Three out of four Americans have periodontal disease. Many don't realize they have a crippling, active disease present in their mouth. "It's easy to ignore the effects of poor oral health because it's hidden in your mouth. But gum disease produces an infected wound," says Susan Karabin, DDS, New York periodontist adn president of the American Academy of Periodontology. Periodontal disease is an infection caused by unhealthy bacteria that lodge between the teeth and gums. If bacteria isn't effectively controlled and removed on a daily basis through proper brushing and flossing, the bacteria grows and it begins attacking the gums, periodontal pockets, and bones of the jaw. If this disease process is active, it can create serious effects on other systems of the body.

A growing body of evidence is linking common oral problems to illnesses including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, premature births, and osteoporosis. "We need to educate the public that the mouth isn't disconnnected to the rest of the body," says Sally Cram, DDS, Washington D.C. periodontist, and American Dental Association spokeswoman. There is a mouth-body connection! People with periodontal disease are nearly twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without the disease, according to the American Academy of Periodontology. In addition, gum disease may also speed the progression of diabetes to full-blown diabetes in 54 million Americans who are classified as pre-diabetic. Women, healthy, or unhealthy, are another population at higher risks for periodontal disease during puberty, pregnancy, monthly menstrual cycle, and menopause. Smokers and individuals with ostoeporosis are at high risk for tooth loss if oral health isn't a priority.

Investing a few minutes a day brushing and flossing is a small price to pay for a healthier you. Remember, if dental disease in not controlled it is active, so take control of your oral health by getting connected with a committed dental team to start preventing dental disease together.

Written by Janae Thorn, chairside assistant