WHEN GUMS SPEAK VOLUMES     

April’s 2007 edition of The Journal of Periodontology had two studies that showed periodontal bacteria (bugs normally found in inflamed gums) in the arteries of people with heart disease and in the placentas of pregnant women with high blood pressure.

It is still too soon to say with certainty that gum disease directly causes other illnesses, but the evidence is compelling.

Other than bleeding, gum disease has few symptoms and rarely causes much discomfort.

For more information on gum disease:

·        A special issue of Scientific American that explores the oral-systemic health link: www.ada.org/prof/resources/pubs/adanewsarticle.asp?articleid=2127

·        The American Academy of Periodontology, which provides information on gum disease and how to find a periodontist: www.perio.org

·        Two studies on the link between gum health and other illnesses at www.joponline.org