Regular brushing of teeth may lower risks of heart attack, according to a recent study.
Researchers involved in the study looked at the correlation between dental gum disease and atherosclerosis and found that poor dental hygiene and bleeding gums allows up to 700 types of bacteria to enter the bloodstream and increases risk of heart diseases.
They also found out that people who brushed their teeth at least twice a day are less likely to suffer from heart attacks of strokes. "These results are important because atherosclerosis (the narrowing of arteries through the build-up of plaque) progressed in parallel with both clinical periodontal disease and the bacterial profiles in the gums. This is the most direct evidence yet that modifying the periodontal bacterial profile could play a role in preventing or slowing both diseases," said Dr. Moise Desvariuex of Columbia University in New York.
The researchers from the University's Mailman School of Public Health studied the dental health of 420 adults within a three year period and found that bacteria build up in the mouth can result to clogged arteries which can then lead to heart attacks. "This is truly ground-breaking. The potential link between what goes on in your mouth and the health of your heart has been an intense topic of debate for some time. This research clearly shows the more you improve and maintain your gum health, the less chance there is of developing a potential life-threatening illness," said Dr. Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation.
Risks for gum diseases and atherosclerosis may double among people who smoke and those who are classified as obese and are diagnosed with diabetes.
