Fewer Teeth, Higher Risk of Heart Disease?

FRIDAY, Oct. 4, 2018 -- Losing teeth may be associated with higher risk for heart disease, a new study suggests.

Researchers studied nearly 317,000 Americans between 40 and 79 years of age. They found that 28% of those who had lost all their teeth to gum disease also had heart problems, compared with 7% of those who kept all their teeth.

Antibiotics Not Recommended for Most Toothaches, New Guideline Says

FRIDAY, Oct. 25, 2019 -- Antibiotics aren't necessary for most toothaches, a new American Dental Association (ADA) guideline says.

It's common for doctors and dentists to prescribe antibiotics to ease toothache symptoms and prevent a more serious condition.

Gum Disease Might Raise Your Blood Pressure

FRIDAY, Sept. 27, 2019 -- Here's a compelling reason to keep those dreaded appointments with your dentist: New research suggests that red, tender or bleeding gums could trigger high blood pressure.

In a review of 81 studies that included more than 250,000 people, U.K. scientists found that those who had moderate to severe gum disease (periodontitis) had a 22% increased risk for high blood pressure, and those with severe gum disease had a 49% higher risk.