The relationship between oral infections, inflammation and some chronic non-communicable diseases highlights the importance of the mouth to the body and shows how oral health affects systemic health. Specific relationships have been identified with oral infection/inflammation and certain systemic diseases and conditions like cerebrovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, pregnancy outcomes and respiratory diseases. Another very interesting link is the relationship between oral infections and cognitive impairment, particularly the type of dementia known as Alzheimer's disease.