Prevention of heart disease can be the usual cleaning of teeth
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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As demonstrated by a new experiment of scientists, regular thorough cleaning of the teeth reduces the risk of developing myocardial infarction and stroke. The experiment consisted of a diagnostic examination of 22,000 people over 50 years of age representing the population of Taiwan. Those of them who have been carrying out professional cleaning of tooth enamel during the last year practically did not suffer a stroke or a heart attack during the next 7 years. Getting rid of stones and plaque on the teeth, or the so-called deep cleansing, leads to an improvement in the condition of not only enamel, but also gums and dentogingival pockets. And, as is known, plaque is an accumulation of microorganisms that can provoke gum disease and enamel damage. Many dental problems, one way or another, are associated with the presence of a plaque on the teeth. Plaque is bacteria and products of their vital activity, food particles, leukocytes, protein molecules from salivary secretions, dead cells. The processes of mineralization lead to the fact that the plaque is transformed into a stone, capable of damaging the mucous membrane and even changing the structure of the enamel coating. Information about the experiment was published in the new issue of the American Medical Journal. Specialists do not provide clear evidence that cleaning can prevent heart disease. However, they draw a parallel with the previous experiment, which was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Zu Ying Chen, representative of the Taipei Veterans' Systemic Hospital. During this work, it was proved that gum diseases increase the risk of developing coronary pathologies. Since gum disease is a consequence of a microbial invasion, scientists suspected that a plaque on the teeth could trigger a chronic inflammatory process, and only then the development of a heart attack or stroke. Is it possible to be sure that systematic visits to the dentist can help prevent dangerous complications? To answer this question, the research team led by Professor Chen analyzed the medical history of nearly 22,000 patients over 50 years of age. Approximately every second patient spent the last year cleaning his teeth. Over the next seven years, only 1.6% of them had an infarction, and 9.9% had a stroke. Experts also took into account factors such as the presence of chronic diseases, hypertension, etc. However, they did not take into account the body weight of patients, their bad habits, their eating habits, their hereditary predisposition, which is why many consider it unfinished, and this is correct. In any case - the researchers are right, or not quite - it is necessary to pay attention to hygiene of the oral cavity, as well as to the health of the body as a whole. "Inadequate hygiene treatment of the oral cavity can adversely affect the state of health, sooner or later, in one way or another," explains Professor Chen, who presented the results of the work done at the symposium of the American Association of Cardiologists.
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