If you’re looking to keep a healthy heart, don’t forget to brush.  A study published in the medical journal BMJ found that those who rarely or never brushed their teeth were 70 percent more likely to suffer a heart attack, stroke or other event compared to those who brushed their teeth twice a day. The study surveyed 12,000 people living in Scotland for an 8-year span.

The findings aren’t surprising considering that studies have shown a link between gum disease and heart disease. Gum inflammation caused by gingivitis can spread throughout the body and contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries. Gingivitis has been shown to increase the risk of heart disease by 44 percent for those under 65.

So in addition to diet and exercise, you can add “brush at least twice a day” to your list of heart-healthy activities.