An NHS GP has issued a warning about an important daily habit that could help protect you from various health issues. According to the expert, failing to do this could increase your chances of heart disease and Alzheimer’s.

In a recent advisory, an NHS General Practitioner underscored the significance of a crucial daily habit that could serve as a safeguard against numerous health ailments. Neglecting this habit, the expert cautions, may heighten the risk of developing conditions such as heart disease and Alzheimer’s.

While most people are aware of the necessity to brush their teeth twice daily to maintain dental health by preventing decay and gum disease, there is less awareness of its broader health implications. Doctor Amir Khan, a well-known figure from his regular features on ITV, shed light on this connection through a video shared on his Instagram account.

In the video, Dr. Amir elaborated on “five powerful ways your oral health can affect your overall health and why it really matters.” A key point he emphasized was the unexpected and extensive impact gum disease can have on general well-being.

Dr. Amir explained, “Gum disease is a chronic inflammatory condition caused by bacteria accumulating beneath the gum line. These bacteria activate your immune system, releasing inflammatory cytokines that don’t just remain confined to the mouth.”

He continued, “These cytokines enter the bloodstream, creating a state of low-grade, widespread inflammation throughout the body, which can contribute to the development of various chronic diseases.” Among these, he specifically highlighted heart disease as a significant concern linked to poor oral health.

Dr Amir continued: “Those same bacteria involving gum disease can enter the bloodstream and attach to the inside lining of your blood vessels. This contributes to the narrowing of your arteries by promoting plaque formation and plaque instability.

“Inflammation also makes plaques more likely to rupture, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.” Bacteria from the mouth can also impact your brain health, even increasing your chances of developing dementia.

Find out about the symptoms you need to watch out for and get health advice with our free health newsletter from the Daily Express

“Now, emerging research shows oral bacteria have been found in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease,” he said. “These bacteria may travel via the bloodstream or nerves triggering chronic inflammation in the brain and contributing to neurodegeneration over time.

“We need more work on that.”

Diabetes

Further to these warnings, Dr Amir stated that gum disease is closely linked with diabetes. He said: “Diabetes can often be spotted in the mouth first.

“Now there is a two-way relationship here. High blood sugar weakens the immune response, making gum infections more likely and more severe.

“But in turn, gum disease increases inflammation and worsens insulin resistance, making blood glucose harder to control. Dentists often spot early warning signs in the mouth, like persistent gum infections, dry mouth or even slow healing.”

Pregnancy

He also advised that poor oral health could lead to issues during pregnancy and birth. “Poor oral health has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight,” he said.

“The theory is that inflammatory chemicals and bacteria from gum disease can reach the placenta, potentially triggering early labour or even affecting foetal growth.”

How to protect your oral health

Dr Amir added: “So make sure you’re brushing, flossing, and going for regular dental checks because it protects your heart, your brain, your metabolism, and even future pregnancies, not just your teeth.”

To prevent gum disease, the NHS says you should:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day – spit after brushing, do not rinse
• Clean in between your teeth every day using floss or interdental brushes
• Replace your toothbrush every one to three months
• See a dentist and dental hygienist for regular check-ups, especially if you’re pregnant or have type 2 diabetes
• Not use mouthwash straight after brushing your teeth
• Not smoke