Your oral health is more important than you might realize.  Did you know that your oral health can offer clues about your overall health — or that problems in your mouth can affect the rest of your body?

Like many areas of the body, your mouth is teeming with bacteria — most of them harmless. Normally the body's natural defenses and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, can keep these bacteria under control. However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease.