Brushing your teeth is important

There is a recent science-that supports the idea that there is some evidence between oral health – (yes, simply regularly brushing your teeth), and thereby reducing chronic inflammation… and possibly reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

An American based science team discovered that reducing plaque buildup lowers the levels of chronic inflammation as measured by C-reactive protein (CRP). The study was led by Prof Charles Hennekens, of Florida Atlantic University. In the trial, 61 patients were given either the special or normal toothpaste and followed for 60 days. Their plaque and inflammation levels were tested before and after the study. Those using the disclosing toothpaste reduced their plaque levels by 49 per cent compared with 24 per cent for the control group. Inflammation, measured by levels of c-reactive protein, also fell by 29 per cent for the special toothpaste group, but rose by 25 per cent for the control group.

The team points out that managing chronic inflammation may be critical to preventing heart attacks and strokes.

The correlation between chronic inflammation and plaque was studied based on the knowledge that people with diseased gums – a condition associated with inflammation, suffered higher rates of heart attack and stroke. However, this recent controlled study, using a specialized plaque-targeting toothpaste, reduced inflammation (by 29%), which is close to a range typically only achieved by using statins (reduction of 39%). 

Although additional clinical studies are underway, there is now arguably reasonable proof that good dental health, in conjunction with other lifestyle choices, may be an element in managing chronic inflammation and reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke.