What's the connection between oral and dental health and conditions such as heart disease and diabetes?

This question was submitted by Everydayhealth.com as part of an interview they requested of me. I thought they asked some excellent questions, so I have decided to post one question and answer each day for the next 5 days. Here is my first answer: There is plenty of evidence that having your teeth cleaned and a mouth free of periodontal disease is good for you’re over all general health. This is not an entirely new idea. In 1933 Charles Mayo, one of the founders of the Mayo Clinic, was quoted as saying “The presence dental health is important. Dentistry is a distinctive health service and can extend human life ten years.”

Many studies(Slade et al is one), show a correlation between periodontal disease and cardiac disease. Also there is at least one study indicating that treatment of periodontal disease improves endothelial (vascular) function. In addition evidence indicates that periodontal disease may cause a worsening of a diabetic’s glycemic control. The exact mechanism is still being debated and studied, but the scientific literature makes a strong case for the connection of vascular disease, diabetes control and periodontal disease.