Brushing and Flossing Help to Reduce the Risk of Meningitis
Researchers have identified a link between oral bacteria and meningitis, it has been revealed.
Researchers in Zurich identified a strain of bacteria commonly found in the mouth, called Streptococcus tigurinis, in patients with meningitis. The bacterium was also identified in patients with a heart condition known as endocarditis and spondylodiscitis, an inflammatory condition affecting the spine.
Dr Andrea Zbinden, the lead researcher, said that the findings indicated that the bacterium has a “natural potential to cause severe disease”.
The findings of the study have been published in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology.
Meningitis is the latest in a long line of serious, life-threatening illnesses linked to poor oral health and studies have also confirmed a link between oral bacteria and an elevated risk of heart disease, diabetes and strokes.
In order to prevent oral health diseases and reduce the risk of serious medical problems, it is important to brush twice a day every day for at least two minutes each time, floss to target areas that are hard to reach with a brush and visit your dentist for regular dental check-ups.
Join this Discussion
