At The Dental Medical Convergence, we often say, “Your mouth is the front door to your body.” That’s because infections that begin in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and attack other parts of the body. Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) can be a reason for chronic inflammation, which is a major risk factor for many serious conditions, including heart disease. Poor oral hygiene has also been associated with pregnancy complications, certain cancers, sepsis, and bacterial pneumonia.