Loosing more than 2 teeth in middle age increases heart disease risk

Loosing more that two teeth in middle age increases risk of heart disease by 25%, The Sun reported.

Researchers in the US came to the conclusion after studying people within the ages of 45 and 69 who had no sign of heart disease. The study examined their heart health and tooth loss over the period of eight years.

Participants at the beginning of the study has 25 to 32 teeth had a 23% risk of heart disease if they lost two or more teeth. Those who only had 17 at the onset had a 25% risk of the disease.

"Previous research has also found that dental health issues are associated with elevated risk of cardiovascular disease," Professor of epidemiology at Tulane Dr Lu Qi is quoted as saying by The Sun.

Adding, "However, most of that research looked at cumulative tooth loss over a lifetime, which often includes teeth lost in childhood due to cavities, trauma and orthodontics."

There was no difference in the results even when researchers factored in weight, exercise, diet and cholesterol levels.