Over 35 million Americans suffer from periodontal disease, and heart disease is the number one killer in this country
While the link between these two diseases is becoming clearer, the potential for lowering the risk of heart attack also becomes more obvious.

Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria that live in the plaque on your teeth. For some time now, researchers knew that patients with periodontal disease were twice as likely to also suffer from heart disease, but they didn't know why. New research has provided evidence of a clear and convincing reason.

It seems that porphyromanas gingivalis -- the bacteria that cause gum disease - cause platelets in the blood stream to clump together, raising the risk of heart attack. The study that discovered this used bacteria samples from patients' mouths and then introduced them to human blood platelets. Other studies have shown that whe these bacteria are injected into the bloodstream, clotting occurs almost immediately.

Plaque buildup in arteries can lead to stroke, as well as heart attack. Furthermore, periodontal disease and the bacteria which cause it have been linked to another heart disease known as infective endocarditis, which cause inflammation around the heart. Other problems that may be related to bacterial plaque include a weak immune system, premature babies and babies with low birth weights, and lung diseases.

Of course, flossing just once a day is still the best way to battle dental plaque. If traditional floss is difficult for you to use, floss threaders and other manual implements are available to help. There are also many electronic systems that can aid in plaque removal. Regular professional cleanings can remove plaque you've missed and improve your chances of healthy gums. and, it appears that healthy gums can also mean a healthier heart.

For years, we've been instructing patients to brush regularly and well, and telling them to floss daily. Our aim was to save teeth, but we're glad to know we may have been helping to save lives in the process.

Whether or not you have dental insurance, preventative dentistry is still a bargain.
The yearly costs of cleaning, exams and x-rays are minimal compared to the costs of going without them. Restorative work on neglected teeth can be expensive when severe damage has been done.

Many patients who don't have dental insurance forego getting the regular treatment they need. Inside their mouths, however, the battle rages on. Plaque builds up, bacteria thrive, and eventually cavities and periodontal disease wreak havoc. By the time many patients reach us, they're in significant pain, and extensive work is needed to save their teeth.

Consider the other expenses in your life. If you can afford cable TV or a monthly trip to the hairdresser, you can probably afford preventive dental care. In fact, the money you invest in preventive care is similar to dental insurance, because it helps you avoid

costlier work down the road. The amount you would pay each year is minimal when compared to the cost of root canal work and a crown to completely restore the tooth.

We think that you'll agree that preventive dental care is an important item to include in your budget. Remember, the bacteria that attack your teeth don't know or care whether you have dental insurance. Without regular cleanings, they'll simply continue to populate the tartar on your teeth until they've cause major damage. With a little regular help from us now, you can avoid needing a lot of help later on.