Study Shows People Who Brush Teeth Less Frequently Are at Higher Risk for Heart Disease
By Bill Hendrick
WebMD Health News
Reviewed by Elizabeth Klodas, MD, FACC
May 27, 2010 -- Brushing your teeth is not only good for your pearly whites, it also decreases your chances of suffering a heart attack, a new study indicates.
Researchers in England analyzed data from more than 11,000 people taking part in a study called the Scottish Health Survey. They examined lifestyle habits such as smoking, overall physical activity, and oral health routines.
Patients were asked whether they visited a dentist at least once every six months, every one to two years, rarely, or never. They were also asked how often they brushed their teeth -- twice daily, once a day, or less than every day.
The researchers found that:
* 62% of participants said they went to a dentist every six months.
* 71% said they brushed their teeth twice a day.
After adjusting the data for cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity, smoking, social class, and family heart disease history, the researchers found that people who admitted to brushing their teeth less frequently had a 70% extra risk of heart disease.
People who reported poor oral hygiene also tested positive for bloodstream inflammatory markers such as fibrinogen and C-reactive protein.
"Our results confirmed and further strengthened the suggested association between oral hygiene and the risk of cardiovascular disease," Richard Watt, DDS, of University College London, says in a news release. "Furthermore, inflammatory markers were significantly associated with a very simple measure of poor oral health behavior."
He says more studies are needed to confirm the findings and to determine whether oral health and cardiovascular disease are causal or simply risk markers.
The findings of the study were not necessarily shocking, the researchers say, because scientists have increasingly wondered about a possible connection between dental disease and cardiovascular health.
"Inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, and markers of low grade inflammation have been consistently associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease," they write.
Poor oral hygiene is the major cause of periodontal disease, a chronic infection of the tissues surrounding the teeth. Thus, gum infections seem to add to the inflammatory burden on individuals, increasing cardiovascular risk, the researchers say.
Oral infections are common, so doctors should be alert to infections in the mouth as signs of increased inflammation, and tell patients to brush their teeth and maintain good oral hygiene, the researchers conclude.
The study is published in the journal BMJ.
Dr.Michael Mostofi
Aliso Viejo Dentist
www.HealthySmile360.com
949-831-5511
Friday, May 28, 2010
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Oral DNA
Innovative salivary diagnostic tests from OralDNA® Labs are fundamental elements of a patient's wellness plan:
MyPerioPath® - Determines the cause of periodontal infections
In Depth: Identifies the type and concentration of specific perio-pathogenic bacteria that are known to cause periodontal disease. MyPerioPath® helps support the clinician with better risk assessment and personalized treatment options for more predictable patient outcomes.
Patient Profiles:
* Patients presenting with signs and symptoms of a periodontal infection
* Patients with pockets of 4mm or greater with clinical signs of a periodontal infection
* Patients presenting chronic periodontal disease who is not responding positively to
their current treatment
* Patients with Type I or Type II diabetes
* Patients with a history of Cardiovascular disease
* Patients who use tobacco products
* Patients that will undergo surgical procedures or radiation treatment
* Can be used as a "Baseline" for any patient that may be at increased risk for
periodontal infections
* Patients who test positive for genetic susceptibility with the MyPerioID® PST® test
* Women of child bearing age
Dr.Michael Mostofi
Aliso Viejo Dentist
www.HealthySmile360.com
949-831-5511
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
THE DEADLY STATISTICS
THE DEADLY STATISTICS
• Every hour of every day, one American dies of oral cancer.
• The mortality rate associated with oral cancer has not improved significantly in the last 40 years.
• The death rate in the United States for oral cancer is higher than that of cervical cancer, Hodgkin's disease, cancer of the brain, liver, testes, kidney, or ovary.
• More than 30,000 Americans will receive an oral cancer diagnosis this year. In five years, only 57% will still be alive.
• 25% of oral cancer victims do not use tobacco or alcohol and have no other lifestyle risk factors
ViziLite Plus as part of a comprehensive oral screening
Oral cancer is one of the most curable diseases when it's caught early. That's why the ViziLite Plus exam has been developed. ViziLite Plus uses technology that has proven successful in identifying soft tissue abnormalities in other areas of the body. A ViziLite Plus exam is particularly important if you are at increased risk for developing oral cancer.
The ViziLite Plus exam can help your dentist or hygienist identify abnormal tissue, that might develop into oral cancer.
An annual ViziLite Plus exam, in combination with a regular visual examination, provides a comprehensive oral screening procedure for patients at increased risk for oral cancer. The ViziLite Plus exam is painless and fast, and could help save your life.
ViziLite Plus is performed immediately following a regular visual examination
* First, you will be instructed to rinse with a cleansing solution
* Next, the overhead lighting will be dimmed.
* Then, your dental professional will examine your mouth using ViziLite Plus, a specially designed light technology.
Dr.Michael Mostofi
Aliso Viejo Dentist
www.HealthySmile360.com
949-831-5511
What Is ClearCorrect?
ClearCorrect is the clear and simple way
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Looking for an alternative to braces? ClearCorrect is the clear and simple choice. No wires. No brackets. Just clear, convenient comfort—every reason to smile.
With ClearCorrect, your dentist can straighten your teeth using a series of clear, custom, removable aligners. Each aligner moves your teeth just a little bit at a time until you eventually get straight teeth.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
New Year Dental Hygiene Tips
The American Dental Association offers tips on increasing oral longevity and caring for your teeth. As you begin the new year, I am going to bullet point some ways for you to care for your teeth.
Brushing
* Brush twice a day.
* Use a soft bristled brush that is approved by the ADA.
* Replace your toothbrush when it frays or every 2-4 months.
* If you have trouble brushing, using an electric toothbrush is also effective.
Flossing
* You can use either dental floss or interdental cleaners.
* Floss once a day.
Water
“Consuming optimally fluoridated water throughout life helps prevent tooth decay no matter how old you are. If you choose bottled water, check the label for fluoride content.”
Dental Visits
Make sure to visit your dentist for all scheduled appointments.
Dr.Michael Mostofi
Aliso Viejo Dentist
www.HealthySmile360.com
949-831-5511
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