CHEYENNE - Are your teeth feeling a little furry? It could be a sign of serious health problems in your future.

"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," Cheyenne dentist Ed Clark said.

Clark, speaking on behalf of the Wyoming Dental Association, on Tuesday helped announce 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 and TV and in print�to inform state residents about the importance of good oral hygiene.

According to Clark, only about 60 percent of Wyoming residents receive regular dental care. The number is even lower among children and the elderly, who often rely on others to get to the dentist.

The result of poor oral health can be disastrous. Tooth and gum disease can lead to infections that spread though the blood stream to other organs in the body.

Poor oral hygiene is even linked to a type of ovarian cancer, and can lead to a higher body-mass index in people whose bad teeth prevent them from efficiently chewing their food, Clark said.

In addition, the financial cost of treating emergency oral health and illness can be extreme when compared to the price of routine dental care, including checkups twice a year, Clark said.

"It is important that people, especially children and seniors, who can be particularly susceptible to oral disease, understand the link between good oral health and overall health," said Dr. Brad Kincheloe, a Cheyenne dentist who helped announce the campaign Tuesday.

Rural Wyoming residents may need to pay particular head to the suggestions about regular dental care, Clark said.

Health emergencies caused by oral neglect can be serious for residents in small towns who�can�live�up to�100 miles from the nearest dentist or doctor, he said.

"You have to practice prevention and make sure that your teeth are in good shape before you head out there into the frontier areas," Clark said.

The theme for the public service campaign is, "Your Teeth, Your Health, Your Life." Locally filmed announcements featuring Wyoming dentists and residents will begin circulating next week.

The Wyoming Dental Association paid for the bulk of the project. The American Dental Association also contributed funds, coordinators said.

Contact capital bureau reporter Jared Miller at (307) 632-1244 or {M7jared.miller@trib.com