Dental Visits Mean Healthier Hearts for Women?

Link Between Dental Checkups and Healthy Hearts

A study from the University of California has shown that women who visit the dentist regularly have healthier hearts. Researchers believe those women who get regular dental care reduce their risk of having a stroke, a heart attack, and other cardiovascular issues by at least 30 percent. Data for this study was sourced from almost 7,000 individuals aged 44 to 88 who were enrolled in a health and retirement study. While the study had positive outcomes for women, the same benefits were not found in men.

According to Timothy Brown, Ph.D., who was the study's lead author, there have been many studies conducted that have uncovered a link between cardiovascular disease and dental care, but this study was the shirt to show that regular dental visits can lead to fewer stokes, heart attacks, and other negative cardiovascular events in a more casual way. The study conducted by the University of California followed the same subjects over a period of time and utilized periodic surveys.

The surveys given to study participants were conducted every two years and asked questions about whether or not the individuals had been to see their dental professional and whether or not they had experienced a stroke, heath attack, congestive heart failure, or angina during the previous two-year period. Any deaths that occurred as a result of a stroke or heart attack were also included in the study, and the study took into account additional risk factors for the subjects, such as those who used tobacco or alcohol as well as those with high body mass index or high blood pressure.

While this was a positive connection between regular dental checkups and healthier hearts for women, the same could not be said for the study's male subjects – this was not a surprise to researchers, however. Stephen Brown, M.D., who co-authored the study, explained that the findings and lack of connection between oral health and heart health in the men of the study explains the difference in how men and women develop cardiovascular disease.

As we age, we often think our oral health is not as important as it was when we were children. The truth is that adults are not immune to dental problems, and making sure to maintain a proper oral health routine that includes regular dental checkups is important.

If you or a loved one is in need of a visit to the dentist, you can sign up for our New Hampshire Family Discount Dental Plan and save as much as 20 percent on your dental bills. For more information, please click here. We also offer Employee Discount Dental Plans for business owners offering dental to their employees.

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