Evidence already existed that periodontal health was related to heart health, and a recent study at Columbia University gives the idea greater credibility. Researchers found a direct relationship between the presence of bacteria for gum disease and thickness of carotid artery (indicating artherosclerosis).

While they cautioned that other factors in overall health (such as diet and exercise) may also be at work, the findings show there may be a predictive relationship for possible stroke or heart disease in people who develop gum disease. This is the kind of discovery that gets made when cross-functional teams combine strong epidemiologic design and methods with microbiology and imaging.