Q: I just got back from my annual dental checkup, and even though I didn't have any new cavities, my dentist told me I should brush my teeth three times a day. Isn't he being a bit over-the-top? -- Marion B., Lambertville, New Jersey
A: Since we don't know your dental history, we defer to your dentist's recommendations. But what we know about new research backs him up.
The American Dental Association still recommends brushing two minutes, twice a day unless you have shown complications in the past. But three times a day may be to your advantage. Recent research from South Korea published in the journal Diabetologia points out that brushing teeth three times a day (or more) is linked to an 8% decrease in your risk of developing diabetes, which is itself a trigger of gum disease. The strongest benefits were among younger adults and women. And since more than 100 million Americans have prediabetes or diabetes, that means it's essential for a lot of folks.
Even if you don't have pre- or full-blow diabetes, if you have a history of periodontal disease (that's gum inflammation around the teeth), have lost teeth because of it, had root canal infections or have had teeth extracted because of root canal infections, you need to work harder to accomplish good dental hygiene than someone who hasn't had those problems. The study points out that tooth loss can foster further periodontal disease, which can lead to an increased risk of diabetes, stroke and heart disease, not to mention overall cognitive decline.
How does that happen? Chronic gum inflammation is believed to slowly damage blood vessels in the heart (heart disease) and brain (cognitive decline) over time. So, go for three times a day -- and floss daily. Make sure you go back to the dentist within six months, not annually, to get your gum health checked out.
Q: My daughter is trying to persuade me to get a dog because walking it would add steps to my walking routine. But getting a dog is a big commitment. Do you think it's worth it? -- Doreen F., Englewood, New Jersey
A: If you have the time and live in a place that's amenable to pooches -- and caring for a dog doesn't give you stress -- go for it.
If it is too much of a stressor, find other ways to motivate yourself to walk more: Get a walking buddy; join a walking group; get a fitness tracker that nudges you daily. However you do it, walking will make you feel great! Brand-new research just adds to the mountain of evidence.
Walking helps fight diabetes and high blood pressure: A study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2020 found, "Middle-aged people who walked the most steps-per-day over an average of nine years had a 43% lower risk of diabetes and a 31% lower risk of high blood pressure, compared to those with the fewest steps."
Exercise is good for brain health: According to researchers from Columbia University, older people who regularly walk, garden, swim or dance may have bigger brains than their inactive peers. In fact, the most active study participants (the top 33%) had a brain volume that was four years younger than that of participants who were ranked in the bottom third for activity level.
The overview: More daily steps results in a 43% lower risk of diabetes and a 31% lower risk of high blood pressure. Plus, you can complement the positive effects of exercise on your brain power by eating a diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables. One study found that a healthy diet can make you 48% less likely to develop Alzheimer's compared with those who eat the least of those foods.
Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of "The Dr. Oz Show," and Mike Roizen, M.D. is Chief Wellness Officer and Chair of Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen at [email protected].
(c)2020 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D.