Dr Eric Goulder, the founder of the Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention Center of Central Ohio, said by giving the prevalence of poor oral hygiene in the U.S., understanding the crucial link between oral health and heart health is a game-changer in developing treatment plans.
According to a study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, brushing teeth frequently diminish the risk of atrial fibrillation and heart failure.
Previous researches suggest that poor oral hygiene leads to bacteria in the blood, causing inflammation in the body. Inflammation increases the risks of atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) and heart failure (the heart’s ability to pump blood or relax and fill with blood is impaired). This study examined the connection between oral hygiene and the occurrence of these two conditions.
The study enrolled aged 40 to 79 with no history of atrial fibrillation or heart failure. Information was collected on height, weight, laboratory tests, illnesses, lifestyle, oral health, and oral hygiene behaviours.
During a median follow-up of 10.5 years, 3 per cent of the participants developed atrial fibrillation, and 4.9 per cent developed heart failure.
The findings showed that tooth brushing three or more times a day was associated with a 10 per cent lower risk of atrial fibrillation and a 12 per cent lower risk of heart failure during a 10.5-year follow up.