A recent medical study has shown that regular dental care significantly reduces the risks faced by patients with liver cirrhosis, including the likelihood of developing liver cancer and frequent hospital admissions.
The researchers reviewed the medical records of about 48,000 patients with liver cirrhosis and compared them with patient records relating to their visits to dentists. The results showed that people who visited the dentist regularly were 27% less likely to develop liver cancer and 15% less likely to develop ascites—the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen that indicates worsening of the disease.
The researchers also found that patients who regularly visited the dentist were 19% less likely to develop hepatic encephalopathy, a brain disorder caused by the accumulation of toxins in the body. Regular dental checkups were shown to reduce the likelihood of hospitalization by 15% overall, and for liver-related problems, they reduce the risk of hospitalization by 20%.
Scientists have pointed out that regular teeth cleaning can reduce inflammation and lower levels of harmful bacteria in the body, and this plays an important role in improving the condition of liver cirrhosis patients. Therefore, those suffering from liver diseases are advised to visit the dentist at least once a year.
