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The Benefit of Tooth Scaling

The Benefit of Tooth Scaling

By Reno Laser Dentistry

February 17, 2012

Category: Gum Disease

Tags: Reno Dentist Reno Dental Reno Laser Dentist Tooth Scaling Heart Disease

I know you hear tooth scaling and may not be so willing at first. So let’s look at it this way what if tooth scaling decreased your risk of a heart attack or a stroke, would you be more willing then?

According to an article at medicalnewstoday.com,” the link between heart disease and gum disease and why tooth scaling may be the key.”

“Two new studies give further insights into the links between mouth hygiene, gum disease and cardiovascular events. Researchers in Taiwan find that dental patients who had their teeth cleaned and scaled professionally had reduced risks of heart attack and stroke, while researchers in Sweden find that the type of periodontal or gum disease may predict degree of risks for heart attack, stroke and heart failure.

Both studies are presented this week at the American Heart Association’s (AHA’s) Scientific Sessions 2011, which are running from 12-16 November, in Orlando, Florida. Abstracts of their reports are available to view online in the AHA journal Circulation.

In their nationwide, population-based study, Dr. Emily (Zu-Yin) Chen and Hsin-Bang Leu from the Cardiology department at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, examined data on over 51,000 adults who had received at least one full or partial tooth scaling from a dentist or dental hygienist, and a similar number of matched controls who had never had their teeth professionally cleaned.

None of the participants had a history of stroke or heart attack. The data came from Taiwan National Health insurance records, and the researchers ran statistical tests to compare the cardiovascular event rates between the two groups for an average follow- up of seven years.

They found that participants who had their teeth professionally scaled frequently or occasionally had a 24% lower risk of heart attack and a 13% lower risk of stroke compared to those who did not. The researchers considered tooth scaling frequent if it occurred at least twice or more in two years, and considered it occasional if it happened once or less in two years.

Chen, a cardiology fellow at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, told the press:

“Protection from heart disease and stroke was more pronounced in participants who got tooth scaling at least once a year.”

She suggested that professional tooth scaling removes inflammation-causing bacteria that in turn can lead to heart disease and stroke."

Click here to read the entire article at medicalnewstoday.com:

If you have any questions on tooth scaling and the benefits please contact Dr. McElhinney’s dental practice located in Reno.