Regular trips to the dentist cut heart attack risk by a quarter

Visiting a dental hygienist isn’t just good for your teeth – it could also protect your heart, researchers claim.

They found that those who have their teeth professionally cleaned and polished at least once a year cut their risk of a heart attack by nearly a quarter.

And they are 13 per cent less likely to have a stroke compared to those who have never had the treatment. Scientists have known for several years that the condition of teeth and gums is strongly linked to the likelihood of heart problems.

Not brushing properly causes plaque to build up, which leads to gum disease.

Bacteria then enter the blood stream via the gums, and it is thought that this

causes artery walls to become inflamed, which can

trigger heart attacks or strokes. The bacteria may also contribute to the buildup of fatty deposits in the

bloodstream, which can also lead to heart problems.