For a long time we've known that bacteria may affect the heart.

Now evidence is mounting that suggests people with periodontal disease -- a bacterial infection, may be more at risk for heart disease, and have nearly twice the risk of having a fatal heart attack that patients without periodontal disease.

While more research is needed to confirm how periodontal bacteria may affect your heart, one possibility is that periodontal bacteria enter the blood through inflamed gums and cause small blood clots that contribute to clogged arteries.

Another possibility is that the inflammation caused by periodontal disease contributes to the buildup of fatty deposits inside heart arteries.

One out of every 5 Americans has one or more types of heart disease. If you are one of these Americans, or if you are at risk for periodontal disease, see a periodontist for a periodontal evaluation -- because healthy gums may lead to a healthier body.

Pregnancy & Periodontal Disease
It's possible that if you have periodontal disease and are pregnant, you may be at risk for having a premature, low birthweight baby...

For a long time we've known that many risk factors contribute to mothers having babies that are born prematurely at a low birthweight -- smoking, alcohol use, drug use and infections.

Now evidence is mounting that suggests a new risk factor -- periodontal disease. Pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that is born too early and too small.

More research is needed to confirm how periodontal disease may affect pregnancy outcomes. What we do know is that periodontal disease is an infection and all infections are cause for concern among pregnant women because they pose a risk to the health of the baby.

If you are planning to become pregnant or are at risk for periodontal disease, be sure to include a periodontal evaluation with a periodontist as part of your prenatal care -- because healthy gums may lead to a healthier body and a healthy baby.

Diabetes & Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that, left untreated, may increase in severity. As a diabetic, you are at higher risk for developing these types of infections, which can impair your ability to process and/or utilize insulin. This may cause your diabetes to be more diffcult to control and your infection to be more severe than a non-diabetic.

In addition to increased susceptibility to periodontal disease, diabetics, especially uncontrolled diabetics, may experience one or more of the following:

Delayed wound healing
Any type of wound usually takes longer to heal in diabetics than in non-diabetics.

Decreased or diminished flow of saliva
Reduction in saliva may lead to an increased amount of plaque and calculus (this, in turn, may increase your chances for developing periodontal disease and cavities). Some medications also can contribute to reduced saliva production.

Increased sugars in the gingival fluid
Some studies indicate that sugars in gingival fluid (the fluid in the space between the gum and tooth) can contribute to increased plaque, as well as the development of periodontal disease and cavities.

Finally, maintaining control of your blood sugar levels will help you resist a periodontal infection. If you having problems keeping your diabetes under control, your periodontal treatment will be less predictable and may take longer to heal. You periodontist and physician will need to work together to help you control both your diabetes and your gum disease.

Respiratory & Periodontal Disease
It's possible that if you have periodontal disease, you may be at risk for respiratory disease.

For a long time we've know that people who smoke, are elderly, or have other health problems that suppress the immune system, are at increased risk for the development of respiratory diseases like pneumonia, bronchitis, amphysema and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Now growing research is beginning to suggest a new risk factor -- periodontal disease. If you have periodontal disease, you may be at increased risk for respiratory disease.

More research is needed to confirm how periodontal disease may put people at increased risk for respiratory disease. What we do know is that infections in the mouth, like periodontal disease, are associated with increased risk of respiratory infection.