Healthy Heart Stems to your Gum?

A genetic link between gum disease and heart disease has recently been investigated by researchers in Germany. Periodontitis has always been known to have links to heart disease, but the reason why has puzzled researchers and physicians for years. But now this study claims to know the genetic link. A BBC News report, "Researchers have shown similarities between the bacteria found in the oral cavity and those in coronary plaques and both diseases are characterised by an imbalanced immune reaction and chronic inflammation. One theory is that the bacteria involved in gum disease trigger a low grade inflammatory response throughout the body, prompting changes in the arteries leading to strokes and heart attacks" Both coronary artery disease and gum disease seem to have the same risk factors: smoking, diabetes and obesity according the BBC Report, and now with this link physicians are hoping they can learn how to aid in prevention and treatment for both diseases.