New research links gum disease to increased heart attack risk

New Swedish research has found that those with advanced gum disease, or periodontitis, are more susceptible to having a heart attack.

The mounting body of evidence has revealed that poor dental hygiene can increase the risk of heart disease by up to 28 percent.

“The bacteria that are causing advanced gum disease migrate into the blood stream and they circulate, causing a chronic inflammatory response,” Sydney Dental Hospital Associate Professor Axel Spahr told 9NEWS.

About 22 percent of Australians have moderate to severe gum disease, with males diagnosed more than females.

The prevalence increases with age.

Professor Jamie Vandenberg from the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute says researchers from Australia and around the world are continuing to work out why chronic inflammation increases the risk of heart attack.

“If we can understand how it is that chronic inflammation contributes to the cause of heart disease then we can try and design therapies to intervene in that process,” Mr Vandenberg said.

Patients are urged to have their teeth screened once a year.