New research linking oral and general health

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) issued a media release yesterday welcoming research released by the Sydney Dental Hospital that treatment of severe gum disease can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

The ADA noted that this research strengthens the relationship between oral and general health. It is for this reason that the ADA has restated its belief that money spent on improving oral health will lead to savings in treatment costs for general health.

The ADA release supported a call by NSW Minister for Health John Hatzistergos in the light of the research results to reinstate the Commonwealth Dental Health Program.