Healthy Gums Could
Protect Your Whole Body

Here’s a fact to chew on: Gum disease may raise the risk for heart disease and stroke.

The problem is likely the bacteria that lurk in your gums, causing an infection. What you see is bleeding and swelling in your gums. But what you don’t see is the infection setting off a chain of events in the body that could damage the heart and blood vessels.

Gum disease also may make it harder for people with diabetes to keep their blood sugar under control. In addition, gum disease may raise the risk for respiratory infections.

To keep your gums healthy, get regular dental cleanings from your dentist. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss every day, eat a healthy diet, and don’t smoke. And keep up good dental hygiene if you become pregnant. Serious gum disease could cause you to have your baby too early.