Lung disease often leads to difficulty breathing, congested airways and inflammation of lung tissue. Recent research suggests it might affect other parts of the body as well.

Most people want to be in and out of the hospital as quickly as possible and not have to come back. This also holds true for veterans.

Having healthy gums may prevent serious and potentially fatal respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia, according to the American Academy of Periodontology.