Studies confirm past research which has linked gum disease to narrowing of the arteries.

Brush your teeth and protect your heart!

Brushing your teeth could help prevent heart disease, according to separate studies presented at a meeting for the Society of General Microbiology in Dublin this week.

The studies confirm past research which has linked gum disease to narrowing of the arteries (artherosclerosis), the most common cause of stroke and heart attack.

Scientists found different ways in which gum disease may contribute towards heart attacks. Once bacteria enter the bloodstream through diseased gums, they stick to blood platelets, forming clots. Other researchers found that gum disease can trigger T cells of the immune system which stick to both the bacteria which cause gum disease and to the inside of the arteries connected to the heart.

Dr.Chris says: "It is important to realise that gum disease can be caused by other things such as smoking and poor diet. These can also be risk factors for heart disease. Nevertheless, better safe than sorry!"


This content was created on Thu 18 September 2008

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