Tooth scaling may lower heart risk while gum disease predicts type of risk

Researchers in Taiwan find that dental patients who had their teeth cleaned and scaled professionally had reduced risks of heart attack and stroke, while researchers in Sweden find that the type of periodontal or gum disease may predict degree of risks for heart attack, stroke and heart failure.

Both studies are presented this week at the American Heart Association's (AHA's) Scientific Sessions 2011, which are running from November 12-16, in Orlando, Florida. Abstracts of their reports are available to view online in the AHA journal Circulation.