Perfect Smile Tulsa Explains What the Health of Your Teeth and Gums Has to Do with the Health of Your Heart

    TULSA, OK, July 16, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- You know that eating right and exercising will help you avoid heart disease and that regular professional dental cleanings performed by a Tulsa dentist can help you avoid gum disease and tooth loss. But did you know the health of your teeth and gums may also affect your heart?

A study in 2011 by the American Heart Association showed that people who had at least one professional dental cleaning in their life showed a decreased risk of heart attack or stroke.

A new study published in April of 2014 by the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology also found a relationship between poor dental hygiene, which included bleeding gums, periodontal disease and tooth loss, and heart risk factors. Some of the factors associated with higher risk to your heart health are increased cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and large waist circumference.

Just under 16,000 people were involved in the new study. To participate, they must have already had coronary disease or at least exhibit one heart risk factor. During the course of the study, it was found that one-fourth admitted to bleeding gums when they brushed. It was also found that many of the group had suffered tooth loss with 41 percent having less than 15 of their teeth.

"While there is not conclusive evidence that poor dental hygiene causes heart disease, there are enough studies to consider the possible connection. It's important to keep your teeth and gums healthy by properly brushing, flossing and keeping up with your regular dental cleanings. If that helps you also avoid heart disease, that's just one more reason to keep up with a good dental health plan," says Ken Tralongo, CEO of Tralongo Management.

According to the dentists in Tulsa at Perfect Smile, taking good care of your teeth and gums may not only help you avoid heart disease; other studies show that poor dental health could also be associated with oral human papillomavirus and pancreatic cancer.

To learn more about the link between oral and heart health or to schedule an appointment, visit http://www.perfectsmiletulsa.com.

About Perfect Smile Tulsa:

Perfect Smile Tulsa is a private practice, locally owned and operated since 1984. For all of their patients who walk through their door, their professional staff ensures they get a personalized experience catering to their comfort and needs.

To learn more about their practice and wide range of services, head to http://www.perfectsmileTulsa.com.

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