Maintaining a good oral hygiene can help keep heart disease at bay

By: Editorial Team | | Updated: April 17, 2015 1:41 pm

Changing lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits contribute to the increasing risk of heart disease among people. While eating healthy and exercising regularly are the most common things advised to keep your heart healthy. But a new study claims that you can avoid the risk of heart disease by brushing your teeth regularly. Also Read - Arthritis drugs may reduce risk of developing heart disease

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The researchers at the Forsyth Institute in the United States found that people suffering from oral infections are at a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases. They established a link between periodontitis and strokes, especially among men and younger people. A high dose of the commonly prescribed medication, atorvastatin, which boosts blood levels of anti-inflammatory fats called lipoxins and resolvins prevents both gum and heart disease in humans, and even reverses it. Here are the most common signs associated with heart disease. Also Read - Women in their 30s and 40s with PCOS more likely to get heart disease: Study

The researchers described the discovery as ‘exciting and promising’ because lipoxins and resolvins also have the advantage of naturally controlling inflammation without suppressing the immune system. Dr Thomas Van Dyke, said unraveling the role of the oral microbiome and inflammation in cardiovascular disease would likely lead to new preventive and treatment approaches.

Significant epidemiological evidence supports an association between oral infections, particularly periodontitis, and stroke, especially among men and younger individuals. Inflammation plays a major role both in gum and cardiovascular disease. However, over-the-counter non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can produce significant cardiovascular side effects, which means it is crucial alternative therapies are found. (Read: 8 common heart disease symptoms and warning signs )

Dr Van Dyke recommends people take better care of their teeth to potentially lower their risk of cardiovascular disease and other health problems.

The findings are published in the journal Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism

Image source: Getty Images

Published : April 17, 2015 1:41 pm | Updated:April 17, 2015 1:41 pm

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