When you visit a board-certified dentist and oral health specialist at Lovett Dental Northside, you are not only showing that you are concerned about your oral health. Regular brushing and flossing twice a day in conjunction with regular teeth cleaning can benefit your overall health.
Getting Your Teeth Cleaned Prevents Gum Disease and Protects Against Heart Attack or Stroke
Gingivitis is the first step toward gum disease. Gum disease happens when plaque builds up around your teeth and can lead to swollen gums and bleeding when you brush your teeth. The plaque that eventually causes gum disease is a combination of food and bacteria that gets stuck on and between your teeth. To prevent gum disease, you should have your teeth cleaned regularly by a dentist. During the cleaning, your dentist will scrape away plaque, which will improve the chances of you having a healthy smile.
The bacteria in your mouth not only affects your gums and your teeth. It can also impact your bloodstream. This increases the chances of you having a heart attack or stroke. Having your teeth cleaned by a dentist could be the key to preventing some medical problems.
A study was done in Taiwan on more than 100,000 adults. Fifty percent of them never had a professional dental cleaning. The research shows that individuals who had at least one dental cleaning lowered their risk of stroke by 13 percent and their risk of heart attack by 24 percent. Researchers believe there is a link between dental cleanings and a reduction in inflammation caused by bacteria. A dental cleaning can improve your blood vessels’ function and promote healthy blood flow throughout your body.
The Link Between Teeth Cleaning and Dementia Prevention
A cohort study designed to find the link between oral health care and the development of dementia in elderly people found a link between dental cleanings and the development of early-onset dementia. The research showed that people who looked after their teeth and gums had a lower risk of dementia. It found that men who could not chew because they had few or no teeth left had an increased risk of dementia.
A separate study performed by Kings College London with the University of Southampton tracked 59 people who had moderate to mild dementia for six months. Throughout the study, they monitored the state of their gums. Those who had developed gum disease declined six times faster than those who maintained healthy teeth. In part, the conclusion is that maintaining dental health is an easy way of lessening the impact of Alzheimer’s in some patients.
Teeth Cleaning and Dental Exams Can Protect Your Mouth From Other Health Conditions
There are a number of health conditions that can impact your immune system, leading to dry mouth. These may include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Eating disorders
- Head and neck cancers
- Sjogren’s syndrome
- Diabetes
A reduction in saliva flow may lead to increased bacteria growth. It is important for anyone dealing with these health issues to care for their teeth as much as possible by getting regular cleanings.
What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning?
During your first visit to Lovett Dental Northside to have teeth cleaning, you will be treated by one of our board-certified dentists. During the treatment, dental hygienists may:
- Do an oral cancer screening
- Do a gum disease evaluation
- Examine your teeth for decay
- Examine the condition of existing restorations
- Take diagnostic x-rays
A registered dental hygienist will remove tartar, which is hardened plaque left on your teeth. Tartar can only be removed using special dental instruments.
They will also remove plaque, which is the sticky film that forms on your teeth. Plaque is a colony of living bacteria coupled with saliva and food debris. This bacteria creates toxins that are dangerous for your gums and can lead to periodontal disease.
Finally, your teeth will be polished. Any stains or plaque that have not been removed during the brushing and scaling process will be removed, leaving you with a clean and healthy smile.
At Lovett Dental Northside, our board-certified oral health professionals care about your smile. We want you to love your smile, and we know that professional dental cleaning may be needed to help you accomplish that. Contact us today at 713-691-5551, or contact us online.