Your mouth is a window into the health of the rest of your body. Many health problems display signs in the mouth before they are visible elsewhere. When gums become infected and inflamed from periodontal disease, bacteria in plaque can spread and grow below the gum line, which can then enter into the bloodstream and travel to major organs and begin new infections. Periodontal disease can cause inflamed or bleeding gums, periodontal recession, bad breath as well as bone and tooth loss. Periodontal disease has been linked to preterm, low birth weight babies. If you are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant it is essential that you maintain optimal oral and periodontal health to help ensure a happy, healthy pregnancy.

New research also links gum disease to osteoporosis, stroke, diabetes; pancreatic cancer; and heart disease. Studies point to a connection between plaque build-up in the gums and plaque build-up in the arteries and evidence indicates that people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease. Further investigations suggest that improving your periodontal health can help you maintain better control of your blood sugar. Daily Brushing and flossing will keep plaque formation to a minimum, but it won’t completely prevent it. Professional dental cleanings, at least twice a year are necessary to remove plaque from places your toothbrush and floss may have missed. At Advanced Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, Dr. Kaplan focuses on preventive periodontal care, including full-service cleanings, scaling, root planning, and antibiotic treatments to eliminate bacteria. Healthy gums and supporting tissues are the foundation for building every beautiful smile.