E fundit!

09:23 TODAY

Albania advances in negotiations with the EU, today a new step towards European integration

Albania marks another important moment on its path towards...

Brushing your teeth 3 times a day reduces the risk of 50 diseases

2026-02-25 17:36:00, Shëndeti CNA

How often do you brush your teeth? According to experts, if you brush your teeth 3 times a day and make regular visits to the dentist, you can reduce the risk of more than 50 serious diseases, including dementia and arthritis.

It has long been known that oral health affects our overall well-being, with previous research linking the spread of bacteria from oral diseases to Alzheimer's disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and more.

A panel of experts highlighted the importance of dental health at the annual conference of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), held last week in Arizona, United States.

“We now believe that maintaining dental health may be associated with a reduced risk of more than 50 diseases,” said Dr. Alpdogan Kantarci, professor at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry.

"Research now shows that in people with mild disease, those who brush and care for their teeth or visit the dentist for specialized cleanings show much better cognitive performance ," he continued.

When bacteria from oral disease enter the bloodstream and brain, they cause chronic inflammation. This can cause the immune system to attack joints and accelerate the formation of plaque, which disrupts neurotransmitters and leads to cognitive decline. However, there are no studies that prove that gum disease causes dementia or arthritis.

Although the UK has a reputation for poor oral hygiene, many other European countries still face problems with dental health.

A 2022 study found that Norway is the country with the highest awareness of dental health, while Serbia ranks last along with Latvia and Poland. In terms of visits to the dentist, the Netherlands ranks first, while Portugal, Ireland and the United Kingdom had the lowest attendance rates.

A complex mix of socio-economic factors is responsible for this inequality, with high costs, long waiting lists and distance creating barriers to access.

The elderly are the most affected, with EU residents aged 65 and over reporting higher rates of unmet dental needs compared to those aged 16-44, according to Eurostat data for 2024.

The latest Adult Oral Health Survey (AOHS) reported that 41% of UK residents had tooth decay, a significant increase from 28% in 2009. Almost half of those surveyed also said that the condition of their teeth significantly affects their daily lives. /CNA