Professional Oral Health Care Helps Prevent Heart Attacks & Strokes

shutterstock_123375616Although there is no conclusive proof found that gum disease causes heart disease or stroke, there is good news for folks who remain loyal to the recommended annual visit to the dental hygienist.

A recent study from Taiwan suggests that people who routinely get their teeth cleaned (undergo professional tooth scaling) have as much as 24 percent lower risk of heart attacks and 13 percent lower risk of stroke, than those who never actually visit the hygienist. Researchers have also concluded from a similar Swedish study that harmful oral flora is an excellent predictor of heart attack and stroke.

The effects of oral health on overall healthfulness have been the subject of scientific studies for quite some time, and this new research provides added proof that patients who receive regular dental care and follow recommended oral hygiene regimens can successfully reduce their risk of both heart attack and stroke.

Taiwan Study

The study from Taiwan followed 100,000 participants over a 7-year period, most of whom submitted to professional teeth cleaning at least twice or more in two years; and at least once or less in two years. About half of the adults underwent full or partial tooth scaling while the other half matched with gender and health conditions from the test group but had no tooth scaling. Although researchers did not adjust for potential heart attack and stroke risk factors prior to the study none of the participants reported a history of heart attack or stroke.

shutterstock_142808959Emily (Zu-Yin) Chen, M.D., cardiology fellow at the Veterans General Hospital in Taipei, Taiwan concluded from the study that protection from heart disease and stroke was more pronounced in participants who received tooth scaling at least once a year. In other words, clinical oral health care—tooth scaling—reduces bacterial growth that can lead to serious cardiovascular conditions.

In a separate study coming from Sweden, researchers discovered that the value of markers for gum disease predict heart attack, congestive heart failure and stroke in different ways and in slightly different degrees. Anders Holmlund, D.D.S., Ph.D. Centre for Research and Development of the County Council of Gävleborg, Sweden, and senior consultant; Specialized Dentistry, studied 7,999 participants with periodontal disease and found people with:

  • Fewer than 21 teeth had a 69 percent increased risk of heart attack compared to those with the most teeth.
  • A higher number of deepened periodontal pockets (infection of the gum around the base of the tooth) had a 53 percent increased risk of heart attack compared to those with the fewest pockets.
  • The least amount of teeth had a 2.5 increased risk of congestive heart failure compared to those with the most teeth.
  • The highest incidence of gum bleeding had a 2.1 increased risk of stroke compared to those with the lowest incidence.

These studies highlight the importance of educating patients about oral health to stress the potential impact periodontal disease can have on overall healthfulness. Unfortunately many adults develop some type of periodontal disease due to a lack of daily brushing and flossing, and all too infrequent visits to the dental hygienist.  Routine teeth cleaning will help avoid periodontal disease, and ultimately can help to prevent heart attack and stokes.

“Sticky” Blood

In this episode of “Feeling Better with Dr. John Trowbridge” — “Sticky” Blood — we discuss the unseen influences in blood that can affect your health. Discover what these hidden dangers are and what you can do to protect yourself AND your health!

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Feeling Better Naturally

Finally the answers you need to address your concerns about YOUR health. For the first ever we have added recordings our Dr. Trowbridges’ radio show “Feeling Better Naturally” – 42 shows with special guests, hot topics, and direct up front answers.  From Adrenal Fatigue to Weight Loss we have it covered!

  1. Feeling Better Naturally:  What We Do Works: Click Here to Listen
  2. Feeling Better Naturally: Chelation for Heart Disease:  Click Here to Listen
  3. Feeling Better Naturally: Fixing Neck Pain:  Click Here to Listen
  4. Feeling Better Naturally: Diabetes Treatment: Click Here to Listen
  5. Feeling Better Naturally: Yeast for Gut Stuff:  Click Here to Listen
  6. Feeling Better Naturally: Reconstructive Therapy – Ankle and Knee Treatment:  Click Here to Listen
  7. Feeling Better Naturally: NCR – Neuro-Cranial Reconstruction for Headaches:  Click Here to Listen
  8. Feeling Better Naturally: Reconstruction Therapy – Neck and Low Back Pain:  Click Here to Listen
  9. Feeling Better Naturally: Chelation for Heart Problems: Click Here to Listen
  10. Feeling Better Naturally: Toxic Metal and Heart Diesease:  Click Here to Listen
  11. Feeling Better Naturally: Reconstruction Therapy – Fixing Joint Pain:  Click Here to Listen
  12. Feeling Better Naturally:  Regaining Better Health – 7 Missed Opportunities for Better Health:  Click Here to Listen
  13. Feeling Better Naturally: Regaining Better Health- My Dad’s Story:  Click Here to Listen
  14. Feeling Better Naturally:Toxic Metals and ALS:  Click Here to Listen
  15. Feeling Better Naturally: Arthritis and  Sports Injuries:  Click Here to Listen
  16. Feeling Better Naturally: Fixing Wrist Pain – Carpal Tunnel: Click Here to Listen
  17. Feeling Better Naturally: Fixing Elbow Pain: Click Here to Listen
  18. Feeling Better Naturally: Treating Migraines: Click here to Listen
  19. Feeling Better Naturally: COMING SOON!
  20. Feeling Better Naturally: Treating Neck and Back Pain: Click Here to Listen
  21. Feeling Better Naturally: Toxic Metals and Heart Disease: Click Here to Listen
  22. Feeling Better Naturally: Treating Ankle and Foot Pain: Click Here to Listen
  23. Feeling Better Naturally: Sleep Apnea – Snoring: Click Here to Listen
  24. Feeling Better Naturally: Hormones for Healthier Living: Click Here to Listen
  25. Feeling Better Naturally: Peripheral Artery Disease: Click Here to Listen
  26. Feeling Better Naturally: When Food becomes Your Enemy: Click Here to Listen
  27. Feeling Better Naturally: Beating Fatigue and Feeling Better: Click Here to Listen
  28. Feeling Better Naturally: The Yeast Syndrome: Click Here to Listen
  29. Feeling Better Naturally: Instant Pain Relief: Click Here to Listen
  30. Feeling Better Naturally: Sticky Blood: Click Here to Listen
  31. Feeling Better Naturally: Restoring Better Vision – Macular Degeneration: Click Here to Listen
  32. Feeling Better Naturally: Rheumatoid Diseases: Click Here to Listen
  33. Feeling Better Naturally: Mercury Toxicity: Click Here to Listen
  34. Feeling Better Naturally: Parkinson’s Disease: Click Here to Listen
  35. Feeling Better Naturally: Better Health Today: Click Here to Listen
  36. Feeling Better Naturally: NIH Chelation Study: Click Here to Listen
  37. Feeling Better Naturally: Toxic Metals Testing: Click Here to Listen
  38. Feeling Better Naturally: Forty Something Forever: Click Here to Listen
  39. Feeling Better Naturally: Compounding Pharmacies: Click Here to Listen
  40. Feeling Better Naturally: Fly Forever: Click Here to Listen COMING SOON
  41. Feeling Better Naturally: Biological Dentistry: Click Here to Listen
  42. Feeling Better Naturally: Special Testing: Click Here to Listen