Many studies have shown that women take oral hygiene more seriously than men. From daily brushing to visiting the dentist for checkups, women are more inclined to take better care of their teeth. For example, according to dental practitioner, men make 150 million fewer trips to the dentist than women.

Men’s Health and CNN report that approximately one-third of American men have not visited the dentist in at least one year. That’s a lot of unchecked cavities wreaking havoc on male mouths.

Correspondingly, the cosmetic dentist estimates that men are more likely to suffer from periodontal disease than women. To be precise, 34% of males have to deal with periodontal disease compared to 23% of women. Some dentists believe that the scary part about these percentages is that this 34% only accounts for the males that do visit the dentist.

Because women (on average) brush, floss, and visit their dentist more regularly, women are giving themselves far more health benefits than brighter, healthier smiles and fresh breath. Sustaining good oral hygiene significantly helps eliminate periodontal disease. This disease causes bleeding and inflammation of the gums, tender gums, sores, and other symptoms as well. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth and bone loss, and can even lead to other infections throughout the body.

Some studies shows that, most people hardly know the full ramifications of poor oral hygiene. Everyone hears about cavities, bad breath, and even gingivitis. But what about diabetes, stroke, and high blood pressure? Oral hygiene can directly effect a patient’s chances of avoiding these major illnesses. But, most patients find out when it is already too late.

Besides de facto brushing habits, men and women can augment their oral and overall health with other positive lifestyle choices. For instance, a dentist recommends a healthy diet and exercise to promote optimal blood pressure and blood-sugar levels. Especially for individuals with diabetes, where oral infections are more severe, regulating what enters the body and controlling blood-pressure will not only promote better health, but will most likely spark an increased interest in oral hygiene comments the dentistry practitioner.

Whether it’s your husband, a brother, or even a friend, women should be vocal about oral hygiene if they see someone neglecting to brush, floss, or visit the dentist. Sometimes a guy can use a little constructive criticism to get motivated, and if that is what it takes to enhance his oral hygiene and overall wellbeing, ‘playing mom’ for a little while is well worth it.

What it all boils down to is that when it comes to oral hygiene, men can learn from their female counterparts. Whether it’s a macho behavior, laziness, or ignorance, the truth is that women truly are our ‘better halves’ when it comes to oral hygiene, and if men don’t learn or change, they’ll be visiting their dentist for oral surgery rather than a simple cleaning.

To learn more about oral hygiene for men and women, visit Dr. Golab’s Flower Mound Dental Implants and Flower Mound dentistry Web site: http://www.drgolab.net or, to schedule a consultation by phone, call: 972-691-1700 to speak with a team member. Those interested in scheduling an appointment in person can reach Dr. Golab at his office, located at 3020 Broadmoor Lane, Suite #100, Flower Mound, TX 75022.

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Dental disease in dogs is the most common ailment that your dog will face. In fact, it is estimated that worldwide over 80 percent of all dogs will show one of the several kinds of dental diseases by the time they reach the age of 3. Often overlooked and ignored this very dangerous build up of bacteria in your dogs mouth, if not corrected, can and will spread to their heart, liver, and kidneys.

To most owners, once your dog does develop any of dental disease, the amount and the severity of this very serious disease is quite surprising. However, there is one very sad fact about these set of problems; both the veterinary community as well as most owners too often overlook these conditions. If most owners would stop and think about it rationally, they would understand that their dogs teeth are perhaps the most important part of their body.

Symptoms:

Dental disease in dogs has several potential symptoms, but by far and away the most common sign that your dog is developing an oral or dental problem is their breath. All owners understand halitosis which is bad breath, or doggy breath, and will spend hundreds of dollars annually buying treats that will help this bad breath.

This is almost like placing a bandage on a cut artery; instead of trying to cover up the problem you should be attack and correct it. Once your dog starts to develop bad breath, they have a dental condition, usually a periodontal disease. Once this occurs, the next set of symptoms that usually develop will include bleeding or red inflamed gums. As this disease continues to grow in severity, the next symptoms will be a difficulty in chewing or a change in eating habits. However, if your dog starts to paw at their mouth, it may now be a life threatening situation.

