National Assembly Member Mohammad Asghar emphasised the importance of good oral hygiene in the Senedd this week.
Speaking to First Minister Carwyn Jones, Mr Asghar said: “A link between gum disease and heart problems has been highlighted for some time and recent research has found that simply brushing teeth twice daily could potentially play a role in reducing heart problems.
“Dr Paul Langmaid, Chief Dental Officer for Wales, has also referred to research that suggests possible links between gum disease and diabetes”.
Mr Asghar added that while research has shown that “Welsh children have the worst rates of tooth decay in the UK”, he was aware that “programmes like Designed to Smile aim to provide oral health advice to young people across Wales”.
He asked the First Minister what role the Welsh Assembly Government could play in “promoting the importance of dental hygiene to people of all ages” and emphasised the role this could play in “reducing numerous preventable dental problems and stimulating a broad public focus on the importance of good oral health”.
In his response, the First Minister echoed Mr Asghar’s encouragement that people “ensure … they look after their teeth regularly” – adding that he was sure all Assembly Members “want to encourage people to visit a dentist regularly”.
