3 Surprising (Hidden) Benefits of Teeth Cleaning

You know it’s important to brush and floss so your teeth and gums stay healthy. However, you may not know about the other health benefits provided by practicing good oral hygiene.

We all want to avoid stained, chipped, cracked teeth and puffy, red gums. We all want to avoid tooth loss and the pain of cavities and decay. But did you know that taking care of your teeth can improve other areas of your overall health? 

Check out these surprising benefits of good dental hygiene and regular teeth cleanings:

Frequent Tooth Brushing Could Lower Risk of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

The connection between high blood sugar levels and gum disease has long been established. People with diabetes have to take special care of their teeth since higher blood sugar can reduce blood supply to the gums and mouth. Diabetes can also cause dry mouth and an increased risk of tooth decay.

It wasn’t until recently, however, that good oral hygiene was linked to a lower risk of developing diabetes altogether.

A recent study from Korean government records showed that frequent tooth brushing might actually reduce a person’s risk of developing diabetes.

Per the study, individuals who brushed their teeth three times per day instead of the recommended two times had an 8% reduced risk of developing diabetes. Those who brushed twice per day had a 3% reduced risk of developing the disease.

Regular Teeth Cleanings Linked to Lower Risk of Cancer

Chronic periodontitis is a long-term infectious disease that causes inflammation in the gums. Perhaps unsurprisingly, individuals with chronic, severe gum disease are at higher risk of developing certain cancers.

According to a study by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, individuals suffering from severe periodontitis had a 24% increased risk of developing certain kinds of cancer, compared to those with only mild periodontitis or those with healthy teeth and gums.

In the study, severe gum disease was linked to an increased risk of colorectal, lung, and pancreatic cancer. This was true even for those patients who did not smoke.

Regular dental cleanings and exams can help prevent cavities and gum disease. Regular visits to the dentist can also provide important education regarding dental hygiene.

Regular Dental Cleanings Lower Risk of Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading killer of both men and women in the United States. In the United States, the lifetime risk of developing coronary heart disease is approximately 1 in 2 for men and 1 in 3 for women.

Fortunately, a recent study from the European Heart Journal suggests that good oral health may lower this risk.

The study followed nearly 250,000 healthy Korean adults over a 10-year period and found that those who underwent regular professional dental cleanings had a 14% lower risk for heart events than those who never went to the dentist. Additionally, individuals who brushed their teeth at least twice per day experienced a 9% decreased risk for experiencing heart events.

Dental Care at Stonegate Family Dentistry in Murfreesboro, TN

Stonegate Family Dentistry is proud to specialize in dental exams, professional dental cleanings and patient education.

Contact Dentist in Murfreesboro TN today to learn more!