Common Dental Diseases:

Plaque:

Dental disease in dogs in most every case starts with plaque. While many experts will argue that plaque is not actually a disease, very few could argue that without plaque, there would be no dental problems in dogs. Dogs teeth are made for chewing meat and tough objects as they are very rigid in contour. For this reason, food particles and bacteria can collect very easily in all dogs gum lines. If an owner is diligent in caring for their dogs teeth, this would never occur.

However, once it is occurs, plaque starts to mineralize or harden forming what is referred to as calculus with in 3 to 5 day. Calculus has a much more familiar name; tarter.

Tarter:

Dental disease in dogs next common form is tarter, which once hardened, will adhere and stick to your dogs teeth. Tarter basically sticks to your dogs teeth by forming a scaffold which is now taking a very dangerous turn. Once the scaffold is formed, it allows for even more plague to accumulate. As this process continues, tarter is forming above as well as below your dogs gum line and developing into an environment where several other types of bacteria can become even more destructive.

Once this occurs, your dogs breath becomes even worse. This is very easy for an owner to check as your dogs gum lines are starting to change. All of your dogs teeth will have a bulge where healthy gums meet with the teeth. This bulge is not a straight line and should be slightly wavy in appearance. If the gums are straight along the teeth, the next disease has developed.

Gingivitis:

The next form of dental disease in dogs is called gingivitis and is a situation where your dogs gums are now inflamed. This inflammation is what causes the straight lines to appear, and is the result of food particles accumulating between the teeth and the gums. The major symptoms of this form of disease is bleeding, but it can also cause redness, a lot of pain, as well as your dog having a very difficult to chewing any type of hard food.

However, gingivitis can be reversed. If the actual cause of the inflammation is addressed, it can be corrected. If not, the gums in your dog start to deteriorate. If this does occur, the next form of dental disease in dogs begins and it can be life threatening.

Periodontitis:

Once your dog reaches the stage called periodontitis, they have now become seriously infected. This infection will begin to spread to their tissues as well as their bones which will affect the roots of the teeth. Once the roots are affected, your dogs teeth will become very loose and will eventually fall out. However, it can do a lot more damage. It can also cause abscesses to form, bone loss to occur, or the worst of all possibilities, infection.

If infection does develop, it will not stay in your dogs mouth for long and will quickly begin to travel into several parts of your dogs body once it hits the bloodstream. It can lead to infections in your dogs heart valves, kidneys, as well as their liver. This has now not only become a very painful ordeal in your dogs mouth, but a life threatening situation. Once it occurs, it can not be reversed.

Summary:

Dental disease in dogs has a virtual litany of products available to help fight this potentially deadly disease, as well as several specially formulated foods. But none of them come close to the most effective and also the cheapest way to fight this disease; regular dental care at home.

Brushing your dogs teeth at least 2 to 3 times a week sounds like a huge inconvenience and is not done by the vast majority of owners. It is a very simple process that your dog will not like but will get used to. But there is one very basic question all owners should ask themselves. What would happen to your teeth if you never brushed them?

I am an avid lover of pets and my wife and I have had several pets throughout our years. We are especially fond of dogs, and we have a 12 year old Dalmatian (our 3rd) and a “mutt” that we rescued when someone threw him away to die in a vacant field. He found us, nearly starved to death, and weighed about 2 pounds. After severe bouts of mange and severe dehydration, and over 1,000.00 in veterinarian bills, we saved the little guys life, and he is one of the best, if not the best, dogs we have ever had and today is a muscular, fit, and firm 70 pound best friend.

