People who don’t brush their teeth twice a day have an increased risk of heart disease, scientists said of Friday, adding scientific weight to 19th century theories about oral health and chronic disease.

British researchers studied nearly 12,000 adults in Scotland and found those with poor oral hygiene had a 70% extra risk of heart disease compared with those who brushed twice a day and who were less likely to have unhealthy gums.

People with gum disease are more likely to develop heart disease and diabetes because inflammation in the body, including in the mouth and gums, plays a role in the build up of clogged arteries, said Richard Watt from University College London, who led the study.

The 70% extra risk compares to a 135% extra risk of heart disease in those who smoke, he said.

Although the overall risk was low — with a total of 555 heart attacks or other serious coronary problems among 11,869 people – the effect of same league,” Watt said

The study doesn’t prove that brushing your teeth leads to lower heart disease.

“But…even after controlling for all those things there is still a relationship between this very simple measure of tooth brushing and heart condition,” Watt told Reuters.

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