Does gum disease cause stroke and heart disease?

Gum disease has no relation to the development of stroke or heart disease, according to new research.

A study published in Circulation, an American Heart Association Journal, claims that treating gum disease cannot prevent stroke or atherosclerotic heart disease, nor can failing to address the problem lead to either condition.

This flies in the face of popular belief that good oral health can prevent the narrowing of arteries that leads to strokes and heart attacks.

Dr Peter Lockhart, co-chair of the statement writing group, commented explained that those who claim oral health can prevent such incidences "distort the facts, alarm patients and perhaps shift the focus on prevention away from well known risk factors for these diseases."

According to the study, previous investigations that showed a strong link between gum disease and cardiovascular complications failed to take into account the common risk factors, such as smoking and diabetes mellitus.

Nonetheless, it is still important for older adults to maintain good oral health to prevent infection and discomfort.

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