Teeth cleanings might look painful and tedious but they provide more benefits than a pretty smile and clean teeth and gums. They also save your life, according to recent studies. The studies show that diabetes, low birth-weight babies and heart disease are also linked to gum and bone disease in the mouth that can be prevented by regular teeth cleanings. Treating gum disease also prevents heart attacks, according to the new study. Gwen Cohen-Brown, a dentist and lecturer for the New York State Department of Health, told LiveScience:

Systemically, visits to the dentist and hygienist may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and possibly heart attack, and can decrease the likelihood of tooth loss for diabetics.

New York University oral microbiologist Walter Bretz says when people neglect to brush their teeth or floss, bacteria accumulates and makes their way into the blood stream. They then clog the arteries by contributing to the plaque that builds on the walls of the arteries leading to heart diseases. Treating gum disease, or periodontal disease, can improve the long-term function of endothelial cells that line blood vessel walls, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Connecticut Health Center. With improved endothelial cells, plaques will decrease and diminishes the risk of triggering a heart attack. The authors of this study have outlined their work in the March 1 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. They estimate that up to 1 per cent of adults in the US have severe periodontitis and as many as 80 percent of adults have some form of periodontal disease, implying they carry a risk of heart attack or heart disease in the future.

-Courtesy basykes, flickr.com

Periodontal disease is also quite common among pregnant women. Expectant mothers' gums react differently to the bacteria due to their increased levels of estrogen and progesterone. Women may experience swelling, bleeding or tenderness in the gum tissue. And several studies have pointed out that gum disease poses a significant risk of giving birth to a premature and underweight baby. Scientists are doing more research to confirm this connection. As a cautionary measure, women with gum diseases should treat themselves first before getting pregnant so that they can be healthy in the long run and deliver healthy babies. Unlike the case for pregnancy, researchers have found direct links between gum disease and diabetes. The researchers have found a direct correlation between gum disease and diabetes and also have found that both influence each other. Studies have shown gum disease increases insulin in bodies the same way obesity increases insulin. Taking care of teeth can combat complications of diabetes and may reduce inflammation throughout the body associated with diseases such as cardiovascular disease. Dr. Cohen-Brown recommends besides the biannual visits with the dentist and hygienist, the patients should also brush after every meal. If that is not possible at least brush twice, one in the morning and one before sleep and floss daily. She also advises to eat less carbohydrate rich and sugary foods. And she gives one final advice: "When oral health improves, overall health improves." The studies make sense -- it is better to have regular teeth cleanings besides brushing and flossing regularly. I just worry for the poor because they can’t afford to have biannual teeth cleanings or visit to a dental hygienist.