Periodontal bacteria can enter the blood stream and travel to major organs and begin new infections. Research is suggesting that this may

• Contribute to the development of heart disease, the nation`s leading cause of death
• Increase the risk of stroke
• Increase a woman`s risk of having a preterm, low birth weight baby
• Pose a serious threat to people whose health is compromised by diabetes, respiratory diseases, or osteoporosis

Don`t Ignore Your Oral Health
If you value your oral as well as your overall health, a periodontal evaluation is a good idea. Sometimes the only way to detect periodontal disease is through a periodontal evaluation. A periodontal evaluation may be especially important if you

• Notice any symptoms of periodontal disease
• Have heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease or osteoporosis
• Are thinking of becoming pregnant
• Have a family member with periodontal disease. Research suggests that the bacteria that cause periodontal disease can pass through saliva. This means the common contact of saliva in families puts children and couples at risk for contracting the periodontal disease of another family member
• Have a sore or irritation in your mouth that does not get better within two weeks