http://www.halifaxlive.com/artman/publish/teeth_heart_020805_37002.shtml

Brush Your Teeth To Fight Heart Disease
By Staff
Feb 8, 2005, 10:15

Everyone knows brushing your teeth is good for your smile, but new data
suggests it might fight heart disease. Researchers have found an
association between bacteria in the mouth that causes periodontal
disease and heart disease.

The study authors say their findings are the first to report an
association between cardiovascular disease and the bacteria involved in
gum disease.

The Columbia University study led by Dr. Moise Desvarieux found people
with high amounts of gum disease bacteria in their mouths also had
thicker carotid arteries, a strong indication of stroke and heart
attack.

For their findings, the team measured oral bacteria levels and carotid
artery thickness in 657 older adults with no history of heart attack or
stroke.

After adjusting their data for risk factors that might skew their data,
such as smoking and diabetes, the team found the higher the levels of
four periodontal disease causing bacteria, the more likely people were
to have thicker carotid arteries.

The four types of bacteria associated with heart disease are,
Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis,
Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola

Their research appears in the journal Circulation.

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Interesting.... refined carbs lead to caries by encouraging the growth
of these bacteria. Those with these bacteria have thicker carotid
arteries and higher risk of heart disease. Therefore we can see a
definite connection between a high carb diet and heart disease. Another
clear marker for heart disease.

TC