Study Adds Evidence - Bad Teeth Equal Bad Heart
(Washington, Reuters Health, 2/7/05)

Dr. Moise Desvarieux of Columbia University Medical Center in New York, and team, examined 657 people who had no history of cardiovascular problems and found that those who had more of certain types of bacteria in their mouths also had thicker carotid arteries, as measured by ultrasound. Since thickening of the carotid artery, which leads from the heart to the brain, is a sign of cardiovascular disease, the scientists speculate that bacteria from gum infections can spread into the bloodstream where it triggers the immune system to produce chronic inflammation, which may, in turn, cause the arteries to become clogged. These findings suggest that proper oral hygiene may help prevent heart disease and stroke.

(Circulation, 2005)