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Eating junk food can cause poor oral health, which can lead to heart disease.

Previous studies have linked poor oral health to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Experts said that the association between oral hygiene and heart disease should make cutting sugars in junk food and beverages an important health policy target.

Researchers explain that not taking care of oral hygiene and eating too much sugar can cause periodontal disease where the supporting bone around the teeth is destroyed. This can then lead to chronic infection from gum disease, which can trigger an inflammatory response that can trigger called atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries.

"As well as having high levels of fats and salt, junk foods often contain a great deal of sugar and the effect this has on oral health may be an important additional mechanism by which junk food elevates risk of CVD," Dr. Ahmed Rashid, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, who co-wrote the paper published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, said in a news release.

"Among different types of junk food, soft drinks have raised particular concerns and are the main source of free sugar for many individuals," Rashid added. "The UK population should be encouraged to reduce fizzy drink intake and improve oral hygiene. Reducing sugar consumption and managing dental problems early could help prevent heart problems later in life."