People who fail to brush their teeth twice a day have a significantly higher chance of developing heart disease than those who do clean their teeth morning and night, according to a new study.
Research carried out by a team of dental experts from University College London found that those who never or rarely brush their teeth are 70 per cent more likely to suffer the serious long-term condition than people who brush at least twice daily.
The study backs previous research linking gum disease with heart problems. However, it marks the first time that researchers have looked at whether the frequency of teeth brushing is linked to the risk of developing cardiovascular disease .
The team of researchers analysed data on more than 11,000 adults taking part in the Scottish Health Survey. Each person was asked about their dental habits including how often they visited their dentist and how often they brushed their teeth .
They were also quizzed on lifestyle behaviours, such as smoking and physical activity, and were asked to provide details on medical history and family history of heart disease . Nurses also took blood pressure readings and blood samples.
The blood samples enabled the researchers to determine levels of inflammation that were present in the body. Inflammation in the body, including in the mouth and gums, plays a role in clogging up arteries, which can lead to a heart attack .
Just over six out of 10 (62 per cent) people said they visited their dentist every six months, while 71 per cent said they brushed their teeth twice a day.
The study continued for eight years, during which time researchers recorded 555 "cardiovascular events" such as heart attacks, 170 of which were fatal.
They found that those who did not clean their teeth regularly were 70 per cent more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than those who brushed twice a day, even after taking into account factors that affect heart disease risk, such as obesity, smoking and family history.
Study leader Professor Richard Watt, from University College London, said: "Our results confirmed and further strengthened the suggested association between oral hygiene and the risk of cardiovascular disease ."
"Furthermore inflammatory markers were significantly associated with a very simple measure of poor oral health behaviour."
However, he added that future studies were needed to confirm whether poor oral health directly causes heart disease or is "merely a risk marker".
