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The mounting research connecting periodontal disease to many overall health problems, the most publicized being heart health, should be of concern to every general dentist. Though we are all focused on cosmetics and restorative dentistry, as a healthcare providers we must provide our patients with optimally healthy mouths. We must get the mouth to a condition that is cleanable and maintainable. This includes making sure that pocket depths are 3mm or less for easy cleaning – and all restorations should be easy to clean, as well. The perio/overall health research provides practices with a reason to promote gum health and the importance of a good perio program through the general dentist. My practice’s perio program offers diagnosis, scaling, root planing, Arestin, laser therapy, and we refer to a trusted periodontist for cases that show depths of 6mm and greater or for rapidly advancing problems.