When it comes to maintaining oral hygiene, most people do it for the sake of their appearance and fresh breath. However, good dental health goes beyond aesthetics and smell.

Studies have shown that regular teeth cleaning can prevent serious health conditions such as infarction, stroke, and dementia. In this article, we will discuss the link between dental health and these diseases and how often you should have your teeth cleaned to prevent them.

The Connection Between Dental Health and Infarction

Infarction, also known as myocardial infarction or heart attack, occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle.

While there are lifestyle changes and medications that help prevent and manage heart attacks, researchers have linked dental health to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

The bacteria that cause gum disease can also enter the bloodstream and attach to the walls of arteries, causing inflammation and the formation of blood clots. This can lead to blockages that cause heart attacks and strokes.

Therefore, maintaining good oral hygiene and getting regular teeth cleaning can reduce the number of bad bacteria in the mouth and prevent this spread of bacteria.

The Connection Between Dental Health and Stroke

A stroke occurs when the blood flow to the brain is interrupted, preventing oxygen and nutrients from reaching the brain cells.

There are different types of strokes, but research has shown that gum disease is a risk factor for ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blockage in a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain.

Having gum disease increases the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up inside arteries, leading to decreased blood flow.

This condition can result in the formation of blood clots that can break off and block blood vessels, causing stroke. Regular teeth cleaning can reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth, reducing the risk of gum disease and its associated health problems.

The Connection Between Dental Health and Dementia

Dementia is a progressive neurological disease that affects memory, thinking, and behavior, eventually impairing daily functioning.

While the causes of dementia are complex and not completely understood, research has shown an association between poor dental health and cognitive decline.

The bacteria that cause gum disease can travel to the brain through the bloodstream or nerve channels in the head.

The inflammation in the brain that results from these bacteria can contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s dementia and other types of dementia. Although more research is needed to understand this link, it is believed that removing the bacteria in the mouth through regular teeth cleaning can help reduce the risk of developing dementia.

How Often Should You Have Your Teeth Cleaned?

Dentists recommend that you have your teeth cleaned every six months. However, this is a general guideline, and the frequency of teeth cleaning needed depends on your dental health and risk factors for diseases.

If you have gum disease, you may need to have your teeth cleaned more frequently, such as every three to four months.

If you have a family history of heart disease or stroke, you may also need to have more frequent teeth cleaning to reduce your risk of these conditions.

Conclusion

The link between dental health and infarction, stroke, and dementia is well-documented. Regular teeth cleaning can help prevent these diseases by reducing the number of bacteria in the mouth that can cause inflammation and infection.

Speak to your dentist about how often you should have your teeth cleaned based on your dental health and risk factors.