A Healthy Smile Can Improve Overall Health

According to a study presented at the recent annual meeting of the American Heart Association (AHA) and conducted by cardiology fellow Zu-Yin Chen, MD of the Veterans General Hospital in Taiwan, regular professional scaling and cleaning from a dentist can help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. The study shows that people who have their teeth professionally cleaned at least once every two years are 24% less likely to have a heart attack and 13% less likely to have a stroke, compared with those who do not regularly undergo dental cleanings. At his New York City cosmetic dentistry practice, Dr. Michael Kosdon says patients can help reduce the likelihood of gum disease and inflammation, which can lead to more significant health risks, with a proper oral hygiene routine.

Dr. Kosdon says untreated and neglected dental hygiene issues can result in chronic oral and periodontal infection that can spread to the rest of the body. He says through regular cleanings and x-rays, dentists can identify potential concerns in a patient’s oral health early on and take the proper course of action for addressing these issues and preventing further complications. Dr. Kosdon adds that patients who routinely receive dental scalings or cleanings also get the benefit of comprehensive and thorough dental care to supplement their at-home hygiene practices. “In many cases, gum disease and infection aren’t always visible to the patient and can affect overall health. It is always better to be proactive and catch dental disease at an early stage before it compromises ones overall health.”

Whether patients are looking for routine cleanings or a more noticeable improvement to their dental aesthetics such as porcelain veneers, Dr. Kosdon recommends consulting with an experienced and qualified cosmetic dentist before undergoing any procedure. He says patients should be sure to seek out a practice dedicated to their overall health through quality oral hygiene maintenance and an eye for aesthetic beauty. “Routine cleanings along with regular brushing and flossing can often lead to whiter teeth which is an inexpensive way to improve ones self-esteem and oral health.”

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Posted by News Staff on Jan 23 2012. Filed under Education. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry