Oral health is connected to systemic well-being. There are strong associations between oral conditions and cardiovascular disease (CVD). To reduce the risk of CVD, you need to search for a “dental cleaning near me.”
Why does dental cleaning matter? Why can’t you simply brush your teeth, and everything is good?
People who had their teeth professionally scaled and cleaned experienced a 24% reduction in heart attack risk and a 13% reduction in stroke risk compared to those who had never had a dental cleaning.
That’s why you need to book an appointment with a Maple Ridge dentist to get the necessary dental treatment.
Research Studies on Comprehensive Dental Care and CVD
A study from Taiwan was presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions in 2011.
The study followed more than 100,000 people for an average of seven years. Researchers found that those who had their teeth professionally cleaned (tooth scaling) had a 24% lower risk of heart attack and a 13% lower risk of stroke compared to those who had never had a dental cleaning.
The study included over 51,000 adults who had received at least one tooth scaling, along with a similar group matched by gender and health status who had not received scaling. At the start of the study, none of the participants had a history of a heart attack or stroke.
Low Dental Health = Gum Disease
In another study, researchers found that signs of gum disease can predict the risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke in different ways.
Dr. Anders Holmlund from Sweden studied 7,999 people with periodontal (gum) disease. He found that:
- People with deeper gum pockets had a 53% higher risk of heart attack compared to those with fewer pockets.
- People with the fewest teeth had a 2.5 times higher risk of congestive heart failure than those with the most teeth.
- Those with the most gum bleeding had a 2.1 times higher risk of stroke compared to those with the least bleeding.
Once-a-Year Cleaning Leads to Lower CVD
A study published in the European Heart Journal analysed data from 247,696 healthy adults aged 40 and older who took part in an oral health screening and had no previous major heart problems.
The study found that the risk of cardiovascular events was higher in people:
- Gum disease
- More cavities
- Greater tooth loss.
Brushing one extra time per day was linked to a 9% lower risk of cardiovascular events. Also, having professional dental cleanings at least once a year was associated with a 14% lower cardiovascular risk.
Better oral hygiene, such as more frequent brushing and regular dental cleanings, reduces the risk of future heart-related events and may weaken the link between poor oral health and cardiovascular disease.
Preventive dental care is essential for maintaining your smile and your health. Achieve better oral health with the dental professionals at Westgate Dental & Implant Centre.
How Does Preventive Dentistry (Cleaning) Prevent CVD?
“As medical science advances, it’s clear that our bodies are made up of complex biological systems that are connected in many ways,” says Dr. Jack Lipkin, a prostodontist. “A problem in one area can have major effects on other parts of the body. The link between gum disease and heart disease is a perfect example of this.”
Reducing Bacterial Inflammation
Your mouth contains both good and bad bacteria. If you don’t clean your teeth regularly, harmful bacteria can build up along the gumline and cause plaque and gum disease. These bacteria can enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammation in other parts of the body, including the heart.
Regular professional cleanings for family dental care remove plaque and tartar. This procedure lowers harmful bacteria in your mouth and helps prevent them from affecting your heart.
Preventing Plaque in Blood Vessels
When harmful oral bacteria enter the bloodstream, they can help form plaque in the arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis. This buildup narrows blood vessels and reduces blood flow. This can raise the risk of a heart attack and stroke. Poor oral hygiene increases the likelihood that these bacteria will contribute to artery hardening.
Regular teeth cleaning helps remove harmful bacteria from the mouth and reduces the chance of plaque forming in blood vessels.
Promoting Health and Well-Being
Regular dental cleanings help keep your mouth healthy. Strong teeth and gums support not only your smile but also your general physical health. When you maintain good oral hygiene and a healthy lifestyle, your chances of developing heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol are lower.
Westgate Dental & Implant Centre Offers Cleaning and Other Dental Services For Better Systemic Health
Do you know where you can find a dental clinic that provides high-quality dental care and also accepts the Canadian Dental Care Plan? Simply book your appointment at Westgate Dental & Implant Centre.
This is what happens when you get routine cleaning from our dental professionals.
Physical exam | Our dental hygienist will first examine your mouth. Using a small mirror, they check your teeth and gums for signs of gum disease or other issues. |
Remove plaque and tartar | Remove plaque and tartar from your gum line and between your teeth. You may hear scraping, which is normal. The more tartar you have, the longer the cleaning will take. |
Gritty toothpaste | After all the tartar is removed, the hygienist uses a high-powered electric brush to clean your teeth. The toothpaste used during professional cleanings feels gritty and helps polish your teeth. |
Flossing | Clean deeper between your teeth and spot any areas where your gums may bleed. Professional flossing also removes any leftover plaque or toothpaste from earlier in the cleaning. |
Flouride treatment | Protect your teeth and prevent cavities for several months. Your dental hygienist will put a foamy gel or sticky paste into a mouthpiece and leave it on your teeth for about one minute. |
For "Dental Cleaning Near Me," Get Affordable Dental Care From Us
Healthy smiles are more than just looking attractive or getting teeth whitening treatment. They also include teeth scaling to keep them healthy. You can visit our dental office to receive our treatment. With our friendly dental team, all our patients have experienced stress-free treatment and a smooth procedure in Downtown Maple Ridge.
Come meet the dentist in Maple Ridge who will make you smile and let you live a better life by reducing the risk of stroke and heart disease. We accept new patients and offer other dentistry services such as dental implants, general dentistry, digital X-rays, and more for the entire family.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dental visits do you need for cleaning each year?
Many Maple Ridge Dental professionals recommend dental visits every six months for cleaning, so they can check for problems like cavities or gum disease. However, research comparing twice-yearly cleanings to less frequent visits is limited, and the six-month schedule is considered somewhat arbitrary by some experts. A 2013 study found that visiting twice a year does not always lead to better dental outcomes.
Should you get a teeth cleaning if you have diabetes?
Yes, people with diabetes should get regular teeth cleanings. Diabetes increases the risk of gum disease, and gum disease can make blood sugar harder to control. A large study of Pima Indian children and teens with diabetes found that poor blood sugar control worsened gum disease, and worsening gum disease made their blood sugar control worse. Treating gum disease can improve glycemic control in people with diabetes, so professional cleanings are an important part of managing health.
Is it necessary to visit the dentist when there’s no visible tartar or plaque?
You should still visit a dentist in Maple Ridge even if you don’t see tartar or plaque. Many dental issues, like cavities between teeth or early gum disease, can develop without obvious signs. A dentist can spot problems early and prevent them from becoming serious.