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lost teeth may help predict those at risk of heart trouble. Research from Seoul National University Hospital, in South Korea, based on 4.4 million people, shows each tooth lost is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular problems. Patients who received dental examinations and check-ups were monitored for nearly eight years for changes in their health. The results showed that each missing tooth was associated with a 1 per cent increase in heart attack risk, a 1.5 per cent increase in heart failure and a 2 per cent increase in premature mortality from any cause. Previous studies have linked gum disease and tooth decay with increased inflammation, which may be involved in cardiovascular disease.