Brushing your teeth SLASHES chances of getting heart disease
BRUSHING your teeth twice a day slashes the risk of fatal heart disease, research suggests.
Millions treat common oral infections and chronic inflammatory diseases such as periodontitis with anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen.
But over-the-counter cure-alls have been found to produce significant cardiovascular side effects and destroy the immune system.
Experts now say the answer to a healthy heart lies in the bathroom cabinet.
Significant evidence supports an association between oral infections and stroke, especially among men and younger individuals.
We’ve recognised for some time that bad oral health carries a greater risk of heart disease
Studies by dental experts at the Forsyth Institute in Massachusetts have shown better oral hygiene lowers the risk of a multitude of health problems.
Dr Thomas Van Dyke said: “The majority of diseases and conditions of ageing, including obesity and Type 2 diabetes, have a major inflammatory component that can be made worse by the presence of periodontitis.
“Periodontitis is not just a dental disease, and it should not be ignored, as it is a modifiable risk factor.”
Previous research has shown those with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to have heart disease with cavities and missing teeth as good at indicating cardiovascular problems as cholesterol levels.
A review of recent research supports a link between mouth bacteria and inflammation in the heart, both of which could be controlled by the cholesterol-busting drug atorvastatin.
Dr Van Dyke found a high dose of the cholesterol-busting medication, which boosts blood levels of anti-inflammatory fats called lipoxins and resolvins, prevents gum and heart disease in humans - and even reverses it.
The researchers, whose findings are published in the journal Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism, described the discovery as “exciting and promising” because lipoxins and resolvins have the advantage of naturally controlling inflammation without suppressing the immune system.
Family GP Dr Ian Campbell said: “We’ve recognised for some time that bad oral health carries a greater risk of heart disease.
“This was thought to be a direct consequence of poor diet and lifestyle being implicated in both.
“But this study suggests there is a much more specific link: inflammation. In the midst of everything else we can do to reduce the risk of heart disease keeping good dental health is important and easily achievable.”
