Wait…What?!  I had NO idea!!

All to often we walk through our day not knowing what will become of it, however, what if there was a way. What if you found out days, months, weeks, or even years later that someone could’ve told you? Or even worse what if it was you that realized you could’ve helped another! Most of us strive to help others when we can and all to often wish we could’ve done more. Today I am here to throw some more dental knowledge your way. Things you may or may not be aware of. So maybe that day of realization that you weren’t told that will never come.

– Gum disease is a risk factor for heart disease and respiratory disease patients.
(Ok, so I’ve said/blogged this before but it’s important enough to mention again)

– If you are scheduled to have joint replacement surgery, you can help prevent a post-surgery infection by getting necessary dental work completed before surgery.

– When you suffer from gum disease, brushing or flossing your teeth, chewing food, or any activity that involves pressure on your teeth and gums puts you at risk for pushing harmful bacteria into your body.

– Infections that stem from gum disease can increase blood sugars in the body which can create serious health complications for diabetes.

– Pregnant women who have infected gums increase their risk for delivering premature or low birth weight babies.

– The average age for diagnosis of oral cancer is 60.

– Dentists are your first line of defense for detecting oral cancer, which usually begins on the tongue.

– Smokeless tobacco increases the risk of oral cancer by four times.

– canker sores generally rear their ugly heads during the teen years, most often stress is the main culprit.

– If you get canker sores frequently, try this 30 day test. Avoid using toothpaste with the ingredient SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate).

– Keep a watchful eye out for signs of oral thrush. White, creamy patches inside the mouth may signal a problem. Antibiotics taken in the long term may increase this possibility.

– Dry Mouth Syndrome can be the result of a medication side effect. Consult your physician or dentist.

– Radiation therapy used to treat head and neck tumors damages the salivary glands. This damage can cause Dry Mouth Syndrome, hence make sure and get necessary dental work completed before all radiation therapy.

– At every dental visit, update your dental team on any recent medications, surgery, or physical limitations.

In conclusion, once again I set you out amongst the world, but with fresh knowledge. A new wisdom about you…a brand new consciousness and alertness to your dental health.