Despite epidemic levels of gum disease in the United States – the majority of adults having some level of gum disease – most of us are unaware of the signs, symptoms or even why it is important to be treated. We’ve brought together a panel of experts to answer your gum disease questions. February is Gum Disease Awareness Month – it’s time to be more informed on this all too common disease.
Tonya had been battling with gum disease all of her adult life. Instead of getting expensive dental implants, she chose to have it treated with the LANAP protocol after hearing about it from her friend. We chatted with her about her experiences with gum disease, why she chose to get treatment and what life is like after the procedure.
It’s that time of year where everyone plans for how they’re going to improve their lives in the new year. Maybe you wanted to drop those pesky 10lbs, or maybe you’re looking to quit smoking. Maybe your resolution is to start reading more or pick up gardening. Whatever the case may be, we all know the dreadful success rates associated with New Year’s Resolutions.
Good news — if you want to prove to yourself you can stick with a resolution and improve your health at the same time, look no further than your bathroom sink. Making a commitment to your oral health is a simple step you can take to ensure you keep your smile in good shape for the new year and beyond. Here are five reasons why improving your oral health should be a priority for the new year.
Over 80% of U.S. adults suffer from some degree of gum disease, making it one of the most common diseases in America. Yet, most of us don’t know much about gum disease. Even worse, what we think we know may not be completely true. Here are some useful (and actual) facts about this often ignored part of our body.
Gum disease is so common that it could accurately be described as an epidemic — as many as 85% of U.S. adults have some form of the disease. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize they have the condition, and those who do often brush it off as not a big deal.
Conversely, Alzheimer’s affects roughly 5 million Americans, with that number projected to reach 16 million by 2050, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. It’s also the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S., causing more than breast and prostate cancer combined.[1] Rightfully so, it is a leading concern to many, especially those who are older or who are caring for older relatives.
You may ask why these two conditions are being brought up in the same conversation. According to new research, having advanced gum disease may increase your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.[2][3] READ MORE
We’ve all been there before. You’re in the midst of a fun party — the music sounds great, the conversation is flowing, and you’re having a fantastic time. Then, out of the corner of your eye, you see it. Wait, did Paul just double dip in the salsa?
Once your mild disgust passes, you continue on with the party — carefully avoiding the bowls Paul eats out of. But did you know that double dipping could actually have a profound effect on the rest of your body? You read right: double dipping can be bad for your overall health.
The debate about the merits of flossing all started last August with The New York Times. The prestigious paper ran a story that implied that it might not be necessary to floss to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bone loss. The dental community responded with a unified and resounding, “Yes, it is.”
The NY Times article referred to the latest dietary guidelines published by the Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services that excluded flossing in their recommendations. The Associated Press reported that the government agency dropped flossing because officials had never researched whether flossing truly helped in upholding dental health.
Does the sound of a dental instrument make your skin crawl? Does the scent of antiseptic make you want to run for the hills? Are you putting off routine maintenance of your oral health because the thought of sitting in a dental chair makes you uncomfortable?
Don’t forget: Father’s Day is this Sunday! Have you already gotten your gift, or are you one of us who’s scrambling to think of a last minute present for dad? Whether or not you have that perfect jacket or set of golf clubs picked out, there’s something else you can do to show dad you care: ensure he’s taking care of his dental health. With June also being Men’s Health Month, now is the perfect time to get dad (grandpa, brother, etc.) thinking about men’s overall health.
As men age, monitoring their health becomes even more important. With illnesses like heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and dementia looming, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Did we mention erectile dysfunction? Yeah, there’s some scary ones to watch out for.
