Patients with heart disease who also have signs or symptoms of gum disease (but have not yet been diagnosed with it) or a high CRP level should get a periodontal evaluation.
I thought that this special day could be the perfect opportunity for me to raise awareness seen my personal association, but if you have not seen your dentist for sometimes, please try and make an appointment to have a check-up and find out more about it.
YOUR HEART IS TAKING CARE OF YOU, SO PLEASE TAKE CARE OF IT TOO.
On Friday the 10th of March I will give check-ups and a scale and polish all day. Any person wishing to make a donation to the British Heart Foundation this can be done on the day through the website which I will have open on my desktop. Both men and women are welcome. There will be no charge for my time, but please secure your appointment if you wish to help yourself as well as others suffering from heart conditions.
Please call White Dental and Cosmetic Rooms on 0208 7479933. Appointments are limited and Devinder will be happy to book you in for a 30 minutes slot.
Thank you for helping me raise awareness and for helping me raise some funds for the British Heart Foundation.
Raffaella
White Dentist
Advertisement
February 24, 2017