People who need extensive emergency dentistry could be more at risk of a stroke later in life, new research has found.
According to a study by scientists at Hiroshima University, those with less than 24 teeth left in their mouth at age 50 to 60 are 57 per cent more likely to suffer an attack than those who have more teeth.
It was put forward that this group was more likely to fall victim to gum disease, which can transfer bacteria from the mouth into the bloodstream.
Dr Sharlin Ahmed from the Stroke Association said: "Oral bacteria could attach to fatty deposits in the arteries, which can lead to a blood clot and could result in a stroke."
The rate of both ischemic and haemorrhagic strokes was found to be related to the number of teeth a person had.
This comes just days after health writer Suzy Cohen told the Sun Sentinel that emergency dentistry prevention and good cardiac health are closely linked.
