Not unlike your skin, your gums, the periodontal support tissues for your teeth, act as a frontline defense against bacteria and pathogens trying to enter your body. "If your gums are not healthy, you are not healthy," says biologic dentist and periodontal surgeon Alexander Volchonok, DMD, co-founder of TetraHealth Dentistry in New York City. In this episode of Healthy Longevity with Florence Comite, MD, you'll learn that the mouth is the window into the health of your entire body. Bleeding gums, a hallmark of periodontal disease, warn of dysbiosis of the mouth's microbiome and have many downstream effects that can negatively impact the endocrine system, heart health, and even the brain. Open wide and join us on a fascinating exploration of biologic dentistry, an approach that focuses on the interconnectedness of oral health with the rest of the body.

You'll learn…

· Biologic dentistry uses high-tech diagnostic modalities to test saliva for markers of inflammation and to analyze the DNA of the oral microbiome.

· High-definition scans can peer below the surface of the gum to the bone, uncovering hidden infections, that may be completely asymptomatic, early enough to prevent advanced disease.

· Declining oral health is not inevitable with age; you can have a healthy mouth and gums for the rest of your life.

· Plaques in the heart and blood vessels contain oral bacteria, which traveled there through the bloodstream from "leaky" gums.

· Oral bacteria can upregulate inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-1 and interleukin-6, which can cross the blood-brain barrier and may play a role in Alzheimer's dementia.

· Everyone should have a thorough oral screening and consider advanced screening and testing options.

· The best way to take care of your teeth and gums, according to Volchonok: use an electric toothbrush and a water flosser (like the classic Waterpik).