It might be easy to think of teeth as unrelated to the rest of our bodies. Likewise, some might believe that dental health is only about maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Dental health, however, is far more connected to overall health than many people realize.
In particular, two diseases – periodontitis and oral cancer – can pose serious health risks and even death.
Most people recognize that periodontal disease can have devastating effects for teeth and gums. You might have seen photos of people with advanced periodontitis, which, according to the Mayo Clinic, is “a serious infection that destroys the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth, and eventually may cause tooth loss.” But were you aware that periodontitis can lead to even more serious problems affecting the heart, brain, and other parts of the body?
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