We know that having good oral hygiene is important. But, research shows that there are benefits other than fresh breath and fewer fillings.

Oral infections are the most common diseases of mankind and are also a key risk factor for heart disease, which is the leading cause of death worldwide. In a review article published in Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism on April 16, researchers summarise the latest clinical evidence supporting a link between oral infections, which are caused by the bacteria in our mouth, and heart disease, and they emphasise the important role of inflammation in both of these conditions.

The most common oral infections are cavities and periodontal diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis, which are chronic inflammatory diseases that slowly and steadily destroy the supporting structures of multiple teeth. Significant epidemiological evidence supports an association between oral infections, particularly periodontitis, and stroke, especially among men and younger individuals.

The biggest concern with this finding is that anti-inflammatory medications are often used to treat mouth infections however these actually can cause cardiovascular complications, so going forward, alternative treatments may need to be considered for infections.

So tell us tonight, how is your oral health? Do you ever suffer from infections? Share your thoughts in the comments below…