Could brushing your teeth more often really reduce the risk of heart failure?

Scientists reveal link between dental cleaning and heart diseaseAt Carisbrook Dental we’ve always advised patients to brush their teeth at least twice a day – as soon as they get up in a morning and again last thing at night before they go to bed. We still stand by this advice, which we know is an excellent foundation for a good dental cleaning discipline. But please note the words ‘at least’. We’ve always stated that our twice-a-day cleaning advice is the minimum you should be brushing your teeth and now scientists in South Korea have confirmed this by proving that brushing your teeth at least three times a day does far more than simply keeping your teeth and gums in good health … they have also found that it could lower the risk of heart attack by over 10 per cent.The research study, involving 161,000 people age between 40 and 79, linked more frequent teeth brushing to a lower risk of heart failure and atrial fibrillation (a condition that causes irregular heartbeat).The conclusion of the study, that extended over ten years, is that frequent brushing reduces the level of bacteria between the teeth and gums, and so helps prevent it from entering the bloodstream.Bacteria in the blood can lead to inflammation in the body, which it is claimed affects the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently. A potentially serious problem.It is also claimed that brushing three or more times per day was associated with a 12 per cent lower risk of heart failure and a 10 per cent reduced risk of atrial fibrillation.This may be new research, but it is interesting in that it backs-up our own views on the importance of regular dental cleaning and oral hygiene as well as the value of well-proven preventative dentistry procedures.To reiterate our advice, please ensure that you clean your teeth at least twice a day – early morning and the last thing at night. Adding extra brushing sessions during the day is also proved to be most valuable.A word of warning though. You should not brush your teeth immediately after eating or drinking because this weakens the teeth’s enamel, which could be damaged by brushing.Our other advice is:

• Always use a good ‘medium’ bristle brush.
• Always use fluoride toothpaste.
• Always brush for at least 2-minutes every time you clean your teeth.
• Do not press on too hard.
• Floss regularly between your teeth.
• Use a good mouthwash in between brushing to help keep your mouth clear of bacteria.
• Clean your tongue to remove bacteria and help protect against bad breath.

And our most important piece of advice is to arrange regular dental check-ups with your dentist who can then keep a close eye on the condition of your teeth and gums. Your dentist can also professionally clean your teeth and can attend to any small problems before they develop into major concerns.We’ve also said that a good dental cleaning routine is at the heart of healthy teeth and gums. Now, as this new study shows, it is also at the heart of a healthy heart!In fact, regular dental cleaning and good dental hygiene really are good for your whole body’s health.To speak to one of our dental hygienists or to make an appointment for a check-up you can call us on 0161 766 2123 or alternatively you can contact us by using the online form on our Appointments page.