As soon as they are old enough to hold a toothbrush and toothpaste, children are taught the importance of brushing their teeth to prevent cavities. Tooth brushing is vital for proper oral hygiene. Skipping one or two sessions can immediately result in bad breath and visible plaque. The lack of a regular brushing schedule can lead to more serious problems found in the office of an emergency dentist such as dental abscesses and bleeding gums.

The plaque left behind, however, may be more dangerous than previously thought. Doctors in Sacramento are beginning to find close links between dental plaque and heart disease. Excess plaque is swallowed and eventually re-consumed into the blood stream. The human mouth is filled with different types of bacteria that will only continue to multiply if not taken care of. Keeping a clean mouth will promote plaque elimination throughout your entire body. A now-famous 2010 study done in England found that patients who brushed their teeth infrequently had a 70% extra risk of heart disease. This figure was agreed on even after adjusting the data for the risks of family genetics, smoking and obesity. 

People who brush two times or more per day also have a lower number of heart disease markers C-reactive protein and fibrinogen. These markers are also a cause of periodontal disease, which is a chronic infection of the gums. Every new gum infection adds new inflammation. The gum stimulation that occurs during tooth brushing keeps the gum line from developing fatty deposits in blood vessels known as atherosclerosis. These deposits can eventually morph into blood clots, which are a major cause of strokes and heart attacks.

Sacramento researchers were not very surprised by the data they found. It may be possible that oral hygiene and heart health are linked because people who care about their diet and lifestyle are more likely to care about dental health as well. The high rate of oral infections is already high. Doctors should be on alert to notice oral infections as signs of inflammation caused by C-reactive protein and fibrinogen. At the first sight of these symptoms, dentists should make their patients aware of the risks they may be facing. Not doing so may require an immediate visit to an emergency dentist to treat an infected tooth or infected gum.

Sometimes, patients go longer than the recommended six months between dental examinations. They may begin to worry about dental damage caused in between appointments. If this is the case, contact your local Sacramento orthodontist or emergency dentist as soon as possible. Only a medical professional can comment on your tooth brushing and oral hygiene habits.