lasergumdentist.com How Your Dentist Could Save Your Life More info lasergumdentist.com Plenty of evidence now shows that the state of your teeth and gums have a serious impact on your overall health, writes DR MERVYN DRUIAN. Gum disease, for example, is linked to a raised risk of heart disease, stroke and premature birth. Here’s why you should make sure you are up-to-date with your dental appointments. HEART DISEASE It sounds unlikely, but bad teeth, bleeding gums and poor dental hygiene can end up causing heart disease. Several studies confirm a link between gum disease and atherosclerosis, a narrowing of the blood vessels that can lead to heart attack. The problem is that bleeding gums provide an entry into the blood for up to 700 different types of bacteria found in the mouth. Microbiologists at the University of Bristol have discovered that when bacteria get into the bloodstream, they stick to tiny fragments called platelets, causing them to clot. This can lead to partial blockages of blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease and heart attack. So it does not matter how fit, slim or healthy you are, your chances of getting heart disease are increased by having bad teeth. STROKE Brush your teeth well and floss regularly to protect your brain. Poor tooth brushing and bleeding, infected gums raises your risk of stroke in the same way as it does heart disease – by allowing bacteria into the bloodstream. A study published in the journal Stroke found that stroke …