Brush your teeth -- it could save your life!

Now there are more reasons to brush and floss your teeth than just having bad breath and food stuck in your back molars. Research out of Buffalo University in New York is leading some to believe that the more germs in your mouth, the more likley you are to have a heart attack! Now if that doesn't make you want to floss, nothing will! 

Buffalo University researchers announced the results of several studies showing a link between two specific germs, Tannerella Forsynthesis and Preventella Intermedia, that cause gum disease and the risk of developing heart failure today in a press release. The actual study will be released at the International Association of Dental Research (IADR) General Session in Miami, Fla. this week/weekend.

Researchers followed 386 men and women who had already had a heart attack and are between 35 and 69 years old, as well as 840 people who had never had any heart issues. The researchers took samples of plague from 12 different spots within the participants' mouths and found an increase in the number of different periodontal bacteria directly corresponded to increased odds of having a heart attack.

So buy that extra toothbrush for after lunch and don't forget to use that floss people! It could save your life!