Studies have shown that adults who receive thorough dental cleanings are less likely to have a heart attack or stroke than adults who do not receive regular cleanings.
Many of the risk factors for gum disease are the same as those for heart disease. These include tobacco use, poor diet and even diabetes. Those with chronic gum disease have been shown to be at a higher risk for heart attack according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).
The Study
A Taiwanese study followed almost 22,000 adults aged 50 and over. The study results showed that those adults who had a tooth scaling performed during the year were less likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke over the next seven years. Half of the people in the study had had a tooth scaling in the past year, while the rest had not.
Tooth scaling is dental procedure which is sometimes called a deep cleaning. It removes the plaque that builds up on the teeth and in the deep tooth pockets within the gum line. This plaque can harbor bacteria which can lead to gum disease which is caused by plaque buildup both along and below the gum line.
The results proved that a thorough dental cleaning cuts the risk of heart problems.
This study is in line with past research that linked gum disease with an increased risk of heart disease. Because gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection, researchers believe that it could contribute to heart attack and stroke by causing inflammation in the blood vessels.
Studies also show that treating gum disease can decrease the amount of inflammation in the blood vessels.
Health Conditions
The study’s researchers weighed other factors, such as pre-existing chronic health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure or kidney disease. Even with prior health conditions, those who had a deep teeth cleaning showed a 31 percent reduction in the risk of a future heart attack, along with a 15 percent reduction in the odds of a stroke.
Also, people who received deep cleanings more often had even lower risks of cardiovascular problems.
Tribeca Dental Care
At this point, both the researchers and dental professionals agree that taking care of your oral health will benefit your heart as well.
We at Tribeca Dental Care know that good oral health contributes to strong overall health and we invite you to contact us with any dental questions you may have.