After finishing my MBA, which at middle age was not easy, I decided to keep the research work ethics that I acquired, and devote about two hours each night in understanding the health benefits of supplementation for both humans and pets and how they might strengthen our, as well as our pets, immune system in a pre-emptive approach to health rather than a reactionary approach. Both of my daughters are avid cat lovers, and asked me to help them with health concerns and challenges with their cats.

I am not a veterinarian nor claim to be, just a lover of pets that loves to research and pass on some knowledge that might be helpful, or at least stimulating to the thought process.

Several of the articles that I have written can be found on my website;

Liquid Vitamins & Minerals for Humans & Pets
http://www.liquid-vitamins-minerals-humans-pets.com/

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Listing Periodontal disease as a “reason” of Bad Breath and Halitosis is not completely right. Current research have revealed that it is very apt that it’s the other way around! High levels of Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSCs) in fact permit other contaminants to enter the zone between the teeth and the gum line, forming the initial stages of gum disease.

Several studies now reveal that bleeding gums can direct the way to heart attacks and strokes! Consider this for a second: You get up in the morning, moved to your bathroom and brush your teeth. After some strokes, you observe in the mirror or sink, that your gums are bleeding. However you just overlooked it and continued brushing. Would you ever overlook bleeding if it arrived from your eye, ear, or hand? Actually not! Once bleeding begins, it’s a symptom that something is dreadfully incorrect! It also reveals that your body protective covering is open and susceptible to attack by undesired bacteria and viruses.

The skin of the oral cavity is called Oral Mucosa. It is filled with blood vessels and if outer bacteria and the toxins they generate reach the blood stream, they are off and moving all over your body. What the most current International research reveals and what American Dentistry has failed to understand is that Sulfur Compounds generated by anaerobic bacteria are the actual desperados in a lot of oral disorders, from swollen and bleeding gums to Bad Breath (Halitosis), and now as groundbreaking research displays, ultimately lead to complete troubles like heart disease, strokes, and pneumonia.

Anaerobic Bacteria Make Sulfur Compounds Which Permit Toxins To Go Into Your Blood Stream By Means Of Swollen Gums!

These anaerobic bacteria have the capability to take out sulfur compounds from proteins generated when your gums are inflamed and bleeding. A few of these sulfur compounds are known as Thiols. These hazardous sulfur compounds have lately been observed to let other bacteria and the toxins they make to penetrate under the gumline. If your gums are previously swollen and bleeding, these bacterial contaminants may get into your bloodstream and travel all through your body, most considerably to your brain leading to strokes, or to the heart leading to heart attacks.

Professors like Robin Seymour and James Steele of the University of Newcastle Dental School in England state that you are less prone to catch coronary heart ailment if you have a fit mouth. Actually, both of these experts have analyzed 10 studies since 1965. Two of the major researches, performed here in the U.S. had outstanding proof supporting this point. Their study was reported to the British Dental Journal. Their article confirmed that Periodontal disease may be as injurious as smoking and high cholesterol when it comes to Heart Disease.

As the doctors confirmed, “A communication between particular bacteria in dental plaque and platelets has also been recommended as causative of the relationship between gum disease and coronary heart disease.”

A fresh 1996 research involving more than 1,100 individuals observed the incidences of coronary heart disease, fatal coronary disease, and strokes were all notably associated to their baseline gum status. Certainly, smoking and diabetes have been caught up in both Heart Disease and Gum Disease. High sugar consumption and scarcity of fluoride are also associated to tooth decay and Gum Disease and could be extra causative aspects to Heart Attacks and Strokes.

They recommended that gum disease should be considered as a chronic infection. Dr. Seymour confirmed that there is a lot of data now saying that chronic infections may be a vital start for “atheroma” creation (degenerative changes in the arteries). The connection between bleeding gums and heart disease and strokes emerges most understandable in men aged 40-50 years old.

Dr. Geoff Craig of the British Dental Association greeted the report, affirming, “Dentists should keep on highlighting that improving dental health usually and gum health especially which helps to keep up natural teeth and may also help to decrease the danger of coronary heart disease.”

