Laser zaps gum bugs to protect hearts after attack

This study tested whether adding a 980nm diode laser to standard deep-cleaning gum treatment improves gum health and reduces body-wide inflammation in people who recently had a heart attack. Forty participants with gum disease (some healthy, some heart attack survivors) received either standard scaling and root planing alone or with laser therapy. Researchers measured pocket depths, bleeding, and blood markers of inflammation before, 2 weeks, and 3 months after treatment.