The body of evidence that periodontal disease may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke as well as a host of other systemic diseases has been growing for the past 15 years.
Now 2 large studies strengthen that evidence and have underscored the benefits of having your teeth cleaned to reduce those risks.
In a Swedish study, nearly 8,000 patients with periodontal disease in Sweden were evaluated. Those with a higher number of deep pockets had a 53% increased risk of heart attack. Those with the highest incidence of bleeding gums had more than twice the risk of stroke.
In the 2nd study, more than 100,000 patients in Taiwan were followed for 7 years. Those who had their teeth professionally cleaned and scaled at least once a year had a 24% lower risk of heart attack and a 13% reduced risk of stroke compared to those who had their teeth cleaned and scaled only once or not at all in 2 years.
So we urge you to keep up with your gum, or periodontal, care and you will be helping to prevent serious health issues from occurring.