Periodontal disease seems to be found more frequently in those with arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.  And arteriosclerosis is starting to look like a disease that starts with inflammation of the interior lining of the arteries. 

So,  does the infection of periodontal disease cause inflammation in the arteries that goes on to calcify and lead to heart disease?  Or,  do people who have both diseases react more intensely and with more inflammation in both parts of the body? 

The short answer seems to be that no one knows for sure exactly  the nature of the relationship.  In general periodontal researchers take gum disease (as a cardio risk factor) more seriously than cardiology researchers.  Still,  is seems very wise at this point to eliminate the periodontal inflammation if one is concerned about good heart health.