Source: Fox News
Summary
Research suggests that good oral hygiene may be linked to a reduced risk of serious conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis. A group of researchers explored this evidence at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) conference, calling the mouth a “gateway to overall health.” They noted that the oral cavity can influence the health of other organs, including the joints, brain, and gut. Maintaining good oral health, including brushing teeth regularly, may be associated with a reduced risk of more than 50 systemic conditions.
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The advice sounds familiar. The connection between oral health and overall health has been explored before. The recommendation to brush teeth regularly enters another phase. Research suggests that good oral hygiene may be linked to a reduced risk of serious conditions. The mouth is considered a “gateway to overall health.” Maintaining good oral health may be associated with a reduced risk of more than 50 systemic conditions. The importance of oral health for overall well-being and longevity should be emphasized.
As we’ve seen before, the guidelines for oral health are not set in stone. The emphasis on brushing teeth regularly is not new, but the potential link to overall health is a growing area of research. The mouth is a complex system, and its connection to the rest of the body is still being explored. The advice to brush teeth regularly is not a guarantee against disease, but it may be one meaningful way to reduce modifiable risk factors.
Author: Evan Null
