Preventing Heart Problems - Brushing your teeth reduces your risk of stroke and heart attack.

Show menu

RSS feeds | Free newsletter

Heart Health Preventing Heart Problems

Brushing your teeth reduces your risk of stroke and heart attack.

Most of us know that brushing our teeth can reduce plaque, prevent cavities and freshen breath. And a new study shows that good dental care can also reduce heart disease and stroke risk. Over the years evidence has mounted that shows that bacteria in the mouth that cause periodontal disease may make their way to the bloodstream and cause changes that narrow arteries supplying the brain and heart. The bacteria stimulate the immune system, and this process can then cause inflammation that can lead to blood vessel wall thickening called atherosclerosis, a major cause of stroke and heart attack. Brushing your teeth and tongue will reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth by 75 percent. Regular tooth care and frequent visits to a dentist can help prevent the progression of periodontal disease and perhaps lower your risk of heart attack and stroke.

RELATED PROGRAMS
Article	-	Fresh-Mouthed Answers to Bad Breath
Article	-	Are You at Risk for Stroke? Better Count Your Teeth...

Copyright Healthology, Inc., an iVillage Company providing health information
Privacy Policy - Disclaimer - Editorial & Sponsorship Policy
We subscribe to the HONcode principles. Verify here

Can't find it? Try searching ScienceDaily or the entire web with:

Brushing your teeth reduces your risk of stroke and heart attack.

Search Archives

In Other News ...