What is the link between gum disease and heart disease?

Condition analysis:
Gum disease has been identified as a factor that can complicate cardiovascular disease. Research suggests that a mouth with periodontal disease has bacteria that can enter the bloodstream. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, a number of studies indicate that people with gum disease have up to three times the risk of heart attack and stroke.

In addition, some of the bacteria commonly associated with infections in the mouth are also associated with some types of heart disease. That doesn't necessarily mean the gum disease caused the heart disease - it could be that the same bacteria is affecting different parts of the body.
 
Instructions:
Whole-wheat bread. Slather some peanut butter on a slice of whole-wheat bread and you've got a snack that's good to your heart. One slice of whole-wheat bread has 11 mcg of selenium, an antioxidant mineral that works with vitamin E to protect your heart.

Wine. Research is finding that drinking a glass of alcohol a day may help in the battle against heart disease. Health experts are quick to note that alcohol in moderate amounts is helpful. They define moderate as one glass a day for women and two glasses of alcohol a day for men. What's in one drink? Twelve ounces of beer, five ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of whiskey.