People who brush their teeth less than twice a day have a 70% increased risk of heart disease

A Scottish national population based survey examined if self reported toothbrushing behaviour is associated with cardiovascular disease and markers of inflammation (C reactive protein) and coagulation (fibrinogen).

Participants were 12,000 men and women, mean age 50. Oral hygiene was assessed from self reported frequency of toothbrushing. There were a total of 555 cardiovascular disease events over an average of 8 years of follow-up, of which 170 were fatal.

Participants who reported poor oral hygiene (never/rarely brushed their teeth) had an increased risk of a cardiovascular disease event (hazard ratio 1.7).

They also had increased concentrations of both C reactive protein and fibrinogen.

Poor oral hygiene is associated with higher levels of risk of cardiovascular disease and low grade inflammation, though the causal nature of the association is yet to be determined.

References:
Toothbrushing, inflammation, and risk of cardiovascular disease: results from Scottish Health Survey. BMJ 2010;340:c2451.

Image source: Cross-section of a tooth with visible gums, or gingiva, Wikipedia, GNU Free Documentation License.