There is new research coming out every month that confirms that if your mouth is not healthy, your body is not healthy. Most people have somewhere between 600 and 700 different types of micro-organisms in their mouth. These bacteria form a film on the surface of your teeth and gums, called a biofilm. The organisms in the biofilm communicate with one another, share DNA, and work together to cause dental disease, like tooth decay or gum disease. Many of these bacteria are also associated with disease in other parts of your body. In a healthy mouth, these bacteria are kept under control by antibodies and the body’s immune system. If a person has any swelling or bleeding or loose teeth, these organisms can get into your bloodstream and travel throughout your body. We know that dental bacteria in your blood are associated with increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and some kinds of cancers. Dental bacteria are often found in the material that builds up inside clogged arteries and in the brain formations associated with Alzheimer’s Disease. Keep yourself healthy! See your dentist regularly!