For more information or to learn more about the causes and how to treat Bad Breath and Halitosis, follow the latest news and articles at http://badbreathreport.blogspot.com.

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If you need to know how to treat periodontal disease, then you at least need to know the options available to you. If you are like me, you probably do not like the idea of going to a dentist. However, let’s face it, If gum disease goes untreated, then it could lead to far more serious conditions, some of which may be life-threatening. The appropriate periodontal disease treatment will depend on the stage of periodontal disease (gingivitis, early periodontitis, advanced periodontitis). A dentist would be able to give a proper assessment. So what are some of the treatment options?

Standard Periodontal Disease Treatment

During your dental visit, your dentist will perform periodontal probes in order to determine if there are deep pockets that have developed between your gum line and teeth as a result of bacteria and their toxins. If there are periodontal pockets, then the dentist or hygienist may perform periodontal scaling and planing, which is an uncomfortable process whereby the hardened bacteria in the form of tartar is scraped away from the base of the teeth. These bacteria emit toxins that literally eat away at bone and gum tissue. This is why it is so important to maintain daily oral hygiene habits, which include, proper brushing, flossing, and regular cleaning visits to your dentist.

Periodontal Surgery

Periodontal flap surgery is when the dentist cuts and peels back the gums in order to expose the entire tooth and root so that it may be thoroughly cleaned. Gum grafts are also common. Soft tissue from one area of the mouth and covers the exposed bone and teeth roots. The tissue is suppose to attach to the remaining tissue in order to reinforce teeth and keep bacteria out. Scaling and root planing is involved as part of the cleaning process in order to ensure that the bacteria does not continue its destruction.

Periodontal Laser Treatment

Laser periodontal therapy is a newer treatment option wherein a small, flexible fiber optic is used to access pockets where infected tissue is present. The laser burns away dead tissue and bacteria populations. It may take several sessions to complete laser treatment, therefore overall cost depends on the extent of gum disease. Pain after the treatment is less than if you were to receive surgery.

Natural Remedies for Periodontal Disease

Natural herbal remedies for periodontal disease are usually affordable and can be used at home. With natural remedies for gum disease like spearmint, peppermint, or tea tree oil, periodontal disease can be effectively addressed. These natural remedies for periodontal disease are effective because they are able to get into the nooks and crannies of the tooth and gum line, where the bacteria is hiding. These oils are antibacterial and are not easily washed away like most mouth care products. They remain in constant contact with infected areas, therefore are battling the source of the problem, bacteria. This type of remedy should be used along side of any of the above treatments or as a preventative measure.

So home care for periodontal disease can be effectively pursued with the advice of your dentist and the right selection of natural remedies for gum disease. The key to success is to be consistent in dealing with the root of the problem, bacteria.

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It is common knowledge that regular dental cleanings help most individuals avoid cavities and costly fillings. However, new research suggests that a visit to the dentist could actually prove to be the first step in determining one’s risk for diabetes.

Scientists at New York University discovered the relationship while reviewing a previous study of nearly 3000 subjects who took part in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2003. The data collected during the survey covered a wide range of information such as weight, height, age, blood pressure, and medical history, but the NYU team uncovered a connection between instances of periodontal disease and type 2 diabetes risk. In cases where individuals suffered from periodontal disease an alarming 93 percent were also identified as high risk for developing diabetes. Common risk factors included high blood pressure, high body mass index, and family history of diabetes.

Periodontal disease is a condition that develops when plaque forms around the teeth and gums. The most common cause of plaque build-up is inadequate brushing, when food particles are not sufficiently cleared away. The particles stay on and between the teeth, begin to decay, attract bacteria, and eventually this decay starts to impact the structure of the teeth and gums. Symptoms of periodontal disease include swollen or bleeding gums, redness, loose teeth, and tooth discoloration. If left untreated, periodontal disease leads to severe tooth decay and tooth loss.

It is thought that as many as 75 percent of Americans over the age of 35 have some form of periodontal disease.

