[hope]

She has already had strep and rheumatic fever in the past. How does gum disease effect the heart?

[hellinahandcart]

The bad gum bacteria release toxins into the bloodstream.

Here's one article, there are probably hundreds online.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2002/02/020208080039.htm

I'm not going to push this any further than saying one more time that you'll save thousands of dollars in the long run by nipping it in the bud now.

[Vinnie]

As I understand gum bacteria may be implicated in the plaques and 'lesions' in the exterior blood vessels .