A man from Australia has said he believes getting emergency dentistry helped to cure his health problems.
Patrick Forman, 64, told the Sydney Morning Herald that he never paid much attention to his teeth, even though his gums would bleed and he got toothaches.
He insisted that he did not care about heading into old age without teeth.
However, when he began to suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, chronic colds and heart palpitations, his son insisted on sending Mr Forman to a dentist.
The oral healthcare practitioner removed several decayed teeth and the patient said he was amazed at the difference to his general health.
"Ever since, I've been 'cured'; my heart's been strong, my knees are good and the psoriasis is totally gone," he commented.
This follows a range of studies which have suggested that poor oral health may contribute to more serious physical ailments.
In October 2010, DentistryIQ.com reported that people with a good emergency dentistry prevention programme could cut their risk of heart attack and stroke by up to 33 per cent.
