Researchers are finding possible links between periodontal infections and other diseases throughout the body. Current studies suggest that there may be a link between periodontal (gum) disease, heart disease and other health conditions. In fact, research suggests that "gum disease" may be a more serious risk factor for heart disease than hypertension, smoking, cholesterol, gender or age.
New studies suggest that people who have "gum disease" seem to be at a higher risk for heart attacks, although no one is certain how this relationship works. Your oral health affects your overall health, but the studies that will find exactly why these problems are linked are still underway.
The dominant theory is that bacteria in infected gums comes loose and moves throughout the body. The same bacteria that cause "gum disease" and irritation to your gums might travel to your arteries.
Researchers are unsure what causes the bacteria to become mobile, but it has been suggested that bacteria can be dislodged during tasks as simple as brushing, flossing, or even chewing.
Once bacteria reaches the arteries, they can irritate them in the same way that they irritate gum tissue. This could cause arterial plaque to accumulate in the arteries, leading to hardening, blocked blood flow, and eventually a heart attack. Arterial plaque can come loose and travel to other parts of the body. If this plaque stops in the brain, it could cause a stroke.
Sources: American Heart Association Journal of the American Dental Assoc. American Dental Hygienists' Assoc. CDA Journal 2000 National Institute of Dental & Cranial Research