Dr Gerdan S. Lamorell is an Aesthetic and Restorative Dentist attached to Apex Medical in Sea Cows Bay. Photo: Provided

But there’s one part of the body that many adults still overlook — the mouth.

And yet, your oral health silently influences your heart, your blood sugar, your lungs, your immune system, and your long-term wellbeing.

Here in the VI, plaque control isn’t just about having a nice smile.
It’s about managing inflammation in the body — the same inflammation connected to diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory issues that affect so many of our loved ones.

And the truth is: all of it starts with your gums.

1. How Plaque Causes Gum Inflammation

Plaque is not simply “dirt” on the teeth. It’s a sticky layer of bacteria that releases toxins. When these toxins sit along the gumline, the body responds with inflammation — known as gingivitis.

Gums become swollen.
They may bleed.
They become tender.

This is your immune system fighting back.

And once inflammation has started in the mouth, it does not stay isolated.
It becomes a body-wide issue — increasing your overall inflammatory load, stressing your immune system, and straining your long-term health. 

2. What This Means for Health in the VI

Here in the Virgin Islands, we see a high rate of inflammation-related health conditions:

• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Cardiovascular disease
• Respiratory issues

Gum disease is scientifically linked to all of them.

Bacteria from diseased gums can enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart.
Inflamed gums can make blood sugar harder to control.
Oral bacteria can be inhaled into the lungs.

For a small territory with big health challenges, understanding this link is crucial.

Your mouth is not separate from your body — it is the starting point of your health. 

3. Why Bleeding Gums Are a Warning Sign

Many VIslanders tell themselves: “Ah, my gums bleed when I brush… but that’s normal.”

Let me say it clearly:

Healthy gums do NOT bleed. Not even a little bit.

Bleeding gums are your body’s way of telling you:

“Please fix this now before it turns into something bigger.”

Ignoring bleeding gums is like ignoring smoke coming from your stove — eventually a fire will start. 

4. The Truth About Your 6-Month Cleanings — And the Privilege You Still Have Under NHI

Your 6-month dental cleaning is one of the simplest, most powerful ways to protect your gums, lower inflammation, and safeguard your long-term health.

And here in the VI, you still have a privilege that many countries do not:

Through NHI, you can receive two cleanings a year — but only if your total annual dental costs stay within your $1,500 dental allowance and your provider bills the visit as preventive care.

NHI doesn’t publish a strict “two cleanings per year” promise. Instead, all dental services — cleanings, fillings, major work — come from the same $1,500 annual pool.

So yes, two cleanings are absolutely possible (sometimes even more), as long as you remain within that limit and stay in-network.

And that $1,500?
It is not just a number.
It is an opportunity.
A blessing.
A privilege meant for you.

Yet every year, so many people quietly let these benefits expire… unused.

Let me speak honestly: It is a true loss — to your health, to your smile, and to your future — to let covered preventive care slip through your fingers simply because you didn’t take advantage of it.

Especially when gum disease is one of the most preventable health issues you will ever face.

So if you have coverage waiting for you — use it.
Your future smile will thank you.

5. And Now… 2025 Is Almost Over

We are now approaching the end of 2025.
Which means:

⏳ Your NHI dental benefits are about to expire for the year.

If you have not done your dental cleaning for 2025, there are still a few weeks left.

This is your moment.
Your reminder.
Your wake-up call.

Go and get your dental cleaning done BEFORE time runs out.

Your future health depends on the decisions you make right now.

6. Cleanings Are Only Half the Battle — The Other Half Happens at Home

A professional cleaning removes the hardened plaque (tartar) that you can’t remove by brushing.

But the everyday plaque — the sticky film that starts gum disease — that’s your job.

Your “homework” is simple:

✔️ Floss once a day

✔️ Brush morning and night

✔️ Use your NHI benefits every 6 months

✔️ Don’t ignore bleeding gums

When you combine these two — your dental cleaning + your home care — you become what I call:

Bulletproof.

Your gums stay healthy.
Your inflammation stays low.
Your health stays strong.

This is how you move toward optimal health, one small habit at a time. 

Final Message: Take Care of Your Mouth, Take Care of Your Life

Your oral health is not optional.
It is not cosmetic.
It is not something to “get to later.”

It is the foundation of your wellbeing.

Your gums connect directly to your heart, your brain, your immune system, your energy levels, and your long-term quality of life.

You have the tools.
You have the coverage.
You have the privilege of NHI.
You have the chance — right now — to protect your health.

Before the year ends: do your cleaning, use your benefits, and take control of your oral health.

Your future self will thank you.