Stroke has multiple risk factors that you can control:

1. Gum disease
2. Poor diet
3. Obesity
4. High cholesterol
5. Diabetes
6. Cigarette smoking

Assess your risk for stroke by being aware of risk factors that you cannot control:

1. Age
2. Genetics
3. Gender [Read more →]

May is National Stroke Awareness Month and you should know that people with periodontal disease are at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease. The two conditions are related.

Studies by the American Academy of Periodontology, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research show that people with adult periodontitis may have an increased risk of having a fatal heart attack. They are more likely to be diagnosed with cardiovascular disease caused by bacteria from the mouth increasing clotting problems in the cardiovascular system.

The American Heart Association reports that high levels of C-reactive proteins increase heart attack risks by two (2) to five (5) times. [Read more →]