March 12th, 2009
Brush Up
A study has found that dental disease can cause heart attack and stroke.
Brushing your teeth is more vital than you may think. Poor dental hygiene can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The new research by the University of Bristol shows that neglected gums can be added to the list of causes for heart disease. We now recognize that bacterial infections are an independent risk factor for heart diseases.
Most of the approximately 700 different bacteria in the mouth are benign and some are essential for good health, but a few can lead to diseases of the arteries linked to heart attacks and strokes, according to the research. The mouth is probably the dirtiest place in the human body.