Brushing The Teeth Could Help To Prevent Heart Attacks And Strokes
Researchers from Columbia University have released the findngs of the study, which supports the notion that good oral hygiene can help to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
The research team from the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University in New York, found that brushing regularly can help to prevent atherosclerosis, the condition, which causes fatty deposits to collect in the arteries. Atherosclerosis is a major risk factor for strokes and heart attacks, as the deposits interrupt the flow of blood to the heart and brain.
Researchers found that gum health had an impact on the health of the arteries; over the course of the 3 year study, patients who showed improvement in gum health were also found to experience healthier arteries. The study revealed that the more the gums improved, the more the arteries improved.
Dr Moise Desvarieux, co-author of the study, said that “this is the most direct evidence yet that modifying the periodontal bacterial profile could play a role in slowing or preventing both diseases.”
Scientists took additional risk factors for atherosclerosis, including obesity and smoking, into account when evaluating the 420 patients.
Dr Nigel Carter OBE, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, described the findings of the study as “ground-breaking” and added that people should take note of the evidence and take steps to protect their teeth and gums.
Researchers have found that poor dental hygiene can allow more than 700 strains of bacteria to enter the bloodstream.
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