A new initiative from the American Heart Association focuses on dentists to promote the prevention and early detection of several diseases, including heart diseases. Gingivitis and even cavities can be associated with a higher risk of heart attack or stroke.
Certain bacteria that live in the mouth can travel through the bloodstream to other parts of the body, including the heart and lungs. Cleaning your teeth three or more times a day could reduce the cardiovascular events described by up to 9%. Having your teeth cleaned by the dentist once a year reduces that risk by 14%.