Brush Your Way to a Healthier Heart

Brushing teeth is not only good for maintaining your pearly whites. According to a new study, regular teeth brushing can help a person maintain a healthy heart. The latest research reveals that those with poor oral hygiene are 70 percent more likely to have heart related problems. Add smoking to poor dental health and the risk of heart disease increases to 135 percent.

The study was conducted by researchers in England. They gathered data from 11,000 people who were participating in a Scottish Health Survey. The researchers worked to organize information related to oral health routines, daily activities, and habits like smoking or drinking. The participants were also questioned about the regularity of visits to a dentist. 62 percent of the people visited a dentist the recommended every 6 months. 71 percent of the participants stated they brushed their teeth twice a day.

Researchers factored in other factors that may increase a person’s risk of heart disease including weight, family history, social class and smoking. Those that had poor oral hygiene, not only increased their risk of heart disease, they also tested positive for several inflammatory markers in the bloodstream. Scientists are not completely surprised by the results of this study. Doctors have believed there is a direct correlation between poor dental health and heart disease for more than a century.

Researchers believe more information is needed to determine whether a dental disease causes heart disease, or if it is just a minor risk factor. The study has been published in the journal BMJ.