PRINTED IN TCI WEEKLY NEWS
December 17, 2011
It has been known for some years that there is a correlation with poor oral hygiene and heart disease, but the evidence to support maintaining good oral heath has recently become even more compelling.
A new study in which 100,000 people were followed over a 7 year period has found that people who visited the dentist for check-ups and cleaning twice a year had a 24% lower risk of heart attack and a 13% lower risk of stroke, compared with people who never visited a dentist or went once in 2 years.
These findings have recently been presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Meeting in Florida.
Regular brushing of teeth and good dental care helps to prevent the accumulation of plaque which is the substance that builds up on teeth from food, drinks and saliva. Plaque build-up over time leads to gum disease. It is the bacteria involved in gum disease that can enter the blood stream and it is thought that this causes artery walls to become inflamed which can lead to heart attacks or strokes.
Talking about the professional removal of dental plaque, Dr Nigel Carter, Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation said, ‘If this is not taken away then the gums will become inflamed, causing gingivitis and eventually gum disease. This is when your general health, not just your oral health could be effected.
‘Gum disease has been linked to many diseases and illnesses in the body, an increased likelihood of suffering a heart attack being one of them.’
The good news is that it does not take major lifestyle changes to get your teeth and gums in good shape and therefore help protect your heart. Twice daily brushing of teeth, first thing in the morning and last thing at night, with a small headed tooth brush and toothpaste will remove much of the food debris and plaque deposits from the teeth. Regular flossing is also important as this helps remove deposits in hard to reach places between the teeth.
A check-up with the dentist will identify if you are suffering with gum disease. If this is the case the dentist will prescribe several visits for deep cleaning during which the plaque and hard deposits (calculus) will be removed and the teeth polished. Sometimes antibiotics will also be prescribed. Then, follow-up three-monthly cleaning sessions are advised to ensure your gums stay healthy. As well as improving your dental health a professional cleaning also makes your teeth feel much nicer and can also improve your breath!
Even if you don’t have gum disease, twice yearly ‘maintenance’ visits to the dentist for a check-up and cleaning will ensure that any problems will be identified and treated before they can be allowed to develop into anything more serious.
While you’re caring for your teeth, you’re helping to care for your heart too!
Mark Osmond BDS (Lond) LDS RCS (Eng)
Mark Osmond Dental Clinic
(649) 432 3777
drmosmond@gmail.com or Find us on Facebook