To avoid periodontal disease, visit a dentist at least twice a year for a thorough cleaning. Increase daily intake of vitamin C, which helps slow the progression of gingivitis, the earliest form of periodontal disease. Avoid eating excessive amounts of refined sugar and processed carbohydrates. Consume more food and drinks that promote healthy teeth and gums. Apples, pure water, and chamomile tea are all especially good choices.

Dr. Sheila Strauss, the lead author of the report, suggests that dentists could play a crucial role in early diabetes screening. Assessments could be done right in the office, with non-invasive procedures such as a simple finger prick and blood sugar measurement taken with a glucometer.

About 24 million Americans suffer from type 2 diabetes and conservative estimates reveal that nearly 25 percent of those are unawar4e that they have the disease. By 2025 it often always afflicts the older segment of the population, and more than 12 percent of blacks and Hispanics are diabetic as compared with just six percent of Caucasians.

While it would be fairly simple for dentists to screen at-risk patients for diabetes, the study did reveal one particularly troublesome finding. Approximately 60 percent of study participants with periodontal disease reported only one dentist visit over the course of two years. In fact, the report indicated that individuals with advanced periodontal disease were far less likely to have visited a dentist in the past two years. This suggests that most patients who are at risk simply do not or cannot access regular dental care – if they do not seek treatment, they cannot be screened for diabetes.

However, for those who do receive regular dental care, there may be hope in identifying their risk for type 2 diabetes before the condition becomes unmanageable or potentially life-threatening.

For a whole new realm of free information and resources on Wellness, Fitness & Nutrition – please visit: UltraFitnessDynamics and speed up your journey towards optimal health.

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Gum disease, or periodontitis, has been linked to higher risks for many health issues, such as heart disease, respiratory disease and pregnancy complications. Over the last few years, researchers have found increasing evidence that points to a strong relationship between gum disease and cancer, one the biggest killers of this century. Every year, oral cancer alone affects about 300,000 people worldwide.

Recently, doctors at Roswell Park Cancer Institute assessed patients over six years and reported that having periodontal disease increased the chances an individual will develop cancer of mouth, head, neck and tongue, similar to other risk factors like smoking. Many other reports from all over the world point toward links between gum health and oral, gastric and pancreatic cancer. Cancer occurs when certain culprit genes called “oncogenes” are “turned on” due to the interplay of various risk factors.

Major risk factors for cancer include smoking, alcohol, genetics, local irritation and viral infection. Gum problem tends to compound these effects by causing long-standing inflammation, which provides a host of molecular signals that can activate the cancer producing genes. Although periodontal disease increases cancer risk, as your Frisco dentist will tell you, they are largely preventable by proper oral care.

Gum disease is one of the most widespread diseases, and about 15 to 30 percent of people have moderate to severe periodontitis. Poor oral hygiene is the major cause for periodontal problems, with some people being more susceptible to periodontal disease than others. These people develop gum inflammation, which extends deep into the gums and the supporting jawbone. In the early stages, gum diseases or periodontitis is often “silent,” not causing any discomfort, and it is often your Frisco dentist who can point it out to you.

Unfortunately, this is the major reason why many people often tend to neglect an existing gum infection unless it progresses to an advanced stage where your dentist may not be able to salvage the affected teeth. While prevention of periodontal problems requires good oral hygiene and regular oral prophylaxis, severe periodontal disease may need more advanced treatment procedures like periodontal surgery, which is performed by a periodontist. Advances in dentistry have led to lasers, minimally invasive periodontal surgeries, locally delivered antibiotics and many modern aids, which make periodontal therapy comfortable and effective, and, at the same time, improve your general well being.

Dr. De Paoli is, first and foremost, a gentle, caring Frisco dentist who uses the most advanced, painless techniques in modern dentistry. He places great emphasis on getting to know the patient, carefully listening to their concerns and then explaining in detail what procedures would best suit that patient’s needs. He is deeply concerned with providing patients with the highest level of comfort and quality care. He focuses on family and cosmetic dentistry in Frisco.

