Since you were young, you’ve likely been repeatedly told that brushing and flossing are absolutely essential for a healthy mouth. This lesson may be more important than you think; not only is gum disease extremely harmful for your mouth, but some research shows that it might have a connection to serious cardiovascular problems. Here’s how an infection in your mouth may affect your heart.

Do you pass up certain food or drinks because you know they’ll hurt your teeth? Do you wince when you brush or floss? Does breathing in cold air send a sharp pain through your mouth? If you said yes to any of these things, you probably have sensitive teeth. Is this condition treatable? A dentist discusses the causes of and solutions to sensitive teeth.