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Posted on Sep 19, 2002, 5 p.m.
By Bill Freeman
Researchers have found that infected gums can release bacterial poisons called endotoxins into the bloodstream. According to lead study author Dr. Eric H. Rompen, of the University of Liege in Belgium, "The mouth can be a major source of chronic or permanent release of toxic bacterial components in the bloodstream during normal oral functions.
Researchers have found that infected gums can release bacterial poisons called endotoxins into the bloodstream. According to lead study author Dr. Eric H. Rompen, of the University of Liege in Belgium, "The mouth can be a major source of chronic or permanent release of toxic bacterial components in the bloodstream during normal oral functions." Rompen and his colleagues found that people with severe gum disease were nearly four-times more likely than people with healthy gums to have significant levels of endotoxins in their bloodstream after chewing gum. He believes that his findings may help to explain the apparent link between gum disease and cardiovascular disease.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Journal of Periodontology 2002; 73:73-78
