If ever there were a VERY GOOD REASON to visit your dentist twice a year for a dental cleaning, this is it–HEART DISEASE!

In 2016, Karolinska University Hospital in Sweden conducted a study to determine whether or not there was a link between heart disease and gum disease. The study concluded that people who have poor dental health and neglect regular teeth cleaning are 28% more likely to have a heart attack.

Now, that’s motivational.

Prevention is the key to healthy gums and the reduced risk of a heart attack. But what does ‘prevention’ mean?

Floss and brush your teeth regularly…at least twice a day. Yes, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that flossing is the first step in the dental hygiene routine. Dental floss gets in between the teeth and under the gums to loosen the sticky plaque which causes the growth of bacteria. This, in turn, leads to gum disease. Brushing alone cannot get into those tight spots.
Next, brush with a good quality brush and toothpaste for at least two minutes. The toothbrush bristles will effectively remove the plaque that was loosened by flossing.

Then, finish the routine with an antibacterial mouthwash.

If this becomes a daily routine, then huge progress is made towards oral health which translates to heart health. But there’s more…
As a side note, eat a diet rich in Vitamin A and C, and avoid sugars and starches. Also, stay away from cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products which cause gum disease.

Finally, there are two main reasons why a dental check-up and cleaning is essential every six months or twice a year.

First, during dental cleaning, the dentist removes all plague build-up which may have been missed during the flossing and brushing routine. The acid in plaque eats the tooth enamel that can cause cavities.

Second, when plaque is removed, it prevents bacteria from moving further down the tooth. If left unchecked, then gum disease sets in, followed by possible tooth loss. The supporting bone in the jaw holds the teeth in place. If this deteriorates then the teeth will loosen and fall out.

So, prevention is the best plan of action. Consistently flossing,brushing twice a day, and rinsing with mouthwash, along with two dental cleanings per year — are key to good oral health as well as heart health.

If you are in Mesa, AZ Schedule your Dental Teeth Cleaning today with our dental office and Mesa, AZ Dentist