The Irish Dental Association has espoused the multiple benefits of practicing good oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing the teeth has the benefit of lowering the risk of heart attack, research shows.
Key takeaways:
- New research indicates that thoroughly brushing the teeth to remove plaque will reduce inflammation in the body in effect preventing stroke and heart attacks.
- Periodontal disease is closely associated with coronary heart disease. It also shares a number of risk factors with cardiovascular diseases and chronic diseases.
- The benefits of brushing extend to inflammatory diseases and conditions such as arthritis, diabetes and Crohn’s disease.
President of the Irish Dental Association, Dr PJ Byrne, said that improving oral hygiene by better, more efficient brushing and cleaning between the teeth is likely to have a systemic health benefit.
