...Dr. Steve Barber is conducting a study that could prove there's a connection between taking care of your teeth and keeping the rest of your body healthy. Barber's study focuses on the relationship between periodontal disease and health problems like heart disease, arthritis, asthma, diabetes and cancer.
Periodontal disease occurs when bacteria from plaque causes inflammation of the gums. That inflammation can effect the levels of a protein in the liver, called C-reactive protein. The C-reactive protein then gets into the blood stream and builds up in other areas of the body, potentially causing systemic health problems like heart disease and stroke...
...The study began 3 years ago and currently invovles between 300-400 patients from Missouri, Iowa and Illinois. Barber says he plans to continue his research for another 5 to 10 years and is always looking for more participants...
