Gum disease (periodontal disease) is an example of an oral health issue that can affect the whole body. It causes your gums to bleed when you brush, but it’s a lot more.

Research shows gum disease is linked to diabetes, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and other conditions.

For example, if you’re diabetic, you’re more likely to have gum disease and gum disease makes it harder to control diabetes. With heart disease, the inflammation of gum disease in your mouth is related to inflammation in your body that increases risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Chances are you have gum disease. Nearly half of all U.S. adults age 30 or older have some form of it.

The best way to prevent gum disease is to brush your teeth twice a day and floss regularly. And visit the dentist - a routine exam can detect gum disease early and the cleaning will remove the plaque that causes gum disease.

Visit Delta Dental of South Dakota's #SmilePower blog for more tips on oral health and dental benefits.