New research from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, has found that invasive dental treatment may be associated with a transient increase in the risk for stroke and myocardinal enfarction. In an article in the latest issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers believe bacteria from a periodontal infection may build up in the blood vessels, resulting in inflammation, which increases the risk of stroke or heart attack.

It is believed however that the short-lived adverse effects are minimal, and are likely to be outweighed by long-term benefits on vascular health.