CHICAGO – April 2, 2025- Springtime isn’t just a time for decluttering your home. It’s also the perfect time to refresh your oral health routine. Your gums are the foundation of a healthy smile, and taking care of them has benefits that go beyond just your mouth. Multiple studies show that gum health is linked to overall health and wellbeing, including heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and more.
A recent study presented at American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference, held Feb. 5-7, 2025, showed that flossing your teeth at least once a week may be linked to a lower risk of stroke. Visit the American Academy of Periodontology’s (AAP) website, perio.org, to find out more about the link between gum health and overall health.
“Poor oral health, including periodontal or gum disease, has been linked to over 57 serious systemic conditions. Almost half of American adults over the age of 30 have a destructive form of gum disease: periodontitis,” said AAP President Dr. Mia L. Geisinger. “Gum disease is also the leading reason why adults lose teeth, and tooth loss can impact function, nutrition, esthetics, and self-esteem. The link between oral and overall wellness is another reason to focus on establishing and maintaining good oral health.”
Key actions to take this Spring include:
- Replacing your toothbrush (or toothbrush head for electric toothbrushes) if it’s older than three months.
- Adding flossing to your daily routine to remove hidden plaque between teeth.
- Scheduling a periodontal evaluation if you notice red, swollen or tender gums, bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating hard food, persistent bad breath, or gum recession.
Visit perio.org to find an AAP Member Periodontist near you and learn more about gum disease symptoms, risk factors, and prevention.
About the American Academy of Periodontology:
The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) represents nearly 7,500 periodontists—specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of inflammatory diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontics is one of 12 dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.
