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Statins
'help prevent tooth loss'
NEW research has discovered
that people taking statins for general health problems were almost 3
times less likely to suffer from tooth loss compared to those not on
the drug.
Patients on statins were compared with those not on the drug over a
period of 5 years, and after taking into account environment
influences researchers discovered that use of statins could reduce
the effect of gum disease and bone loss with the consequence of
keeping teeth for longer.
Statins, often used to lower blood cholesterol levels, are the most
commonly prescribed medicines in the UK. They can help to reduce the
risk of strokes and heart attacks, 2 problems that have been linked
to increased poor oral health in the past.
Although the research is promising for patients currently on statins,
Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel
Carter OBE, believes there's no excuse for not keeping to the
charity's key messages.
Dr Carter said:- "There is plenty of evidence to suggest statins have several health benefits. Some people do remain on them
for quite some time, and it is encouraging to see this research
highlighting a knock-on effect of this is better oral health.
However, this does not mean people on statins can forego basic oral
health principals. Tea, coffee, a healthy diet and not smoking are
just a few things that have been linked to improved oral health, but
they all require the foundations of a good oral care routine.
Gum disease affects most people at some point in their lives, so
there is no excuse for ignoring good dental hygiene. The good news
is that poor oral health is nearly always preventable, so it is
important that people make caring for their teeth a top priority.
Regular visits to the dentist, as often as they recommend, are
really important to give the dentist a chance to assess your oral
health and, if necessary, give your teeth a scale and polish.
Doing this alone won't help your oral health. That's why I'd also
encourage a simple routine of brushing teeth, twice a day for 2
minutes using a fluoride toothpaste, which will help to remove
plaque; the cause of gum disease. It is also important to clean in
between teeth using interdental brushes or floss."
As well as keeping your mouth healthy, Dr Carter offered another
reason to keep gums healthy, especially for patients with heart
problems.
"A recent study in America looked at almost 350,000 patients
with gum disease and discovered that after treatment for gum
disease, on going costs for those with strokes and heart problems
decreased by more than 40% and 10% respectively. It shows the cost
of prevention is far less than the costs and impact of emergency
care. You may think you are being financially prudent but the
reality is that the cost of neglecting your oral health is even
higher. If you have heart problems, the benefits of keeping your
mouth healthy are potentially life saving."
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World War One
Victoria Cross hero honoured
A Commemorative Stone is to
be unveiled in memory of a Liverpool man who was awarded one of the
first Victoria Cross medals during World War One.
Ernest Alexander from Princes Park was a Lieutenant Colonel in the
119th battery of the Royal Field Artillery.
In 1914, against overwhelming odds, he defended his World battery at Elouges in Belgium from German soldiers - enabling them to withdraw
without serious loss.
The citation for the medal in the London Gazette also highlighted
his bravery in rescuing a wounded man under heavy fire "with the
greatest gallantry and devotion to duty."
On Sunday, 24 August 2014, a Commemorative Paving Stone in his honour will
be unveiled at the Sunburst Gates at Princes Park; a century to the
day since he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
It is part of a national scheme run by the Department for
Communities and Local Government which will see every World War One
Victoria Cross recipient remembered.
The event will be attended by Lord Mayor, Councillor Erica Kemp,
veterans and serving soldiers from the Royal Artillery and members
of the Friends of Princes Park.
The Lord Mayor said:- "Ernest Alexander was a brave and
fearless soldier whose selfless actions saved many lives. It
is important that his contribution to World War One is remembered
and I am privileged to be able to attend the unveiling of the stone.
It will be a permanent reminder of the incredible contribution that
he made to the war effort and his role in making sure that more
soldiers weren't lost."
Ernest was also awarded the Companion of the Order of the Bath, the
Companion of St. Michael and St. George, and the Belgian Croix de
Guerre. He is also remembered with a memorial at Putney Vale
Cemetery in London.
He retired in 1920 to live in Kingsbridge, Devon, where he died on
25 August 1934, aged 63. Efforts to trace his relatives, including
by a local historian, have proved unsuccessful. He is 1 of 8
men from Liverpool to be awarded the Victoria Cross during World War
One, and the others will be honoured in the same way between now and
2018. |
