Stephen C Wallace, DDS, MHS

Stephen C Wallace, DDS, MHS We stand out in the field of periodontics because we put our patient’s care and comfort first.

What's the link between oral health and overall health?Like other areas of the body, the mouth is full of germs. Those g...
08/04/2026

What's the link between oral health and overall health?

Like other areas of the body, the mouth is full of germs. Those germs are mostly harmless. But the mouth is the entry to the digestive tract. That's the long tube of organs from the mouth to the a**s that food travels through. The mouth also is the entry to the organs that allow breathing, called the respiratory tracts. So sometimes germs in the mouth can lead to disease throughout the body.

Most often the body's defenses and good oral care keep germs under control. Good oral care includes daily brushing and flossing. Without good oral hygiene, germs can reach levels that might lead to infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease.

Also, certain medicines can lower the flow of spit, called saliva. Those medicines include decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, water pills and antidepressants. Saliva washes away food and keeps the acids germs make in the mouth in balance. This helps keep germs from spreading and causing disease.

Oral germs and oral swelling and irritation, called inflammation, are linked to a severe form of gum disease, called periodontitis. Studies suggest that these germs and inflammation might play a role in some diseases. And certain diseases, such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS, can lower the body's ability to fight infection. That can make oral health problems worse.

What conditions can be linked to oral health?
• Endocarditis
• Cardiovascular disease.
• Pregnancy and birth complications.
• Pneumonia.
• Diabetes.
• HIV/AIDS.
• Cancer.
• Alzheimer's disease.

How can I protect my oral health?
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Use a brush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste. Brush your tongue too.
• Clean between your teeth daily with floss, a water flosser or other products made for that purpose.
• Eat a healthy diet and limit sugary food and drinks.
• Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Do it sooner if bristles are worn or flare out.
• See a dentist at least once a year for checkups and cleanings. Your dentist may suggest visits or cleanings more often, depending on your situation. You might be sent to a gum specialist, called a periodontist, if your gums need more care.
• Don't use to***co.

• Gross EL. Oral and systemic health. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 1, 2024.
• Oral health. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health. Accessed Feb. 1, 2024.
• Gill SA, et al. Integrating oral health into health professions school curricula. Medical Education Online. 2022; doi:10.1080/10872981.2022.2090308.
• Mark AM. For the patient: Caring for your gums. The Journal of the American Dental Association. 2023; doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2023.09.012.
• Tonelli A, et al. The oral microbiome and the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease. Nature Reviews Cardiology. 2023; doi:10.1038/s41569-022-00825-3.
• Gum disease and other diseases. The American Academy of Periodontology. https://www.perio.org/for-patients/gum-disease-information/gum-disease-and-other-diseases/. Accessed Feb 1, 2024.
• Gum disease prevention. The American Academy of Periodontology. https://www.perio.org/for-patients/gum-disease-information/gum-disease-prevention/. Accessed Feb. 1, 2024.
• Oral health topics: Toothbrushes. American Dental Association. https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/toothbrushes. Accessed Feb. 1, 2024.
• Issrani R, et al. Exploring the mechanisms and association between oral microflora and systemic diseases. Diagnostics. 2022; doi:10.3390/diagnostics12112800.
• HIV/AIDS & oral health. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/hiv-aids. Accessed Feb. 1, 2024.

The office will be closed July 2nd for Dr Wallace and staff to enjoy the July 4th holiday with friends and family. The o...
07/01/2026

The office will be closed July 2nd for Dr Wallace and staff to enjoy the July 4th holiday with friends and family. The office will re-open on Monday July 6th.
Hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday!

Summer is a season of indulgence, filled with warm afternoons, outdoor gatherings, and endless opportunities to enjoy fr...
07/01/2026

Summer is a season of indulgence, filled with warm afternoons, outdoor gatherings, and endless opportunities to enjoy frozen treats like ice cream, slushies, and popsicles. While these refreshing desserts bring joy and relief from the heat, they can also take a hidden toll on your dental health. For many patients, cold sweets trigger sensitivity, while sugar and acidity quietly erode enamel.

Understanding how summer sweets affect your teeth can help you enjoy them without compromising your smile. Your tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, acting as a protective barrier that shields the sensitive inner layers of your teeth. When this enamel becomes worn down due to dietary habits or aging, it leaves the dentin and nerve endings exposed. As a result, cold foods and drinks can trigger sharp, uncomfortable sensations, especially when consumed frequently. Sugar is not just an issue for your waistline. It also feeds the bacteria in your mouth that cause cavities and gum disease.

When you consume ice cream or other sweet frozen snacks, the sugars interact with oral bacteria to produce acids that soften and dissolve your enamel. This process is especially harmful when sugar is consumed repeatedly throughout the day, allowing bacteria to thrive and multiply

Credit: John S. Chang, DMD, MMSc

The office is currently closed for Dr Wallace and staff to enjoy their summer vacation with friends and family. The offi...
06/11/2026

The office is currently closed for Dr Wallace and staff to enjoy their summer vacation with friends and family. The office will re-open on June 22nd.

