Tooth Loss
The Doctors Study from Harvard School of Public Health
shows that people who have gum disease are at high risk for
having blocked arteries in their legs (Circulation, Volume 107,
Issue 8, 2003). Many previous studies have reported the
association between gum disease and heart attacks or strokes.
This study shows that men who suffer from gum disease have
one and a half times the chance of having blocked arteries to
their legs, while losing teeth from gum disease doubles chances.
Having lost a tooth in the last six years markedly increased a
person’s chances of having blocked arteries.
Recent research shows that inflammation is a stronger
predictor of heart attacks than cholesterol, and inflammation
is often caused by infection. If you have infected gums, a
check with your dentist could save your life.