As a dual-certified periodontist, Dr. Curry Leavitt specializes in protecting your gum health. With his acute understanding of the connection dental health has to your systemic health—known as the “mouth-body connection”—he’s also dedicated to protecting your overall wellness. At its initial stage, gum disease is characterized by redness, inflammation, bleeding while brushing, and gum recession. Untreated, this can develop into periodontitis, which can do irreversible damage to soft tissues and bone. This advanced form of gum disease has implications far beyond your oral health. There’s significant scientific evidence that your gum health can lead to serious medical health consequences. The suspected cause of this is the bacteria behind gum disease reaching major organs such as your heart and brain via your bloodstream. To avoid developing gum disease and compromising the health and functioning of these organs, Dr. Leavitt recommends that you maintain good dental hygiene habits, have regular dental checkups, and, at the first sign of problems, seek expert care by making an appointment to see him.