"SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN" Recently reported that current research indicates a strong relationship between oral health and a person's overall systemic health. It is well documented that a high percentage of diseases, health conditions and chronic disorders correlate to deficiencies in dental care. DID YOU KNOW? There are more than 120 medical conditions many of them life- threatening That can be detected in their early stages by your dentist. One common condition is diabetes. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, people with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease than people without diabetes. Researchers think this is because diabetes reduces the body's resistance to infection. The gums are among the tissues likely to be affected. YOUR ORAL HEALTH CAN BE AN INDICATOR FOR OTHER MEDICAL CONDITIONS TOO. Other common conditions that regular dental visits can help detect and prevent include: Heart disease Thyroid problems Acid reflux Anemia Kidney disease High blood pressure Osteoporosis Sleeping and breathing disorders