People with a poor oral hygiene routine are at an increased risk of heart disease, according to research presented at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland’s (RCSI) annual Research Day. The study, funded by the Health Research Board (HRB), states that bleeding gums allow oral bacteria to enter the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream … Continued

Thousands of people marched through Dublin city centre on Saturday 29 March in protest at the state of the health service. Trade unions, patient and hospital groups called upon the public to join the march to demonstrate their anger and frustration at the Health Service Executive (HSE). The march went from the Garden of Remembrance … Continued

The Dublin Council of Trade Unions (DCTU) and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) Congress Youth Committee are campaigning for a decent public health service. According to Des Derwin, President of the DCTU, the decline in the health services can be directly attributed to the drive towards privatisation. ‘The only way we can safeguard … Continued

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has revealed that dentists in Northern Ireland extracted nearly 30,000 teeth last year from children aged under 13. Most of those extracted were rotten baby teeth, which are meant to be lost naturally. Mr McGimpsey released the figures to the SDLP health spokesperson Carmel Hanna. Ms Hanna said the level of … Continued

Regularly eating yogurt and other foods with lactic acid may be good for your mouth, Japanese researchers have discovered. Dr Yoshihiro Shimazaki led the study that found that consuming yogurt and lactic acid drinks was significantly associated with better periodontal health – although milk and cheese were not. Outside of regular brushing and flossing, effective … Continued

During a visit to the Causeway Hospital in Coleraine on the evening of 19 March, Health Minister Michael McGimpsey praised its specialist dental unit. The unit, staffed by members of the Community Dental Service (CDS), provides dental care for special needs patients such as those with a learning disability, physical disability or a compromising medical … Continued

At the General Dental Council meeting held on Wednesday 5 March, it was agreed that the Council should establish an office in Northern Ireland, as well as Scotland and Wales. Members authorised the Finance and HR Committee to sanction up to an additional £100,000 if needed for this purpose during 2008 and noted that a … Continued