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Being lazy can increase the risk of gum disease by up to 40 percent, a new study suggests.

Researchers linked higher rates of moderate to severe gum disease to low levels of exercise in men aged 45 and 65.

The latest study involved 72 healthy men who mostly worked office jobs and who did not in any sporting activity.  Researchers at Hanover Medical School in Germany assessed the men's gums during an exercise test. The study linked high age and low levels of physical activity to moderate to severe gum disease.

Gum disease is very common, and is the major cause of tooth loss in adults. However, the disease develops slowly and can be slowed to a rate that allows people to keep most of their teeth for the rest of their life.

Past studies revealed that exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can cut people's risk of developing gum disease by 40 percent.

Experts said the latest findings highlight the importance of living a healthy lifestyle and oral hygiene.

"People see the health of their mouth and the health of their body as two very different things, but it is becoming increasingly clear that this just isn't the case. This research pinpoints a very high-risk group who need to review their current habits," said Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, according to the Daily Mail. "Whether you have concerns about the state of your teeth or your general health and fitness, you need to consider the bigger picture."

"We already know that poor oral health can have a negative effect on the rest of your body and the fact that gum disease increases your chances of developing heart disease, heart attacks, diabetes, strokes and low birth weight babies needs to be taken very seriously indeed," he added.

" To stay healthy you need to adopt a good routine that includes, but isn't limited to, brushing for two minutes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cutting down how often you have sugary foods and drinks and visiting the dentist regularly, as often as they recommend," he concluded.

The findings are published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology.