Your mouth may give clues to your overall health. Inflammation linked with gum disease, for example, may play a role in heart disease. Treating gum disease, however, may not lower heart risks.

Diverticulosis — the presence of small pockets in the walls of the colon — is a very common digestive condition among older people. Researchers recently explored if diverticular diseases raised risks for cardiovascular disease.

Fictional British spy James Bond, 007, asked for his martinis to be "shaken, not stirred" — but new research suggests that his preference may have resulted from an alcohol induced tremor.

The expression "To have your heart in your mouth” may have a new meaning. Gum health has been shown to influence heart health, and good oral hygiene may even slow hardening of the arteries.

Studies have shown a link between gum disease and heart disease; both are driven by inflammation. Now it seems that link also may extend to treatments for heart problems — statins, which lower cholesterol, may help reduce gum inflammation.

Just because a painkiller can be bought over-the-counter doesn’t mean that it can't hurt the body. Marathon runners that take preventive painkillers may be at risk for bad reactions.

Heart disease is a pretty complex business. So much so, that even adult tooth loss may be linked to heart health.