Recent university based scientific studies have linked periodontal disease to heart attacks and strokes. Many years ago one of the Mayo Brothers, great American physicians, said that good dental health could extend a patient's life ten (10) years. However, it wasn't known why. Was the increase in length of life due to better chewing and digestion? Was it because people with their natural teeth could get out, exercise, and enjoy the company of others without embarrassment?

          We now know that it could have been because people with good teeth and healthy gums have less harmful bacteria entering their bloodstream. These oral bacteria enter the body through diseased, swollen, and inflamed gums. Our body then attacks the bacterial invaders. A harmful thing that happens is that a blood clots form around invading dental bacteria. These clots can get big and patients can throw a clot into their brains and have strokes. A clot can be thrown into the heart and cause a heart attack.

          Could it really be that hardening of the arteries is the way that our heart prevents oral bacteria from crawling through it's arteries and setting up massive infections in the heart?

          Because of this new information, it's important that patients with periodontal problems have their needed gum treatment completed. Many physicians, espcially surgeons, are now having a dentist evaluate their surgical patients before surgery in an effort to decrease post operative problems.  The dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being. You are welcome to join our family of patients.