Clean teeth battle heart or lung disease.

If you're one of 62 million Americans suffering from some form of cardiovascular disease or 16 million with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), you might want to check your teeth. Patients with periodontal disease carry a 1.5-2.0 times greater risk of incurring fatal cardiovascular disease and a 1.5 times greater risk of COPD.

With over 300 species of bacteria rapidly growing in the human mouth, the body's immune system is constantly being taxed fighting periodontal disease--making it more difficult to fight off infections elsewhere. Also, some of those bacteria may be inhaled into the lungs, causing respiratory problems, or can trigger blood clots, which contribute to heart attack or stroke.

Oral health is critical to total health. Keep your teeth clean.

(American Academy of Periodontology)