Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist

Brsuh your teeth...protect your heart!

Tuesday, June 01, 2010

Brush your teeth…protect your heart!

Ever since we were kids we have been told, first by our parents, your dentist and of course by television commercials, how important it is to brush our teeth. Twice a day keeps the sugar bugs away! Brushing, we were taught will help to prevent cavities! Now a study published in the British Medical Journal found that people who don’t brush enough are more at risk for heart disease than those individuals who brush at least twice a day.

Some of the results from the study of over 11,000 adults showed that those who brushed their teeth less frequently had a 70% increased risk of heart disease. The also noted that those participant who had periodontal disease had a 19% increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This data was reinforced by analyzing the individual’s blood to determine levels of C-reactive protein which is indicative of inflammation in the body.

Prof. Richard Watt from University College London, the lead researcher remarked, "Our results confirmed and further strengthened the suggested association between oral hygiene and the risk of cardiovascular disease -- furthermore inflammatory markers were significantly associated with a very simple measure of poor oral health behavior."

Your oral hygiene is obviously important for your teeth and gums. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene goes well beyond the mouth. Brushing and flossing daily will not only enhance the likelihood of a healthy mouth but will decrease the chances of heart disease. If you haven’t had you teeth cleaned recently, please call us at 561-394-9000. We arrange an appointment with our hygienist and get you on your way to a healthier life.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.