Professor Alpdogan Kantarci from the University of Minnesota explains to The Sun that caring for one’s teeth may be associated with a lower risk of more than 50 diseases.
The explanation concerns inflammation. Gum disease can cause inflammation in the mouth, which in some cases may spread through the bloodstream to other parts of the body.
Diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and dementia are mentioned as examples.
Rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases are also linked to poor oral hygiene.
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A simple daily habit
According to Alpdogan Kantarci, lifestyle also plays a role.
According to The Sun, he points to processed foods, a soft diet, lack of exercise, and obesity as factors that can affect oral health.
In his view, brushing one’s teeth twice daily and using dental floss should be a priority, as this may be an important step not only in protecting teeth but also in reducing the risk of a number of serious diseases.
Sources: The Sun.
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