Toothbrushes Trump Seat Belts
Yes, you read this correctly.
As important as seat belts are as a preventive measure, toothbrushes have a far
greater impact on the health and longevity of the American public.
According to the National Highway and Safety Administration (NHTSA), seat belts
save about 13,000 lives a year, nationwide. That is no small number:
more than 1,000 Americans each month owe their lives to the 5 seconds it took
them to "buckle up". NHTSA points out that seat-belts reduce a
person's chances of dying in a crash by 45% and being injured by 50%.
However seat belts probably will not play a role in saving your life, because
chances are you will not be in a serious car crash, most Americans never are.
On the other hand, most Americans
have gum disease. Estimates are that up to 80% of American adults suffer
either from gingivitis or periodontal disease. The most common cause of
tooth loss among adults is periodontal disease. What you may not
know is that tooth loss is one of the least important consequences of
periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a significant risk factor for
heart attack, stroke, low-birth-weight infants, and some forms of cancer.
While very few of you will die from a car crash, many of you
will die from a heart attack or cancer. And, believe it or not, using a
toothbrush and eliminating periodontal disease reduces the chances of dying
from either of these causes.
Dr. Caroline Wallace DDS
Complete Dental Care
103 South Colorado Street
Salem, Virginia , 24153
540-387 - 3844
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