Dr. De Paoli graduated from Baylor Dental School in 1988 and has had post-graduate training in endodontics and restorative dentistry. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Dallas County Dental Society, the Texas Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. He has been serving the dental needs of Frisco families for over a decade.

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The Sonicare tooth brush is one dental device that can help patients who have periodontal disease. Most of the time articles seem to discuss what gum disease is and what causes it and how to prevent it. But what happens if you already have gum disease? How do you care for your gums while they are healing?

The electric toothbrush has become a useful tool for managing gum disease. Gum disease is caused by plaque which is actually a bacterial film that covers the teeth while trapping even more bacteria beneath. The disease can lead to sore and puffy gums. Sometimes the gums start bleeding or the teeth get loose in advanced cases.

The gums can get so tender that even eating food can lead to bleeding. It is really unpleasant and downright painful. When you go to the dentist, he or she will deep clean the pockets of bacteria that are causing the sore gums and teeth decay. If periodontal disease is not treated, it can lead to eventual teeth loss and even jaw bone decay. Cleaning the teeth after and between dental cleanings can be almost traumatic when the gums are sore enough which is why many people use a gentle cycle on a sonic electric toothbrush.

Treating Your Gums Kindly

Gingivitis is the first state of gum disease. That is the time to see the dentist which is long before bone decay sets in. Unfortunately many people wait until they can’t stand the pain in their mouth and by then the disease has advanced. But today’s dentists have many ways to treat periodontal disease which can range from cleaning below the gum line to surgery in extreme cases.The dental treatments can cause soreness too. Even cleaning the gum abscesses can cause the gums to be even more sensitive and sore. You are sent on your way home to take care of your teeth and gums and told to come back for more cleaning if needed after a few weeks. An electric toothbrush can look like a life saver at that point. Electric toothbrushes like the Sonicare tooth brush have variable speeds. You can set the speed to low and use soft bristled toothbrush heads that don’t irritate the gums further.

You should brush after each meal because the gum pockets that were cleaned by the dentist are still exposed tissue until the gums adhere back to the teeth. The electric toothbrush has more than one bristle size you can choose also. When you select a brush size that best fits in your mouth you are able to reach all the corners and crevices that were missed with standard brushing and eventually led to gingivitis or periodontal disease.The sonic electric toothbrush is easy to use and kind to the gums. That is exactly what you need when your gums are healing and from that point forward for good oral hygiene.

Julie-Ann Amos is a professional writer. She regularly writes on the topic of oral hygiene and the benefits of using the sonicare tooth brush for promoting gum healing when periodontal disease is present. The sonic electric toothbrush can gently clean sore tender gums.

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Neglect Your Mouth at Your Own Peril.

Research Suggests a Link Between Oral Health and Multiple Health Risks.

The mouth is often overlooked by doctors as a source of infectious disease. An estimated 500 species of a live in the mouth, and each organism this perfect warm, dark, moist environment and has direct access to your body through the mouth’s highly absorbent tissues blood stream, airways, and digestive tract. It is becoming very clear that the state of oral health may a major single predictor of general health.

More than 80% of adults have some form of deterioration of the periodontium (gums), ranging from mild gum inflammation to full-blown periodontal disease requiring surgery. The mouth is home to millions of microbes, most of which are harmless. However, some may cause infections such as tooth decay or gum disease. Damaged gums allow oral bacteria entry into the bloodstream to wreak havoc in the body. Ira Shapria, DDS, from St. Luke’s Medical Center Sleep Disorder Clinic, “The area in the oral cavity affected by periodontal disease can measure as long as the distance from the ankle to the groin.”

Because the oral cavity is a major portal of entry for bacteria to invade the body, dental infections have been identified as causes of the following:

· Heart disease: Bacteria hitch up with platelets to circulate through the body and may deposit into the vessels supplying the heart. Researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reported finding severe gum disease in 85% of heart attack victims (as opposed to 29% in those without cardiovascular incidents).

