'Ere, what's all this about gum disease and heart disease then?

There have been reports in the popular press of studies that appear to show some relationship between gum disease and heart disease. A blood protein (C reactive protein - aka CRP) seems to have a relationship with heart disease and some studies have shown a reduction in the levels of CRP after treatment for gum disease is started. BUT there are other studies that fail to find any link between heart disease and gum disease, or a weak link.

So the jury is still out. Still healthy gums are better than poorly ones. Get flossing.