Brushing teeth prevents heart disease?

Brushing teeth may help prevent heart disease, a new study published in the British Medical Journal suggests. 

The study, led by Professor Richard Watt from the University College in London showed that people who had poor oral hygiene were at higher risk of heart disease compared to those who brushed their teeth twice a day. 

Previous studies have associated gum disease with heart disease, but it remains unclear if the association is causal.  In other words, the question that still needs to be answered is whether or not gum disease causes heart disease, vice versa, or both. 

It is known, however, that the common denominator between heart and gum disease is inflammation.  It is unknown what causes the inflammation that is associated with these diseases. 

The current study found that the number of times individuals brush their teeth has something to do with their risk of developing heart disease. One theory is that those who practice poor oral hygiene may also experience some risk factors for heart disease, such as smoking. 

Professor Watt and colleagues found those who brushed their teeth less than twice a day were 70 percent more likely to develop heart disease than those who brushed twice a day.  Overall the risk was low. 

The correlation was based on an analysis that included other risk factors such as social status, obesity, smoking and family history of heart disease. 

The researchers found the association after they analyzed data from more than 11,000 adults who participated in the Scottish Health Survey. 

Dr. Watt also found participants who brushed teeth less often had high levels of inflammation markers, suggesting that both gum disease and heart disease may be associated with this risk factor. 

The study was not a trial; this means that brushing your teeth often may not lower your risk of heart disease. However, the study results could mean that if you suffer gum disease, you may also be at higher risk of heart disease.

David Liu and editing by Rachel Stockton