There is compelling evidence that untreated peridontal disease is a risk factor for many systemic conditions, such as heart disease/stroke, diabetes, arthritis including rheumatoid arthritis, and gum disease even seems to increase the risk for pancreatic cancer. For example, untreated gum disease results in elevated C-reactive protein (Crp), and increasing Crp is linked to adverse outcomes and increased mortality with heart attacks and strokes. Guess what? The inflammation associated with gum disease that seems to entail the increased risk for these adverse outcomes is caused by the germs in one's plaque getting underneath the gumline. Bottom line? My very favorite lay press article on the issue summed it up with its headline: "Floss or Die"
What do you think?
