Dental health linked to heart disease Updated: 4/2/2008 6:00:24 AM Print Article Email Article           Maintaining a good level of dental health and hygiene can reduce the risk of developing heart disease, according to the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Speaking at the organization's annual research day, Dr. Steve Kerrigan discussed his team's investigations into how bacteria from the mouth affects the blood. It is thought that bacteria may enter the blood stream via bleeding gums, causing stickiness in the platelets which can hinder the flow of blood back to the heart. Dr. Kerrigan said that he and his team had identified two proteins that might play a key part in this process. "By understanding the exact mechanism through which bacteria stick to platelets and cause them to clump together we can gain better insights for the development of novel therapies to treat this disease," he said. In order to avoid risk, he went on, dental care such as regular brushing and flossing remains vital. A recent study from the University of Texas Health Science Center and Procter & Gamble found that using dental floss was significantly more effective at removing plaque than brushing alone. © 2008 Brafton Inc. Enter your ZIP code to compare the savings offered by the discount dental plans in your area. Take the first step toward a healthier smile and start saving today! > Find my dentist > Find a ZIP code             Additional Articles Survey: Full effect of recession on dent... Alternate dental care treatment for rece... More research called for on link between... Poor dental health gives clues to other ... Minnesota dentists warn cuts will preven... People may have a higher risk of arthrit... Ohio poor may lose state dental insuranc... Advocates fight for dental care to be pa... Rheumatoid arthritis and gum disease lin... Braces screening for kids promotes denta... Video games to train those who provide d... Technology may help make dental care mor... Dental care of the future - plasma to ki... West Virginia initiative provides free d... New material for dental care may blunt a... California budget battle could decide de... Beauty queen dentist offers cosmetic den... North Carolina may slash dental care bud... Survey: Dental health coverage important... Proper dental care in conflict with many...

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