Many patients visit my clinic in Calgary NE and tell me, “Dr. Richa, my teeth don’t hurt. Do I still need cleaning?” My answer is always the same: yes.
Professional dental cleanings are not just about a brighter smile. They are strongly linked to your heart health, inflammation levels, and your body’s overall wellness. In recent years, research has shown that what happens in your mouth can directly impact your cardiovascular system.
As a family dentist serving communities across Calgary NE, I want to help you understand why missing your routine dental cleaning may affect more than your teeth.
Why Oral Health Matters for Your Heart
1. How your gums connect to the rest of your body
Your gums are made of soft tissue filled with blood vessels. When plaque builds up and hardens into tartar, it irritates the gums, causing inflammation. This is called gingivitis or gum disease.
Inflamed gums allow harmful oral bacteria to enter the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, these bacteria can travel to different organs, including the heart.
Example:
I often show my patients their gumline during a cleaning using our intraoral cameras. They’re shocked to see how much plaque sits below the surface, even with regular brushing. This plaque contains bacteria that can spark inflammation not just in the mouth but throughout the body.
2. The link between gum disease and heart disease
Multiple studies (American Heart Association, Canadian Dental Association) show a clear connection between periodontal disease and cardiovascular problems such as:
- heart inflammation
- clogged arteries
- increased risk of stroke
- higher risk of heart attack
Gum disease increases inflammation in the body, which is a driving factor behind heart conditions.
Calgary Perspective
In Calgary, especially during colder months, inflammation and dry mouth increase because people hydrate less. A dry mouth encourages bacterial growth, making regular cleaning even more important for oral and heart protection.
3. Why skipping your dental cleaning increases your risk
Missing a cleaning allows plaque and tartar to build up. No matter how well you brush, you cannot remove tartar at home. Tartar triggers inflammation, which spreads from your gums to your bloodstream. Over time, this increases the risk of:
- chronic gum infections
- inflammation-related heart problems
- weakened immune response
- difficulty controlling diabetes
Simple explanation I share with patients:
Think of plaque like dust. If you clean your home every week, it stays manageable. If you skip cleaning for months, the dust becomes thick, sticky, and harder to remove. Your mouth works the same way.
Professional Dental Cleanings in Calgary: What We Do
At Jacksonport Dental, your cleaning is more than polishing teeth. It includes:
1. Deep removal of plaque and tartar
We use ultrasonic scalers and gentle hand instruments to remove buildup from areas you cannot clean at home.
2. Gum health evaluation
We check for bleeding, pocket depth, and inflammation—key indicators of both oral and systemic health.
3. Polishing and stain removal
Polishing removes bacterial biofilm and surface stains from coffee, tea, or spices.
4. Dental hygiene planning
Based on what we find, I recommend a customized cleaning schedule. Some Calgary patients need cleanings every 3–4 months, especially if they have:
- diabetes
- heart conditions
- gum recession
- dry mouth
- smoking habits
How Oral Health Influences Overall Wellness
1. Systemic inflammation
Inflamed gums increase overall inflammation, making the heart work harder.
2. Bacteria entering bloodstream
Oral bacteria can stick to diseased heart valves or arterial walls.
3. Immune stress
Your immune system fights gum infections constantly, leaving fewer resources to protect other organs.
4. Impact on chronic conditions
Gum disease worsens diabetes, high blood pressure, and autoimmune disorders—conditions common among adult patients in Calgary.
How Often Should You Get a Dental Cleaning in Calgary?
Most people need a cleaning every six months. But you may need more frequent care if you:
- have gum disease
- have dental restorations
- experienced recent illness
- smoke or vape
- are pregnant
- take medications that cause dry mouth
During your visit, I will recommend the best cleaning frequency based on your gum condition, health history, and risk factors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How are oral health and heart health connected?
Inflamed gums allow harmful bacteria to enter your bloodstream, triggering inflammation in the heart and arteries. Poor oral hygiene can increase the risk of heart problems.
2. Can regular cleanings reduce my risk of heart disease?
Yes. Cleanings remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that contribute to inflammation, lowering your risk of cardiovascular conditions.
3. I brush daily. Do I still need professional cleanings?
Yes. Brushing cannot remove tartar or deep plaque. Only a dental professional can reach below the gumline safely.
4. Is gum disease reversible?
Early gum disease (gingivitis) can be reversed with proper cleaning and hygiene. Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) can be managed but not fully reversed.
5. Does oral health affect other conditions like diabetes?
Yes. Gum infections increase inflammation, making diabetes harder to control. Good oral hygiene supports better systemic health overall.
