Studies show a direct connection between people who have periodontal disease and those that suffer from heart disease and diabetes. Severe periodontal disease can cause an increase in blood sugar levels which worsens the diabetes condition. People with poorly controlled diabetes are more susceptible to infections like periodontal disease. In fact, Periodontal disease is one of the sixth complications of diabetes. In other words: having periodontal disease will worsen your diabetes, and uncontrolled diabetes will likely make periodontal disease worse. There is also strong evidence of a connection between periodontal disease and heart problems. Bacteria from your mouth can enter the blood stream and attach to fatty plaque in your coronary artery (heart arteries). This thick plaque attaches to the arterial wall and can cause blood clot and heart attack. Inflammation caused by periodontal disease also increases plaque production and subsequent heart problems. Research shows that people with Periodontal disease are twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those with a healthy mouth. Keeping up with your scheduled teeth cleaning, and brushing and flossing daily is the simplest way to avoid periodontal disease. If you see swollen/red gums and bleeding while brushing and flossing or have any concerns, please contact our office for a checkup. Let’s start 2011 with healthy smile and healthy body.