Gene links heart and gum disease

"A genetic link between dental disease and heart attacks has been found by German researchers. Gum disease - periodontitis - is known to be associated with heart disease but how exactly they are linked is unknown. Now the University of Kiel team has found a common gene mutation in people with periodontitis and heart attack patients, a conference heard. Study leader Dr Arne Schaefer said gum disease should be taken very seriously and treated as early as possible. Both coronary heart disease (CHD) and periodontitis are associated with the same risk factors - most importantly smoking, diabetes and obesity" - BBC