Brushing teeth twice a day reduces risk of heart disease

New research has suggested that brushing teeth twice daily could potentially be linked to a reduced risk of heart disease.

Researchers asked those taking part in the study how often they brushed their teeth and then tracked the number of them who developed heart disease over the next eight years.

It was found that people who brushed their teeth least often were more likely to develop heart disease than those who had good oral hygiene.

The study of more than 11,000 adults supports the link between gum disease and cardiovascular problems, but the researchers said more studies must be conducted before a definite link can be confirmed.

Judy O’Sullivan, senior cardiac nurse at the BHF, suggested that inflammation resulting from bacteria in the mouth could be contributing to a heightened risk of heart disease.

She added: “However, it is complicated by the fact that poor oral hygiene is often associated with other well-known risk factors for heart disease, such as smoking and poor diet.”