Scientific studies have been done which have established an association between gum disease(periodontitis) and cardiovascular disease. While the exact mechanism which links gum disease and cardiovascular disease has not been firmly established, the association between the two disease entities is cause for concern. In our health-conscious society, it is being recommended that patients with cardiovascular disease and especially those with heart valve deficiencies and/or replacements be monitored more thorougly regarding their periodontal status.

The primary association between heart disease and strokes and periodontal disease appears to be the relationship between inflammation (infection) and the production of C-reactive protein.Any inflammation in the body produces C-reactive protein. In studies at Harvard University, C-reactive protein has had a stronger relationship between heart attacks and strokes than high cholesterol levels - the predictability of heart attacks and strokes was twice as great as it related to C-reactive protein than was the association with cholesterol levels.