Reducing Your Heart Attack Risk

Do you want to reduce your risk of heart attack by one-quarter without having to change your diet or spend more time exercising? Try getting your teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis!

Researchers  from Taiwan reported this week that people who had their teeth professionally scaled (cleaned) at least twice a year had a 24% lower risk of heart attack and a 13% lower risk of stroke compared to those who did not visit the dentist. Drs. Emily Chen and Hsin-Bang Leu looked at data on over 51,000 adults who had their teeth professionally cleaned and compared them to people who had never had their teeth cleaned. “Protection from heart disease and stroke was more pronounced in participants who got tooth scaling at least once a year” said Dr. Chen. She suggested that having a dental cleaning removes inflammation-causing bacteria that can lead to heart disease.

The bacteria associated with periodontal disease has previously been linked to heart disease and this study shows just how big the effect on heart health can be.  To keep your smile in optimal health requires good home care (brushing and flossing) and regular visits to your dental hygienist. Home care cannot remove all of the bacteria that live below the gum line so a visit every six months is needed for those with healthy gums. If you have periodontal disease then your recall visits will scheduled more frequently.

Appointments are filling fast since we are quickly approaching the end of the year. Contact the office of Dr. Beth Snyder conveniently located in Doylestown, PA at 215-348-9922 today to schedule your visit.

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