Infrequent toothbrushing linked to heart disease

People with poor oral hygiene have an increased risk of heart disease compared to those who brush their teeth twice a day, according to UCL research published today on BMJ.com. In the last 20 years there has been increased interest in links between heart problems and gum disease. While it has been established that inflammation in the body (including mouth and gums) plays an important role in the build-up of clogged arteries, this is the first study to investigate whether the number of times individuals brush their teeth has any bearing on the risk of developing heart disease, says the research. The authors, led by Professor Richard Watt (UCL Epidemiology & Public Health), analysed data from over 11,000 adults who took part in the Scottish Healthy Survey. The research team analysed data about lifestyle behaviours such as smoking, physical activity and oral health routines. Individuals were asked how often they visited the dentist and how often they brushed their teeth. On a separate visit nurses collected information on medical history and family history of heart disease, blood pressure and blood samples from consenting adults.