Gum disease is linked to inflammation in the rest of the body, raising the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Severe gum disease is also associated with COPD—chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. New research, published in mSystems, helps explain the connection. It identifies immune cells activated by gum disease that can promote COPD. Gum disease can be treated or prevented, thus helping to control progression of COPD. The Chinese study reported by the American Society for Microbiology, also found that gum disease and COPD together worsen COPD compared to COPD alone. Authors say that points to the to the possibility that managing gum disease may be a way to treat COPD.