Failing to brush teeth properly linked with increase risk of heart attack

Failing to brush your teeth properly can increase the risk of a heart attack by half, according to new research. A study has found that if two specific bacteria are found in the mouth there is a greater chance of a heart attack. One bacterium increased the chance of a heart attack by 50 per cent and the other by 35 per cent.

Previous research has suggested that inflammation caused by gum disease can affect blood vessels and cause furring of the ateries in a similar way to cholesterol.

The study conducted by the University of Buffalo and presented at the International Association of Dental Research in Miami involved 386 people who had suffered a non-fatal heart attack were examined in comparison to 840 healthy people.



Bacteria in the mouth was significantly associated with heart attacks even when other factors known to contribute to poor heart health such as havee high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, body weight and smoking, were adjusted for.

The subjects found to have Tannerella forsythensis were 53 per cent more likely to be in the group who had suffered a heart attack and those with Prevotella intermedia were 35 per cent more likely to be in that group than in the control group.

Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, said: "This study adds to the mounting evidence supporting the knowledge that oral health has a major effect on the rest of the body."