Anaerobic bacteria inside your mouth produces sulfur compounds that can permit and allow toxins to enter the blood stream through gums that are swollen. These bacteria can travel into the bloodstream and all throughout the body and can cause a great risk for stroke, heart disease and heart attacks. If you have healthy gums then you are in less risk for any coronary heart diseases and other medical conditions. When it comes to heart disease, gum disease may be a a factor as significant as smoking and high cholesterol. The baseline periodontal status has been linked to the incidence of coronary heart disease and stroke.