An expert warned that poor oral health is linked with heart disease and Alzheimer’s (Image: Getty)
An NHS GP has issued a warning about an important daily habit that could help protect you from various health issues. According to the expert, failing to do this could increase your chances of heart disease and Alzheimer’s.
Many of us know that we should be brushing our teeth at least twice a day. This helps keep our teeth healthy, preventing decay and gum disease.
But you might not realise this also has a link with our wider health. In a video posted to his Instagram page, Doctor Amir Khan explained more.
Dr Amir, who is widely known for his appearances on ITV, said: “Here are five powerful ways your oral health can affect your overall health and why it really matters.” Firstly, he explained that gum disease can have more far-reaching consequences than you might expect.
He said: “Now gum disease is a chronic inflammatory condition caused by bacteria building up under the gum line. These bacteria trigger your immune system, releasing inflammatory cytokines that don’t just stay in the mouth.
“They spill into the bloodstream and that creates a state of low-grade widespread inflammation elsewhere in your body, which can drive many chronic diseases.” One such disease is heart disease.
Dr Amir continued: “Those same bacteria involving gum disease can enter the bloodstream and attach to the inside lining of your blood vessels. This contributes to the narrowing of your arteries by promoting plaque formation and plaque instability.
“Inflammation also makes plaques more likely to rupture, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.” Bacteria from the mouth can also impact your brain health, even increasing your chances of developing dementia.
“Now, emerging research shows oral bacteria have been found in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease,” he said. “These bacteria may travel via the bloodstream or nerves triggering chronic inflammation in the brain and contributing to neurodegeneration over time.
“We need more work on that.”
Diabetes
Further to these warnings, Dr Amir stated that gum disease is closely linked with diabetes. He said: “Diabetes can often be spotted in the mouth first.
“Now there is a two-way relationship here. High blood sugar weakens the immune response, making gum infections more likely and more severe.
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“But in turn, gum disease increases inflammation and worsens insulin resistance, making blood glucose harder to control. Dentists often spot early warning signs in the mouth, like persistent gum infections, dry mouth or even slow healing. »
Pregnancy
He also advised that poor oral health could lead to issues during pregnancy and birth. “Poor oral health has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight,” he said.
“The theory is that inflammatory chemicals and bacteria from gum disease can reach the placenta, potentially triggering early labour or even affecting foetal growth.”
How to protect your oral health
Dr Amir added: “So make sure you’re brushing, flossing, and going for regular dental checks because it protects your heart, your brain, your metabolism, and even future pregnancies, not just your teeth.”
To prevent gum disease, the NHS says you should:
- Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day – spit after brushing, do not rinse
- Clean in between your teeth every day using floss or interdental brushes
- Replace your toothbrush every one to three months
- See a dentist and dental hygienist for regular check-ups, especially if you’re pregnant or have type 2 diabetes
- Not use mouthwash straight after brushing your teeth
- Not smoke
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