Those twice-yearly dental checkups and cleanings we all should get may seem inconvenient and unnecessary sometimes. But your friends at Advanced Cosmetic Implant & Laser Dentistry in Seattle remind you: there is a link between your dental health and your heart health.
A recent study, for example, showed that people who have their teeth professionally cleaned at least once every two years were 24 percent less likely to have a heart attack, than those who didn’t.
The study may simply indicate that people who get regular cleanings are the same folks who practice healthy habits, like exercising and eating right. But there is additional evidence of a relationship between oral health and heart health.
Common oral problems like inflammation stemming from gum disease are linked to hardening of the arteries and other tissue inflammations, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
“Something as simple as having good dental hygiene – brushing, flossing, and having regular cleanings – may be good for your heart and brain health,” said former American Heart Association President Ralph Sacco, MD, who did not participate in the study.
While the study found that patients who schedule cleanings yearly receive the most health benefits, Advanced Cosmetic & Laser Dentistry recommends coming in for checkups and cleanings every six months to catch potential issues early, saving patients time and money.
Regular dental cleanings also brighten and whiten teeth, making your smile look its best.
To schedule a cleaning with our dental hygienist, call Advanced Cosmetic & Laser Dentistry in Seattle today. We also provide general dentistry and oral cancer screenings.
Source: ‘Getting Your Teeth Cleaned May Help Your Heart,’ WebMD Health News, November 16, 2011, http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/news/20111116/getting-your-teeth-cleaned-may-help-your-heart, accessed on November 29, 2011
Contact Advanced Cosmetic & Laser Dentistry:
206-381-3055
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
600 Broadway Ste 600
Seattle, WA
98122
