The Wyoming Dental Association on Tuesday announced a statewide initiative to help residents make the connection between good dental hygiene and overall health.

Beginning next week, the association will launch commercials on radio, TV and print to inform state residents about the benefits of good mouth health, and the possible consequences of dental neglect.

"Many people may be surprised to hear that an unhealthy mouth may worsen or be at the root cause of other serious medical problems, like heart disease, stroke and diabetes, among other things," said Cheyenne dentist Ed Clark, who helped announce the campaign Tuesday.

See Wednesday's Star-Tribune for more on this story.