September is National Oral Health Month, and what better time to shine a light on gum disease - a critical but often overlooked health issue. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), oral diseases are among the most common noncommunicable diseases globally, affecting an estimated 3.5 billion people. The burden is increasing, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Why does it matter? Research has linked gum disease to a range of serious health issues including Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease and infertility. Better oral health has been shown to improve outcomes for pregnant women and people suffering from arthritis, diabetes and other systemic diseases. Stella Lamprecht spokesman for Ivohealth and Immediate Past President of Oral Hygienists Association of South Africa (OHASA) shares more now.