Research has shown that over 90 percent of all systemic diseases are linked to oral symptoms. In other words a sore or painful jaw could indicate an impending heart attack or heart disease and dry mouth could be a sign of diabetes. Studies have also suggested that people who have periodontal disease (gum disease) seem to be at a higher risk for heart attacks, high blood pressure, pre-term low birth weight babies and diabetes. Yet, while signs in the mouth can help diagnose problems in the body, the question still remains, can gum disease and bacteria in the mouth really cause other possibly life threatening health issues? In this article I will focus on heart disease.

Congestive heart failure affects more than three million people in the United States, with approximately 400,000 new cases each year and three out four adults are affected by gum disease at some point in their life. However, according to a study that appears in General Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry's clinical, peer reviewed journal, "A number of clinical studies have demonstrated that the two diseases are associated…a cause and effect has yet to be shown."

The current theory is that bacteria present in infected gums can come loose and move throughout the body. The same bacteria that cause gum disease and irritate gums might travel to arteries. If bacteria reach the arteries, they can irritate them in the same way that they irritate gum tissue. This could cause arterial plaque to accumulate, which can cause hardening of the arteries and decreased or blocked blood flow. Compromised blood flow to the heart can cause a heart attack. It is commonly agreed in the medical community that no single risk factor is responsible for coronary atherosclerosis, the hardening or narrowing of the arteries, which is the major cause of heart attacks but it appears that bacteria from the mouth play a part.

Whatever the case, symptom or oral health concern, your general dentist is usually the first to detect serious problems that may require the attention of a physician and regular dental visits as prescribed by your dentist may very well help to eliminate long term overall health problems.

Dr. Robert A. Gallegos is a Fellow of the American Academy of General Dentistry, he is on the faculty of the Scottsdale Center for Dentistry where he Assistant Faculty in cosmetic and advanced dentistry, he is a mentor at the Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education and a general member or Fellow of several dental groups including the American Dental Association. Dr. Gallegos practices dentistry in Middleburg, VA. You can learn more about his practice at www.MiddleburgSmiles.com.