Brush your teeth regularly, Avoid Heart Disease RiskA study conducted BMJ.com, for those who brush their teeth less than twice a day, nearly three-fold risk of heart disease. Previous research also stated that the oral problems associated with gum disease, such as inflammation of the gums can lead to clogged arteries, which leads to heart disease. As quoted from page Aol.com, a study led by researcher Richard Watt from University College London, UK, analyzed data from more than 11,000 volunteers are involved in the Scottish Health Survey.
The researchers examined the behavior of adult male lifestyle, including smoking, physical activity and oral health habits. They asked the volunteers telling the truth about the frequency to the dentist, and how often to brush your teeth. In addition to the survey, medical staff also checked the volunteers' medical history and family medical history, such as heart disease and high blood pressure. The volunteers also take blood samples to determine levels of inflammation of the body. The result, overall, the participants have good oral health behaviors. 62 percent said they visit the dentist every six months, and 71 percent said they were brushing their teeth twice a day.
When adjusting the survey results for other cardiovascular risk factors such as social class, obesity, smoking and family history of heart disease, the researchers found, volunteers who brush their teeth less than twice a day had a 70 percent increased risk of heart disease than those who brush their teeth twice a day. Watt said, further studies are needed to test whether poor oral hygiene can be a direct cause of heart disease, or simply a risk factor.