· Stroke: The National Institute of Dental Research reports that 70% of the fatty deposits clogging the carotid arteries in stroke contain bacteria, with 40% of the bacteria originating from the mouth. Previous research shows with severe gum disease have twice the risk of stroke compared to people with good oral health.

· Lung diseases: Extensive tartar buildup and plaque correlate to risk for chronic lung disease. According to Dr. Shapria, studies demonstrate an increased risk of lung infections, abscesses, and upper respiratory infections in patients with gum disease.

· Diabetes: Diabetics with gum disease are three times more likely to have heart attacks than those without gum disease.

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums and is considered to be an early stage of periodontal disease (a disorder affecting the infrastructure of the teeth and gums). According to the American Dental Association 48% of adults 64-74 have gingivitis. Gingivitis is caused by plaque, deposits of bacteria, mucus, and food particles that accumulate on the gums, causing swelling and bleeding. The gum erodes to form pockets that entrap more plaque deposits.

If left untreated, gingivitis may progress to pyorrhea (periodontitis). Bacteria become trapped between the gum and teeth, causing infection. Pyorrhea manifests as foul smelling breath (halitosis), painful and bleeding gums. In extreme cases of pyorrhea, the bacteria invade the gums, causing abscesses that require surgery to remove infected tissue and reshape the bone (osseous surgery). Even if you have an experienced, meticulous, well educated dentist such Paul Gibbs, DDS, of Davidson, NC, the postoperative period is excruciating, even if you’re ex-marine and fireman like me.

Periodontal disease is often silent, meaning symptoms may not appear until an advanced stage of the disease. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, warning signs of periodontal disease include the following:

• Red, swollen or tender gums or other pain in your mouth
• Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating hard food
• Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth, causing the teeth to look longer than before
• Loose or separating teeth
• Pus between your gums and teeth
• Sores in your mouth
• Persistent bad breath
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• A change in the fit of partial dentures

According to the AAP avoid periodontitis with the following precautions:

· Eat a balanced diet.

· Limit sugar intake.

· Practice good flossing and brushing techniques(proxy brush). Recommended by Dr. Paul Gibbs, DDS, Davidson, NC.

· Treat chronic illness, if apparent.

· Visit the dentist regularly for preventive maintenance.

· Do not smoke.

· Do not engage in illicit drug use.

· Do not drink alcohol excessively.

The Following Nutrients can help Prevent or Reduce Periodontal Disease:

· Coenzyme Q-10 may decrease the depth ofperiodontal pockets

· Vitamin C promotes healing of bleeding gums

· Calcium prevents bone loss around the gums

· Magnesium is necessary to complement the calcium

· Vitamin A helps gums heal

· Folic acid helps reduce gingival inflammation

· Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oils)

Dr. Walt Kasmir, ND is a Psychophysiologist, Life Coach, and Speaker specializing in Stress Management and Peak Performance. For more natural health and stress management content or to book Dr. Walt log onto http://www.AskDrWalt.com

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Products like the Sonicare electric toothbrush are designed to prevent disease from ever having a place to begin developing. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, effects seventy-five percent of the population. While this figure alone is astounding many more people find the effects it has on their overall health more frightening. This type of oral health problem has been linked to serious dental problems, heart disease, stroke, preterm birth, and diabetes.There are several factors that combine to cause gum disease. First, bacteria from tartar build up and plaque can infect the gums which is why the Sonicare toothbrush head was designed to provide broader coverage with each brush stroke.

Grinding the teeth and clenching the jaw can cause problems. Medicines, even those prescribed by a doctor, can result in gum problems. Smoking is very harmful to the gums and genetics plays a big role as well..The signs and symptoms of gum problems include red gums, bleeding gums, and swollen gums. The gums will begin to recede causing the teeth to become loose. A receding gum line can also cause the teeth to become sensitive to hot and cold and result in an abscess.

