Previous studies have found the incidences of heart disease are about twice as high in people with periodontal (gum) disease, but until recently no plausible cause had been suggested. Now studies indicate that the most common strain of bacteria in dental plaque may cause blood clots. "Gum" infections cause these blood clots to escape into the bloodstream where they cause a myriad of health problems. There is a definite correlation between to these blood clots the increased risk of heart attacks and other heart illnesses.

People with periodontal disease (over one half the adult population) have an infection that causes chronic inflammation of the gums. Also, it is a path for these bacteria to enter the bloodstream.
A recent study describes the association between heart disease and gum disease to be at least as strong as the link between heart disease and cholesterol, body weight, or smoking.