Cleaned teeth are more than just a pretty sight and a protection against caries. Those who allow bacteria to multiply double their risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Pregnant women who do not take care of their teeth are more likely to have miscarriages and also put the health of their babies at risk, The grave consequences of tooth plaque for health are currently being investigated at several US universities. The results of the first completed study were presented at the 150th annual conference of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in Philadelphia.