Reuters
Washington, Feb. 8

PEOPLE with more bacteria in their mouths also have more evidence of heart disease, researchers said on Monday in a study strengthening the evidence for a link between gum disease and heart disease.
  
The study of 657 people who had no history of stroke or heart attack showed that people with more bacteria that cause periodontal disease also had thicker carodit arteries - a strong indicator of clogged blood vessels.

In the American Heart Association's journal Circulation, the team at Columbia University in New York said the association held even when other heart risk factors were taken into account.

"This is the most direct evidence yet that gum disease may lead to stroke or cardiovascular disease" said Dr.Moise Desverieux at Columbia University Medical Center, who led the study.

"And because gum infections are preventable and treatable, taking care of your oral health could very well have a significant impact on your cardiovascular health."