Studies link these high bacteria levels to an increased risk of heart disease. In fact, as the disease becomes more severe a person’s risk of heart disease goes up. It has also been suggested that the inflammation of the gums triggers inflammation in other parts of the body which can also result in heart health problems.

Brushing with an electric toothbrush can help prevent bacteria buildup.

Gum Disease and Preterm Birth

Premature birth is a huge concern for women with periodonal or oral disease. Studies have estimated that premature births occur in women with gum disease seven times more frequently than in women without. Dentists and doctors recommend frequent brushing during pregnancy because hormones can cause the gums of pregnant wom to be susceptible to gum disease.

Oral Disease and Diabetes

People who suffer from diabetes are very likely to have gum disease. Recent scientific research has found that the problem in diabetics is caused by high levels of blood glucose. Slow blood circulation and the inability to fight off infection are also contributing factors. A diabetic with gum disease is vulnerable to all of the health risks associated with the problem including oral health problems, heart disease, and more.

To prevent disease of the gums, diabetics are encouraged to maintain excellent blood sugar levels and see their dentist and medical specialist frequently. They should not smoke, eat a nutritious and balanced meal, and practice good oral hygiene including using a high quality toothbrush like the products with the Sonicare toothbrush head. Good oral hygiene is the best prevention for gum and oral health problems. Brushing and flossing the teeth are the best preventative measures against this problem. A person should make and keep regular visits with their dentist for cleanings. If gum disease does occur it is treatable with a process known as scaling done at the dentist’s office.

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Nowadays there are many people that are choosing natural dental care as a set of sparkling white teeth is a sign of peak health. By taking good care of your teeth means you have taken good care of your body and health as a set of healthy teeth and gums ultimately lessen the chances of degenerative diseases.

Good nutritional habits show up in the mouth and if you have healthy teeth and gums that means you are eating correctly as well as apply oral hygiene and if you are suffering from gum disease your nutritional intake is poor. Nashville dentists specialize in educating their patients more towards natural in order to maintain healthy gums and teeth and are also advising their patients on how to eat correctly.

It has been stated by Nashville dentists that poor periodontal health affects one’s overall health and that periodontal disease can cause other diseases such as pre term babies, cardiac disease, bacterial pneumonia as well as strokes although this is found to be epidemiological.

If one is suffering from periodontal disease which is causes by microorganisms these organisms can affect the whole body as they are transported into the body tissues as well as the heart muscle and can cause a person to become ill. Recent research has identified that 2 out of every 5 people suffer from periodontal diseases and when the researchers studied these subjects it was found that all presented with cardiovascular disease and it is thought that periodontal disease may be the cause of degenerative diseases although the study is inconclusive.

Dentists in Nashville have concluded that natural dental care products such as aloe vera which is noted for its soothing and healing properties heals the gum tissue and in addition prevents gingivitis as aloe prevents the buildup of plaque in the mouth. Along with the aloe vera the grape seed extract is known for its cleansing properties and included is Xylitol which acts as a cleaning and sweetening agent.

Bacteria in the mouth is not removed from brushing alone as there are those hard to reach places between the teeth so one needs to include a mouth wash which will prevent bacteria from forming and in addition keep the mouth fresh which will prevent gum diseases.

It has been proved that Xylitol which contains natural sugar alcohol does not cause fermentation and in turn starves and prevents bacteria from forming in the mouth. Most people are looking for toothpastes that are fluoride free although Nashville dentists state that fluoride has tropical benefits which prevent cavities from forming and that a certain amount of fluoride is important during early age development however fluoride is harmful to the body.

A healthy balanced diet which contains lots of fresh fruit and vegetables along with regular oral hygiene will ensure beautiful teeth and peak health. Remember your smile says it all and one should visit your Nashville Dentist regularly as well as maintain optimal oral hygiene preventing gum disease and related illnesses.

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