New medical research has shown that gum disease can pose a more serious problem to your health than just losing your teeth. A link has been established between gum infection and life-threatening conditions such as diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. What’s worse, the American Dental Association has estimated that 80% of Americans have gum disease. Dentists now regard this problem as epidemic level.

The American Academy of Periodontology reports that “studies found periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases.” Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums. These bacteria travel into the bloodstream, having a harmful effect on vital organs.