Dentists attending a symposium hosted by the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics in Scottsdale, Arizona, have been told how they could help patients tackle a range of illnesses, not just those to do with the mouth.

The organisation claimed good oral health could help reduce the likelihood of an individual having heart attacks, strokes, problems with pregnancy, diabetes, kidney diseases, Alzheimer’s and many cancers.

Dr Rick Coker, board member at the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics, said: "Dentistry is not simply about filling cavities and creating new smiles – it is about saving lives."

Elsewhere, US dentist Dr Corey Snow recently noted having good oral health often signifies that a person will be more healthy overall.

He stated up to 400 different types of bacteria can thrive in the mouth and therefore it is important to brush regularly to keep these microbes in check.