Each year, dentists treat more and more patients suffering from gum disease. Also known as periodontal disease, more than 65 million people in the United States have some form it, many of whom don’t even realize they have symptoms. If you think your teeth are the only aspects of your smile you need to keep healthy, you’ll be surprised to learn just how crucial this soft tissue is to your overall well-being. Read on to discover what your dentist in Salem has to say about what you can do to regain optimal gum health.