Linkage grows between heart and mouthCardiovascular disease (CVD) and periodontal disease are among the most prevalent conditions affecting adults today. Up to 80 million (one of every three) adults have cardiac disease. 38.2 million are under the age of 60. Periodontal disease affects as many as 75% of adults in the United States.Recent clinical studies confirm a strong connection between the two diseases. Desvarieux, et al. in 2005, studied the relationship between periodontal bacteria and atherosclerosis (increased carotid artery intima-media thickness; i.e., narrowing of the artery leading to ischemia and “heart attacks”). He found that periodontal infections can contribute to CVD morbidity (death) and that the chronic oral (periodontal) infection can be a possible mechanism causing CVD.In April 2009, Piconi, et al., published a study showing that treatment of periodontal disease resulted in improvement in atherosclerosis and reduced narrowing of the carotid artery (intima-media thickness). In laymen’s terms, treat the gum problems and even those already with heart disease can see improvements. The results clearly indicated a strict association existing between periodontal disease and atherosclerosis, suggesting that periodontal disease is an independent risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis and is a significant predisposition for the disease!