The hidden epidemic of gum disease affects more than just the mouths of half of all adults in the United States-it affects their bodies too. It's All About the Gums depicts the close relationship between gum disease and serious, debilitating diseases that impact the quality of life of millions of people every day: diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and even Alzheimer's.

Leading periodontist and author Dr. Hiru Mathur DDS, MS explains, in simplified terms, how our mouths host several types of bacteria. Ultimately, an imbalance between the healthy and disease-causing bacteria can result in gum disease, affecting our health, happiness, and self-esteem. Dr. Mathur is passionate about building a partnership between patients and doctors, where a holistic approach to teeth treatment and gum disease prevention has tremendous benefits to an individual's overall health and wellness. No matter your health status or familiarity with dentistry, Dr. Mathur gives practical advice on how to achieve better health and how keeping your gums healthy might just save your life