When paired with a good homecare routine of brushing and flossing, your diet can have a dramatic impact on your dental h...
06/01/2026

When paired with a good homecare routine of brushing and flossing, your diet can have a dramatic impact on your dental health. A diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables will not only improve your overall health, but specifically can help your oral health, keeping bad bacteria out and your teen clean and healthy.

The office is now closed for the Memorial Day Holiday and will re-open on Tuesday May 26th. Hope everyone has a safe and...
05/21/2026

The office is now closed for the Memorial Day Holiday and will
re-open on Tuesday May 26th.
Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday!!

With innovations in oral health, older adults are much more likely to keep their natural teeth than in the past. Despite...
05/06/2026

With innovations in oral health, older adults are much more likely to keep their natural teeth than in the past. Despite these developments, periodontal disease continues to see its greatest prevalence among people over the age of 65.
Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that may put you at higher risk for other diseases, including but not limited to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.
During your dental visits, be sure to let your dental professional know if you have any medical conditions and whether you have a family history of periodontal disease. Be sure to inform him or her of any medications you are taking as well. Certain medications (including antidepressants, antihistamines, and high blood pressure drugs) can lead to the development or advancement of periodontal disease.
Likewise, if you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, it’s a good idea to share this information with your physician to ensure that you are receiving well-rounded care for both your physical and oral conditions.
Even if you’ve succeeded in avoiding the development of periodontal disease as you age, it is important to continue to maintain your oral care routine. Be sure to brush twice a day and perform interdental cleaning such as flossing at least once a day. If you have dexterity problems or a physical disability that makes it difficult for you to brush or floss, your dentist or periodontist can recommend tools and techniques to help keep your teeth and gums clean.
You should also receive an annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation, which will assess your periodontal health and check for any changes in the teeth, gums, and supporting bone.
Maintaining your oral health should be a priority at any age. As you get older, be sure to continue to take care of your teeth and gums to ensure that they’ll stay healthy and strong for life.
64% of U.S. adults ages 65 and older have moderate or severe periodontal disease

(credit: American Academy of Perio)

Oral cancers are classified in two groups:Cancers of the oral cavity affect your lips, teeth, gums, the front two-thirds...
04/07/2026

Oral cancers are classified in two groups:
Cancers of the oral cavity affect your lips, teeth, gums, the front two-thirds of your tongue, the floor and roof of your mouth and the inside of your cheeks.
Cancers of the oropharynx are found in the throat, tonsils, the base of your tongue and the spot where it attaches to the floor of your mouth. Your throat (pharynx) starts at the soft part of the roof of your mouth and continues back into your throat.
Dentists watch for signs of oral cancer, because finding it early can be the key to successful treatment. More than 54,000 people are diagnosed each year in the U.S., and around 11,000 die from it.

Warning signs that may point to oral cancer
Even though your dental team checks for oral cancer each time you visit, it’s important for you to know the symptoms, too. Call your dentist right away if any of these issues last longer than two weeks:
• A sore or irritation that doesn't go away
• Red or white patches on your gums, tongue or lining of the mouth
• Pain, tenderness or numbness in your mouth or lips
• A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small rough area
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving your tongue or jaw
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth
• Loose teeth or dentures that don’t fit well anymore
• The feeling something is caught in your throat
• Being hoarse, or noticing a change in your voice

Risk factors for oral cancer
Males tend to get oral cancer more often than females, and older people are generally at higher risk. You can reduce your risks of developing oral cancer by:
• Avoiding to***co (both smoking and smokeless).
• Drinking only moderate amounts of alcohol.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) has also been linked with throat cancers that form at the back of the mouth. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the U.S., with about 10% of adult males and 3.6% of females carrying the virus. Though most infections go away within two years, some infections stay.
The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that can cause oral cancers, so it may also prevent them. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that 11- to 12-year-olds get the HPV vaccine. The agency also recommends the vaccine for everyone through age 26, if they missed getting it earlier. Older adults may choose to have the vaccine after talking with their doctor.

Your dentist can help find oral cancer early
During your regular exam, your dentist will ask about changes in your medical history and whether you’ve been having any new or unusual symptoms. Next, they will check your lips, cheek lining, gums, tongue (front and back), the floor and roof of your mouth, your throat, tonsils and the area where your tongue meets the bottom of your mouth. Your jaw and neck will be examined for lumps or unusual signs.
Dental checkups can save your life by detecting oral cancer early. That’s one more good reason to see your dentist regularly for a thorough dental exam.

What happens if my dentist sees something unusual?
Keep in mind that any warning sign your dentist notices may not necessarily mean you have oral cancer. You may need special tests or a follow-up exam a week or two later to see if the questionable spots have cleared up on their own. Together, you and your dentist can choose the best strategy for testing, diagnosis and treatment (if you need it).

How is oral cancer treated?
Oral cancers that are found early are usually treated with surgery or radiation therapy. Cases that are found later may need a combination of treatments. For example, radiation therapy and chemotherapy might be given at the same time. Another option is targeted therapy, a newer type of cancer treatment that uses drugs or other substances to pinpoint and attack cancer cells.

If you have oral cancer, the treatment your cancer care team recommends will depend on your overall health, the area of the mouth or throat where your cancer began, the size and type of tumor and whether or not the cancer has spread.

© 2026 American Dental Association

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2525 Delaney Avenue
Wilmington, NC
28403

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Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm

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