There are some serious health problems that can be caused by bacteria entering the body through plaque and unhealthy gums.

Stroke – A new study of fatty deposits lodged in the carotid arteries of stroke sufferers showed that 40% of the bacteria that cause fatty deposits came from the mouth if the gums were inflamed.

Heart Disease – Bacteria from the mouth can get into the bloodstream, mixes with blood clotting cells called platelets, and causing clots to form in the heart vessels. These cause heart attacks and sometimes death. Keeping your gums healthy can reduce your risk of a heart attack.

Diabetes – The presence of any gum inflammation or infection can make it much more difficult for a diabetic to control their blood sugar. Elimination of this infection or inflammation can directly improve diabetic control.

Ulcers – These bacteria are swallowed and travel to the stomach where they cause ulcers to form in the stomach lining.

Pre-Term Births – Women with gum disease are 7-8 times more likely to deliver prematurely to low birth-weight babies.

Bacterial Infection of Damaged Heart Valves and Prosthetic Joints – Bacteria from the mouth can travel through the bloodstream to these locations causing a localized infection. In the case of the heart, it can easily be fatal. With prosthetic hips, knees, or other parts, the infection might cause the loss of the prosthesis.

Pancreatic Cancer - Recent studies show an increased risk of pancreatic cancer in those people who have gum disease.