Periodontal disease, commonly referred to as gum disease, is an inflammation of the gums and bone that support teeth. Gum disease is your mouth’s natural reaction to harmful bacteria. Think about what happens if you have a splinter in your finger for a while – your skin around the splinter becomes inflamed and tender. Our body reacts the same for any bacterial infection – including one in your mouth.

Nutrition is vital for your entire body – including your gums! In recognition of Good Nutrition Month, take a moment this November to learn which nutrients help prevent gum disease.

Anything from measles to cancer, blood diseases to bulimia can be detected in the mouth. In fact, for many years, associations have been reported between the health of the mouth and medical conditions. One such association is with diabetes and periodontal disease (also known as gum disease).

Many of us have men in our lives who are important to us – fathers, sons, brothers, uncles, friends – which is why we should remind them how essential it is to take good care of their grins. Certain lifestyle choices and habits may put men at a disadvantage when it comes to oral health.

Thinking about giving up cigarettes? If you’ve tried before without success, you may feel unsure about whether you can quit for good. You may also wonder why it’s so important to quit. Start by learning about the health risks of smoking.