The Patient

Sometimes inflammation and infection can make the blood more likely to clot, causing a stroke. If serious dental problems persist untreated for a long time, the inflammation and infection that result from unhealthy teeth and gums can make an ischemic stroke more likely.

Gum disease (periodontitis) is associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease. Poor dental health increases the risk of a bacterial infection in the blood stream, which can affect the heart valves. Oral health may be particularly important if you have artificial heart valves.

Researchers have determined how a type of bacteria commonly found in the mouth accelerates the growth of colon cancer. Researchers at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine have determined how F. nucleatum -- a common oral bacteria often implicated in tooth decay -- accelerates the growth of colon cancer.

It's important for you to take good care of your teeth and gums while pregnant. Pregnancy causes hormonal changes that increase the risk of developing gum disease which, in turn, can affect the health of your developing baby. Below are some tips to help you maintain good oral health before, during, and after pregnancy

If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), your oral health is at risk. Both RA and gum disease are linked to severe inflammation, which is your body's natural immune response to prevent foreign bodies like viruses and bacteria.

Poor oral health may interfere with blood pressure control in people diagnosed with hypertension. Periodontal disease — a condition marked by gum infection, gum inflammation and tooth damage — appears to worsen blood pressure and interferes with hypertension treatment.

A high sugar diet, often the cause of obesity, can lead to a higher risk of tooth decay and cavities, especially in children. With greater access to food with high sugar, the risk of building plaque on your teeth is much higher.

A Journal of Clinical Periodontology study showed that people with kidney disease and/or who are on dialysis are more likely to have oral health problems like periodontal (gum) disease than those with no kidney issues.

People with diabetes have a higher chance of having periodontal (gum) disease, an infection of the gum and bone that hold the teeth in place. Periodontal disease can lead to pain, bad breath that doesn't go away, chewing difficulties, and even tooth loss.

A recent analysis led by NIA scientists suggests that bacteria that cause gum disease are also associated with the development of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, especially vascular dementia.