The Mouth-Body Connection 
Infections in the mouth can play havoc elsewhere in the body. Evidence suggests that people with periodontal disease are at higher risk for developing heart disease, stroke, uncontrolled diabetes, preterm births, and respiratory disease. Periodontal bacteria can enter the blood stream and travel to major organs and begin new infections.

Protecting Children's Oral Health 
Studies indicate that gingivitis (the first stage of periodontal disease) is nearly a universal finding in children and adolescents. Advanced forms of periodontal disease are more rare in children than adults, but can occur. 
            

Women and Periodontal Disease 
Hormonal fluctuations throughout a woman's life can affect many tissues, including gum tissue. Because periodontal disease is often a "silent" disease, many women do not realize they have it until it reaches an advanced state. However, at each stage of your life, there are steps a woman can take to protect her oral health.
            

Baby Steps to a Healthy Pregnancy and On-Time Delivery 
Studies have shown a possible relationship between periodontal disease and preterm, low birthweight babies. Because pregnant women with periodontal disease may be more likely to have a baby born too early and too small, maintaining periodontal health during pregnancy is a wise precaution

Smoking and Periodontal Disease 
Recent studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease. In addition, following periodontal treatment or any type of oral surgery, the chemicals in tobacco can slow down the healing process and make the treatment results less predictable. 

How Older Adults Can Keep Their Smile for Life 
Older adults are more likely to keep their teeth for a lifetime than they were a decade ago. However, studies indicate that older people have the highest rates of periodontal disease and need to do more to maintain good oral health.