Could Periodontal Disease Be Putting Your Heart Health at Risk?

Researchers have been assessing a potential connection between periodontal (gum) disease and cardiovascular disease for decades. Periodontal disease begins with the build up of a sticky, bacteria-ridden plaque substance on the teeth. Heart disease starts with the build up of a different type of plaque comprised of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other blood-based substances in the arteries.