Your mouth is a window into the health of your body. Insight about your overall health can sometimes be seen in your mouth. In fact, periodontal disease is common in people with chronic diseases like heart disease or diabetes. Some of the other chronic diseases that are commonly associated with gum disease are: arthritis, emphysema, high blood pressure, obesity, stroke, and liver disease. It’s not clear whether the chronic diseases drive the periodontal disease or vice versa, but there is a definite connection. Regular cleanings by a dental hygienist will minimize the influence of gum disease on the rest of your body.