Gum disease is a pretty widespread problem; in fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every two adults in the US has some form of it! But this condition doesn’t just affect your oral health—it can also cause many other issues, including an increased risk of high blood pressure. Here’s more from your dentist about this connection along with some ways you can monitor your gums and keep them healthy.

If you’re dealing with swollen, bleeding, or otherwise irritated gums, there’s a good chance you might be battling gum disease. But unfortunately, many patients with this condition either don’t realize they have it, or don’t realize the risks of leaving it untreated! This is due in part to the many myths floating around about gum disease. Keep reading as your dentist debunks four of these common myths so that you can feel confident about getting your smile the help it needs!