The health of your teeth is of the utmost important to us, but did you know that your gums also greatly impact the overall health of your mouth and entire body? There are many factors that increase your chances of periodontal (gum) disease, from smoking to certain medications, so it is important to see a dentist regularly to assess the state of your gums. In addition to tooth loss, constant infection in your gums can increase your risk for heart attack as well as several other conditions. Specializing in the treatment of periodontal disease, Dr. Parham offers several conservative treatments (antibiotic treatments and specialized cleaning) as well as periodontal surgery for severe cases.