Recent research suggests potential links between the bacteria responsible for chronic oral infections and cardiovascular disease, stroke, low birth weight, and premature birth - Brief Article

Nutrition Health Review, Summer, 2003

Recent research suggests potential links between the bacteria responsible for chronic oral infections and cardiovascular disease, stroke, low birth weight, and premature birth. A link between periodontitis (a chronic bacterial infection affecting the gums and bone that support the teeth) and diabetes is well established.

(Sources: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 2000, Oral Health in America, Slavkin, H.C., & Baum, B.J. (2000). Journal of the American Medical Association 284, 1215-1217.)