Brushing teeth thoroughly to remove plaque may help prevent heart attacks and strokes by reducing inflammation in the body to levels close those that can be achieved by statins, a new study published by the American Journal of Medicine suggests.
Scientists conducted a trial to see if a special toothpaste, which highlighted plaque on the teeth could improve heart health.
Several studies have shown that people with diseased gums are also more likely to suffer heart disease, but it had never been shown that good dental health could also lower the risk.
Researchers found that people using the special toothpaste, were able to remove twice as much plaque as those using a normal toothpaste and their levels of inflammation also fell by 29%. Statins lower inflammation by around 37%.
The study was led by Prof Charles Hennekens who stated that “The distinguishing thing is that it’s a fairly simple thing to do and yet it could have a big impact”.
Around 160,000 people die from heart and circulatory disease in the UK every year. British experts said the study provided preliminary evidence that looking after dental health could help in preventing heart attacks and strokes.
