Dental Health Tips:

Health Tip:

The mouth:
a window to the body

Researchers have found connections between periodontal (gum) infections and other diseases throughout the body, suggesting a link between gum disease, heart disease and other health conditions.

Research suggests that gum disease may be as serious a risk factor for heart disease as hypertension, smoking, cholesterol, gender and age. Those with gum disease seem to be at higher risk for heart attacks. Possible explanations involve mouth bacteria that loosen and flow to the arteries, creating arterial plaque.

If your dentist diagnoses you with gum disease, inform your medical health care professional, as well.