PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Many people define good oral health as having a great smile with beautiful, white teeth. It takes a great deal of care to keep those pearly whites pearly white, but there is far more to good oral health than a dazzling smile.
The foundation of a great smile is healthy gums. Brushing twice a day is important, but flossing is crucial for gum health.
Food particles can collect between the teeth and cause infection in the gums, and a chronic infection can eat into the bone that supports the teeth. Gum disease can impact the entire body, and it has been linked to premature birth as well as heart disease.
Get more medical reports from Dr. Brian McDonough.
KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
