Brush teeth well, beat heart woes

NST: KUALA LUMPUR: People who do not brush their teeth properly may be putting themselves greater at risk of developing heart diseases.
The Health Ministry's Oral Health Division director, Datin Dr Norain Abu Taib, said there was increasing evidence of the relationship between oral bacteria and life-threatening conditions, such as heart diseases, diabetes and respiratory ailments.
She added that periodontal diseases, in particular, were a life-threatening health risk.
Dr Norain said this when she launched an Oral-B "Plaque-Free Malaysia" campaign at the Giant hypermarket in Bandar Kinrara yesterday.
She said studies had also found that gum diseases could increase a person's risk of developing diabetes.
"In Malaysia, the number of people with diabetes is increasing and it is important to make people aware of this link between oral infections and systemic diseases."
The National Oral Health Survey of Adults found in 2000 that only 9.8 per cent of Malaysians had healthy gums.
"Clearly, the oral health messages and oral hygiene instructions received in our younger days need to be regularly reinforced to ensure continued compliance."
The Oral-B campaign hoped to raise awareness on the importance of choosing the right toothbrush and brushing techniques.
Shoppers at Giant can take an Oral-B test to check their plaque.
"I wouldn't have realised my problem with plaque because you can't see it with your naked eye," said Jay Chong, 28, after the test.
The campaign booth will be open until Thursday.