Can a Trip to the Dentist Protect Your Brain?
Being an inflammatory disorder, these oral health issues are associated with other serious and systemic health conditions.
Research is showing strong correlations between poor oral health and the development or worsening of serious illnesses—like stroke.
About Cerebrovascular Disease
Cerebrovascular disease is an umbrella term for a group of disorders that affect blood flow to the brain. The most common cerebrovascular disorders are stroke, aneurysms and stenosis—which is a narrowing of key arteries that deliver blood to the brain.
Risk factors for cerebrovascular disorders include age, prior stroke or heart attack, smoking, high blood pressure, carotid artery disease, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, physical inactivity and obesity.
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in Canada and is one of the top ten causes of living with a disability and years lost to ill-health or early death. Saskatchewan residents who experienced stroke are three to seven times more likely than the general population to have another chronic disease like diabetes, hypertension or heart disease.
A healthy lifestyle that includes regular oral health care can reduce the risk of developing cerebrovascular disease, giving you better health and longevity.
How Your Oral Health is Connected to Stroke
The health of your mouth and teeth has a connection to your overall health. In fact, there are direct links between periodontal disease, tooth loss, and stroke. Studies show an association between periodontal disease, which is caused by poor brushing and flossing and lack of regular care, and risk markers of stroke. One study indicated that the thickening of the carotid artery is greater among those with moderate to severe forms of periodontal disease.
The risk grows even higher in people who are edentulous or who are missing their teeth. Being edentulous or partially edentulous means living without permanent (“adult”) teeth…
…either through tooth loss from trauma, decay and/or periodontal disease. People who are edentulous have been shown to have a 39 to 65% increased risk of stroke than those with teeth.
Reducing Your Risk
One study concludes that people who get regular dental care…
What Can You Do?
Your oral health matters. Brushing, flossing and regular dentist visits seem like a simple solution to such a serious risk, but the connection is clear. Studies continue to show a link between oral health and overall health—including the health of the brain, heart, and lungs.
It’s never too late to get into a healthy habit. Try setting a goal of flossing regularly or setting a timer for brushing. After a few times, you’ll find you’re starting to develop a habit that can help you live healthier and longer.
Find a Saskatchewan Dentist
All dentists are required to be licensed by meeting specific requirements and training and it is often a matter of taking the time to find the best “fit” for you. A phone call to the office or a visit to the dentist’s website may provide help with regard to language options, location, accessibility, insurance and payment options, hours of operation, recall programs, and more.
Find a dentist
Choosing a dentist can be a daunting task. The best resources when choosing a new dentist are your friends, relatives or work colleagues who may be able to make recommendations. Other health professionals, such as your doctor or pharmacist, may also be able to make recommendations. Remember, all dentists are required to be licensed by meeting specific requirements and training and it is often a matter of taking the time to find the best “fit” for you. A phone call to the office or a visit to the dentists website may provide help with regard to language options, location, accessibility, insurance and payment options, hours of operation, recall programs, etc. If your general dentist is unable to provide some of the services that you require, he or she may refer you to a general dentist colleague or a specialist.
When choosing a dentist you may wish to consider if the practice offers the services you are looking for. A general dentist’s service may include:
- Routine checkups, fillings and teeth cleaning
- Prosthodontics (Crowns, bridges, dentures)
- Endodontics (‘Root canal’) treatments
- Oral surgery (‘Extractions’, etc.)
- Periodontal (Gum) treatment
- Orthodontics (‘Straightening of teeth’)
- Pediatric (‘Children’s’) dentistry services
