There is a ton of scientific evidence stating, yes indeed the mouth is connected to the rest of the body. What does this really mean? It means the bacteria in the mouth is shared throughout the rest of the body. If you have periodontal disease, that bacteria can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
A landmark study by Bale and Doneen linked specific periodontal pathogens to cardiovascular disease and stroke. P.S. if you would like to find out if those bacteria are present in your mouth come in and let me test your saliva with an Oral DNA test. More on that later.
In one study, 44 patients underwent endarterectomies (where they open and clean the carotid artery) 39 of the patients had periodontal disease. 36 of the 39 patients had specimens that were positive for oral pathogens. Yep, you read that right. Periodontal bacteria was in their carotid arteries!
Are you running for your toothbrush and floss yet?
