...Risk Gum Disease and Heart Disease

Taking care of your teeth benefits more than just your oral health.

Dental professionals have long known that taking care of your teeth can help keep the rest of your body healthy, too. Most recently noted is the link between periodontal (gum) disease and heart disease.

It's all about making healthy choices.

Exercising and eating right aren't the only ways to keep healthy. Scientists are discovering links between oral health and other systemic conditions, including heart disease.

Check out this site (including our latest TV and radio spots) to learn more about how your dental health can affect your overall physical well-being.

Congratulations to Stephen Persack of Portage, Wisconsin, winner of the WDA Healthy Choices Contest!

Test your dental health knowledge

1. The mildest form of periodontal disease is called:
   

   	a.	Aggressive Periodontitis
   	b.	Gingivitis
   	c.	Advanced periodontitis

2. The main cause of periodontal disease is:
   

   	a.	Plaque
   	b.	Dry mouth
   	c.	Drinking soft drinks

3. A person can reverse the early stages of periodontal disease with proper brushing and flossing.
   

   	True
   	False

4. Healthy gums are usually what color?
   

   	a.	Red
   	b.	Light pink
   	c.	Spotted white

5. A periodontal pocket:
   

   	a.	Is the innermost portion of the tooth that contains blood vessels and nerves
   	b.	Lies within the tooth's root and connects the nerve and crown
   	c.	Is the space between the gum and tooth

6. Professional dental exams and diagnosis are done by:
   

   	a.	Dental hygienists
   	b.	Dentists
   	c.	Public health officials