If eyes are the window to the soul then gums are a peephole to the heart, according to a leading New Zealand oral health expert who is calling for gum disease to be recognised as a possible risk factor for heart disease. Professor Greg Seymour, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Otago, says a multidisciplinary international study found a link between oral health and heart disease that should not be ignored. “A relatively large number of epidemiological studies have shown a significant association between poor oral health and fatal coronary events”, says Professor Seymour. People with severe chronic periodontitis (a severe form of gum disease) are reported to have a significantly increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including plaque build up in the arteries (atherosclerosis) and heart attack (myocardial infarction). According to the New Zealand Dental Association, common warning signs of gum disease include red, swollen or tender gums, bleeding while brushing, gums that pull away from the teeth, loose or separating teeth and persistent bad breath. A few simple steps can reduce the chance of developing gum disease:

• Brush twice daily. Make sure all surfaces of the teeth, especially near the gums are cleaned free of plaque.
• Floss or use interdental brushes to clean between teeth.
• Visit the dentist for regular check-ups.