Look after your teeth and gums. Bacteria caused by poor oral hygiene can find its way into the brain, causing life-threatening abscesses, a new study has discovered.
People with oral bacteria are up to three times more likely to suffer from brain abscesses, say researchers from the University of Plymouth.
The bacteria, which is typically found in teeth abscesses, can also affect the lungs and liver.
In a study of 87 patients with brain abscesses, 52 of them had no obvious cause—but all had poor oral health, and the researchers estimate that it increases the risk three-fold.
Journal of Dentistry, 2023; 128: 104366; doi: 10.1016/j.dent.2022.104366
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