Having good oral health can reduce stroke risk.

A woman in Newcastle found out the hard way that maintaining good oral health can help reduce the risk of having a stroke.

Chronicle Live reported Christine Walker, 33, suffered a stroke when she was 22 as a result of bacterial endocarcarditis. Bacteria in her mouth managed to find its way into her bloodstream and infected her heart. As a result, a clot formed and moved to her brain, causing her to have a stroke.

Ms Walker told the publication: “It ended up I was not brushing my teeth like I should have been.

“Your mouth is a very sensitive place and it plays a big part in your health.”

Elsewhere, dentist Dr Phil Stemmer recently told the Daily Mail a number of tips regarding good oral healthcare.

He noted people should use a small toothbrush with a round head to ensure they get into all the nooks and crannies in their teeth when brushing. They should also brush for at least two minutes, he advised.