Back in the early 1800s, a theory called “focal sepsis” maintained that infections in the mouth led to disease in the rest of the body. Today, scientific evidence backs up this theory, providing more reason than ever for people to brush and floss their teeth. According to a study of nearly 12,000 adults, those with poor oral hygiene had a 70 percent greater risk of heart disease than those who brushed twice a day and were less likely to have unhealthy gums. Healthy gums are important because gum disease increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes since the inflammation associated with gum disease plays a role in the buildup of clogged arteries. Good oral health promotes overall health.

P.S. Research shows that people with poor oral hygiene test positive for two factors called C-reactive protein and fibrinogen, both of which signal inflammation in the body.