Good Oral Hygiene Could Reduce Inflammation in the Body

19 Oct 2016 --- A randomized trial of a plaque identifying toothpaste, (Plaque HD), has shown statistically significant reductions in both dental plaque and inflammation throughout the body. The trial was published in collaboration with academic collaborators from the University of Illinois at the Chicago School of Dentistry and the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. 

For decades, research has suggested a link between oral health and inflammatory diseases affecting the entire body, in particular, heart attacks and strokes.

This new study shows that Plaque HD produced statistically significant reductions in dental plaque as well as inflammation throughout the body as measured by C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), ), a sensitive marker for future heart attacks and strokes.

The study saw researchers give all randomized subjects the same brushing protocol, and each received a 60-day supply of toothpaste containing either Plaque HD or an identical non-plaque identifying placebo toothpaste.

The hs-CRP levels were then measured by an independent laboratory using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.

"While the findings on reducing dental plaque extend a previous observation, the findings on decreasing inflammation are new and novel," said Charles H. Hennekens, M.D., Dr.P.H., senior author and first Sir Richard Doll Professor, and senior academic advisor to the dean in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University.

Based on these findings, Hennekens and colleagues are drafting an investigator initiated research grant proposal to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under the direction of co-author Patrick E. McBride, M.D., M.P.H., professor of medicine and interim associate dean for faculty affairs at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

This large-scale randomized trial will test whether Plaque HD reduces risks of heart attacks and strokes.

The trial will be conducted in the Wisconsin Network for Health Research (WiNHR) and the Wisconsin Research and Education Network (WREN), both of which McBride directs.