Emergency dentistry patients should not take their oral health for granted during their efforts to prevent wider health issues, an expert has claimed.
Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF), has urged individuals to take increased care of their teeth in a bid to prevent the onset of illnesses.
His advice came after researchers from the University of Western Australia revealed that women with poor oral hygiene could experience difficulty getting pregnant.
The scientists discovered that females with gum disease took an average of two months longer to conceive than those without dental health problems.
Previous studies have shown individuals with high standards of oral health are at limited risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes and strokes, Dr Carter remarked.
He added: "This is yet another indication that we should not take our oral health for granted. Conception is the latest in a long line of problems associated with gum disease."