Brits at risk

The study, which questioned more than 2,000 people in the UK, found:

18-24 year olds were least likely to know about the link between oral health and heart disease, with three in five (60 per cent) unaware of the risk;

One in five (21 per cent) of people visit the dentist less than once every two years or never.

Dr Steve Preddy, dental clinical director at Bupa UK said:

“Gum disease is an infection caused by bacteria from plaque build-up on your teeth. In some patients with gum disease, the body over-reacts to the bacteria around the gums and causes too much inflammation, in turn making the artery walls inflamed and narrowed. These changes lead to heart disease in the long term. Disease-causing bacteria in the mouth may also get into the bloodstream and this is believed to damage blood vessels in the heart over time.

“There are lots of studies which suggest a strong link between oral health and overall health. Despite this, half of Brits don’t realise that those with gum disease may have an increased risk of heart disease.