Raisins: A snack that can benefit dental health?

The holiday season is known for having a plethora of snacks available to partygoers and as well as random drop-ins to one's home. However, in a season of some many sweets and treats, it may be hard for some to maintain optimal dental health.

This is where raisins may come into play and may be the holiday snack fit for anyone.

A past study that was conducted at the University of Illinois in Chicago's College of Dentistry found that compounds in raisins may fight certain bacteria in the mouth that can cause cavities and gum disease.

Christine D. Wu, lead author in the study, stated that her research showed phytochemicals suppressed oral bacteria, which ran counter to the stigma that raisins were merely sweet snacks that stuck to people's teeth.

"Foods that are sticky do not necessarily cause tooth decay; it is mainly the added sugar (sucrose) that contributes to the problem," said Wu.

While raisins may be good healthy option this holiday season, it does not excuse people from avoiding routine dental care. The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice daily as well as flossing to maintain optimal dental health.

Visit www.melrosefamilydentistry.com to make your dental appointment today.

Going to the Dentist is Good for your Heart

Women who go to the dentist have healthier hearts.

That’s according to a new study from University of California, Berkeley researchers, who published their findings online Sept. 29 in the journal Health Economics. The study suggests that women who get dental care reduce their risk of heart attacks, stroke and other cardiovascular problems by at least one-third.

Data came from nearly 7,000 people, ages 44-88 enrolled in the Health and Retirement Study.

“Many studies have found associations between dental care and cardiovascular disease, but our study is the first to show that general dental care leads to fewer heart attacks, strokes and other adverse cardiovascular outcomes in a causal way,” said study lead author Timothy Brown, Ph.D., assistant adjunct professor of health policy and management at UC Berkeley’s School of Public Health.

This longitudinal study followed the same individuals over time, and each biennial survey included questions on whether subjects had visited the dentist and whether they had experienced a heart attack, stroke, angina or congestive heart failure during the prior two years. Deaths from heart attacks or strokes were also included in the analysis and the study took into account other risk factors, such as alcohol and tobacco use, high blood pressure and body mass index.



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