Plaque doesn't just build up on your gums, it builds up in your arteries, too. According to a new study, tooth loss from gum disease could be an increased risk factor in developing heart disease. Likelihood of plaque build up in the arteries corresponds directly to the number of teeth lost.All participants in the study were over age 55 and had no history of heart disease. Researchers documented how many times they brushed and flossed a week, and also searched for plaque build up in their arteries using an ultrasound. Out of the 700 participants, 45 percent of those missing zero to nine teeth had arterial plaque deposits. Of those missing 10 or more teeth, 60 percent had plaque deposits.
