Everyone wants a healthy set of teeth. There are several ways you can do to maintain your dental health, such as going to the dentist, or just by brushing your teeth every day. Not only that it can protect your teeth from the attack of “bad” bacteria and accumulating plaque, but it can also lower the risk of other diseases.

As quoted from Medical News Today, a recent study conducted by Ehwa Woman's University found that brushing your teeth regularly can lower the risk of atrial fibrillation and heart failure. Atrial fibrillation (A-fib) is a condition where the heart does not beat regularly and cause the heart to not pumping blood optimally.

In the study, researchers analysed the data of 161,286 participants recorded in the Korean National Health Insurance System-Health Screening Cohort, and observed the relationship between the risk of A-fib and heart failure and oral hygiene. Participants were 40-79 years old and had no previous history of cardiac abnormalities. Each participant was also asked for information about their lifestyle, as well as their habits in maintaining oral hygiene. The study began in 2003 and continued for 10.5 years.

After a follow-up period, 4,911 participants were diagnosed with A-fib, and 7,971 participants were diagnosed with heart failure. The researchers found that those who frequently brush their teeth at least three times a day or more were associated with a 10% and 12% lower risk of A-fib and heart failure. Researchers explain that unclean mouth and teeth can increase the number of “bad” bacteria that can cause inflammation can increase the risk of those diseases.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from iStockphoto

Source(s):

• Yoonkyung, C., Hom G.W., Jin, P., et al (2019). Improved oral hygiene care is associated with decreased risk of occurrence for atrial fibrillation and heart failure: A nationwide population-based cohort study. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/2047487319886018.
• Medical News Today - Brushing your teeth may keep your heart healthy (2019). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327208.php#1, 9 December 2019.