But critics say many doctors still are beyond the times on the connection between bacteria and stomach ulcers and miss the most effective treatment. Now researchers at the Ontario Cancer Institute in Toronto have discovered a link between bacteria and heart disease. So studies are now underway to see if antibiotics can stop heart attacks. There is also evidence that those who have periodontal disease are more likely to have heart attacks and strokes. For example, the bacteria that cause rheumatoid fever can damage the heart.
Viruses can cause myocarditis.
But there are many more possible connections between periodontal disease and medical problems elsewhere in the body. One small study is reported have found that a premature delivery is more likely if the mother has periodontal disease. Periodontal bacteria may cause the release of labor-inducing substances. The New York Times has reported women with periodontal disease were seven times more likely to deliver premature infants than mothers who delivered babies of normal weight. There is now evidence that periodontal disease makes it more difficult to control diabetes.