Brushing your teeth might be doing more than just keeping your breath fresh — it could be saving your heart.
A groundbreaking new clinical trial published in the European Heart Journal has found that treating severe gum disease significantly slows the thickening of the carotid arteries, major blood vessels in the neck that supply blood to the brain. This thickening is a known early warning sign of cardiovascular disease, which remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, including here in Uganda.
The study, led by scientists at University College London, followed 135 adults who were otherwise healthy but had advanced gum disease — known as periodontitis. The participants were split into two groups: one received intensive gum treatment (deep cleaning below the gum line), while the other got a standard cleaning like what you might receive at a routine dental check-up.
After just 12 months, those who received the deep clean showed significantly less narrowing in their arteries, better blood vessel function, and lower markers of inflammation — a key driver of both gum and heart disease.
Why This Matters
With rising rates of heart disease and stroke in Uganda, and limited access to advanced cardiac care, prevention is key. At the same time, dental care is often neglected — especially in rural areas, where many people go years without seeing a dentist.
Up to 40% of adults globally have gum disease, and Uganda is no exception. Poor access to oral hygiene products, sugary diets, smoking, and limited public awareness contribute to the rising cases of periodontitis across the country.
What Is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis is a chronic gum infection that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone supporting your teeth. It starts with bleeding gums and bad breath, and if left untreated, leads to loose teeth or even tooth loss. But now, scientists are warning that the damage doesn’t stop there.
As the gums become inflamed, bacteria and toxins enter the bloodstream and may trigger inflammation in the arteries, contributing to plaque buildup that narrows blood vessels — setting the stage for heart disease.
What You Can Do
The good news? Periodontitis is preventable and treatable. Here are some expert tips for protecting both your oral and heart health:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily or use an interdental brush.
- Visit a dentist at least once a year — even if you feel fine.
- Avoid tobacco, and cut back on sugary foods and drinks.
- If you notice bleeding gums, bad breath, or loose teeth, seek treatment immediately.
Investing in oral health could be one of the simplest, cheapest, and most overlooked ways to reduce the burden of heart disease in Uganda — one toothbrush at a time.
Bottom line: Gum disease isn’t just a mouth problem. It’s a heart problem, too. Treating it early could save your life.
10 Surprising Health Benefits of Eating Raw Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a staple in almost every Ugandan home. Whether it’s in a pot of beans, stew, or a quick Rolex, tomatoes are everywhere. But here’s something many people overlook: while cooked tomatoes make our meals tasty, it’s the raw tomatoes that pack the biggest health punch.
Yes — those red, juicy rounds you slice for a salad or sprinkle with salt and lemon can quietly revolutionize your health. Forget imported supplements or expensive juices; one or two raw tomatoes a day can do wonders. Here’s how:
1. Boosts Natural Immunity
Ugandans often reach for oranges when they catch a cold — but did you know one raw tomato can give you a good dose of vitamin C too? Since it’s not cooked, the nutrients remain untouched. That means better protection against colds, flu, and infections, especially during rainy seasons.
2. Good for Your Heart
Tomatoes are rich in potassium and lycopene, both of which support a healthy heart. Eating them raw helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol — common concerns in urban areas like Kampala and Mbarara where lifestyle diseases are rising.
3. Clearer, Healthier Skin
If you want glowing skin without spending on lotions and creams, raw tomatoes might be your new secret. Thanks to their lycopene, beta-carotene, and vitamin C, they help repair skin, slow ageing, and even reduce acne. Many Ugandans already use tomato pulp as a home remedy — eating it regularly works from the inside out.
4. Eases Digestion
Suffering from constipation or a bloated stomach after heavy local meals like posho or kalo? Raw tomatoes are full of water and fiber, perfect for keeping your digestive system in check — naturally and gently.
5. Keeps You Hydrated
During hot weather, hydration is key. Tomatoes are 95% water. Munching on them raw not only satisfies your taste buds but also helps you stay hydrated, even when water access is limited.
6. Strengthens Bones
We don’t often link tomatoes with bone health, but they contain vitamin K and calcium, crucial for keeping bones strong. Plus, lycopene protects against bone loss, especially important for older Ugandans or women after childbirth.
7. Protects Eye Health
Too much time on screens or phones? Raw tomatoes have vitamin A, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which protect your eyes from strain and even reduce the risk of cataracts. Perfect for students and office workers alike.
8. Supports Weight Loss
Trying to shed a few kilos? Swap that mandazi or deep-fried snack for a raw tomato. They’re low in calories, keep you full, and help control cravings. A sliced tomato with some chilli and lemon makes a quick, tasty, guilt-free treat.
9. Cancer-Fighting Properties
The deep red color of tomatoes comes from lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Research links it to a lower risk of cancers like prostate and stomach cancer — both on the rise in parts of East Africa. Eating them raw gives you the full benefit.
10. Good for Your Brain & Mood
Feeling low or stressed? Tomatoes carry folate and magnesium, nutrients that support mental well-being and reduce depression-related compounds. Add them to your daily meals for a happier mind and a sharper brain.
Final Word:
Next time you’re at Owino Market or your local vendor in Ntinda, grab a handful of fresh tomatoes. Slice them up, sprinkle with salt, chilli or lemon, and enjoy them raw. They’re not just a side dish — they’re a daily dose of natural health, right from your kitchen.
Eat raw. Stay healthy. Tomatoes got your back.
