Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that support the teeth.  It is mainly caused by bacteria from plaque build-up.  In some patients who are susceptible to gum disease, the body overreacts to the bacteria around the gums and cause too much inflammation.  In others, the inflammation doesn’t clear up properly.  The result of the intense gum inflammation is that it also affects the bloodstream and is believed to slowly damage blood vessels in the heart.

Poor oral health can induce bacteremia.

The American Heart Association states that you need antibiotics before dental treatment if you have:

• History of rheumatic fever
• History of a heart operation or related procedures
• Any heart defects that you were born with
• Heart valve disease.