People with gum disease are at greater risk of heart disease and other systemic conditions, according to a new study. Diseased gums release more harmful bacterial components into the bloodstream than healthy gums; these substances can then travel to the heart and other organs and cause damage.

Although no absolute cause-and-effect relationship has yet been proven, research has established an association between gum disease and cardiovascular disease and stroke. Research has also shown that people with diabetes are more likely to have severe gum disease, and they can control their blood sugar levels more easily if their gum disease is treated.

Make a visit to your dentist a regular part of your health care to avoid increasing your risk any further.

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Source:  Slavkin HC. The 'mouth-body connection': is there one? FDA Consumer Magazine, May-June 2002.