HOW CAN I KEEP MY TEETH AND GUMS HEALTHY? It's important to take care of your teeth and gums, and not only to maintain an attractive smile. The following steps are key to keeping your teeth and gums healthy: Brush your teeth twice a day (with a fluoride toothpaste). Floss regularly to remove plaque from between teeth. Or use a device such as a special brush or wooden or plastic pick recommended by a dental professional. Visit the dentist routinely for a check-up and professional cleaning. Don't smoke. Can gum disease cause health problems beyond the mouth? In some studies, researchers have observed that people with gum disease (when compared to people without gum disease) were more likely to develop heart disease or have difficulty controlling blood sugar. Other studies showed that women with gum disease were more likely than those with healthy gums to deliver preterm, low birth weight babies. But so far, it has not been determined whether gum disease is the cause of these conditions. There may be other reasons people with gum disease sometimes develop additional health problems. For example, something else may be causing both the gum disease and the other condition, or it could be a coincidence that gum disease and other health problems are present together. More research is needed to clarify whether gum disease actually causes health problems beyond the mouth, and whether treating gum disease can keep other health conditions from developing. In the meantime, it's a fact that controlling gum disease can save your teeth - a very good reason to take care of your teeth and gums. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 HOW CAN I KEEP MY TEETH AND GUMS HEALTHY ? It's important to take care of your teeth and gums , and not only to maintain an attractive smile . The following steps are key to keeping your teeth and gums healthy : Brush your teeth twice a day ( with a fluoride toothpaste ) . Floss regularly to remove plaque from between teeth . Or use a device such as a special brush or wooden or plastic pick recommended by a dental professional . Visit the dentist routinely for a check - up and professional cleaning . Don't smoke . Can gum disease cause health problems beyond the mouth ? In some studies , researchers have observed that people with gum disease ( when compared to people without gum disease ) were more likely to develop heart disease or have difficulty controlling blood sugar . Other studies showed that women with gum disease were more likely than those with healthy gums to deliver preterm , low birth weight babies . But so far , it has not been determined whether gum disease is the cause of these conditions . There may be other reasons people with gum disease sometimes develop additional health problems . For example , something else may be causing both the gum disease and the other condition , or it could be a coincidence that gum disease and other health problems are present together . More research is needed to clarify whether gum disease actually causes health problems beyond the mouth , and whether treating gum disease can keep other health conditions from developing . In the meantime , it's a fact that controlling gum disease can save your teeth - a very good reason to take care of your teeth and gums . Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave. , Suite 130 , Downers Grove , IL 60515 630-663-0554