It might seem unlikely, but recent studies have proven your smile can directly affect your overall health.

How’s this possible?

It all has to do with how gum disease interacts with your smile.

Gum disease starts when bacteria harden into plaque, causing the soft tissue of the gums to become inflamed. If this irritation isn’t treated, patients may begin to experience a more advanced form of gum disease, one that eventually creates pockets between the teeth and gums. These pockets can act like a doorway or window, giving bacteria access to the rest of the body, potentially contributing to a range of health problems, including:

• Heart disease
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Stroke
• Diabetic complications
• Pre-term delivery and low birth weight.

Because of the seriousness of these health problems, and gum disease itself, prevention is the key. You can help prevent gum disease by brushing and flossing daily and by coming into PGA Center for Advanced Dentistry twice a year for regular cleanings and checkups with Dr. Ajmo.

To find out more from Dr. Ajmo about the connection between oral and overall health, call PGA Center for Advanced Dentistry to schedule an appointment. We serve patients from Tequesta, West Palm Beach, Jupiter, and Juno Beach.