Any arteries in the body can be blocked (narrowed and hardened), and depending on where, this may cause different problems over time, such as stroke (brain), heart attack (heart) or thrombus (leg). Inflammation plays an important role in the development of blocked arteries.
Expert opinion suggests that people with gum disease are at higher risk for many of these diseases, and reports show that professional treatment results in reduced inflammation in the blood for patients suffering from atherosclerosis.
Professional treatment of gum disease and good oral hygiene will result in a healthier mouth with less inflammation, which is a benefit to everyone.