Can a dental visit save your life?

Possibly. New medical research has shown a direct link between the bacteria that cause gum disease and the inflammation found in clogged arteries leading to heart disease. So by finding out if you have gum disease (and 75-80% of the adult population does) and then treating it, you can lower one of the risk factors for heart attack.

Even if you don't have many of the better known risk factors, like obesity and smoking, having gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) can still leave you at risk. Even a history of heart disease in your family puts you at greater risk of gum disease affecting your overall health.