We all know that bad dental hygiene can give you bad breath, yellow teeth, and cavities. But now it turns out that consequences of bad dental hygiene can impact more than just the health of your mouth. A recent study found that people who do not brush their teeth twice a day actually have a 70 percent higher chance of heart disease than people who do.

The first step to preventing a cavity is recognizing what it is. A cavity is a hole in your tooth caused by the buildup of plaque or chunks of food. Acid found in the plaque works to eat away at the enamel of your tooth, causing little holes. So what can be done to prevent cavities?

When a dentist tells you to brush and floss twice a day, they are being serious. Failure to do so can result in bad breath, cavities, and even increased risk of heart disease.