It seems key symptoms in the mouth are warning signs of adult onset diseases. For instance, the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and heart disease increases with age. Researchers believe that these diseases often manifest themselves in the mouth.

For example, the American Diabetes Association states that the majority of diabetics suffer from Type 2 diabetes, which usually begins after age 45. Initial indicators of this disease are bad breath and bleeding gums.

Also, after the age of 45, the risk for developing heart disease triples. Although heart disease is the leading killer of Americans, a sore and painful jaw is often overlooked as a warning signal.

Research continually reveals links between oral and overall health. Please alert us or your General Dentist to any unusual symptoms or change in your medical status.

Hormonal changes in a woman’s body can cause a number of symptoms. During menopause, it is not uncommon for women to have more gum sensitivity to hot or cold. Some women say they feel a burning sensation in the mouth, frequently have a dry mouth, or even detect a metallic or salty taste.

Unlike many of the other physical symptoms that menopausal women endure, these bothersome oral sensations are often easily resolved. After an examination, I typically recommend a saliva substitute that is similar to a mouth rinse to increase saliva flow.

Protecting your gums during all phases of your life is important. Never assume that unusual symptoms in your mouth are harmless. Some problems can be warning signs of much more serious issues. If you need an exam, please call (828) 274-9440 at your earliest convenience.

It’s sometimes funny where life’s lessons come from! I was watching television the other day and a commercial for a heartburn medication came on. It featured a Southern good ol’ boy comedian know as ‘Larry.’ He was asking a good question: “Why get heartburn in the first place when you can prevent it?”

Makes perfect sense. Why get periodontal (gum) disease when you can prevent it? Gum disease is preventable with a good oral home care regimen and sufficient involvement with your dentist and periodontist. When you make the effort to prevent problems from occurring in the first place, you save yourself greatly in time and money.

As a periodontal specialist, I’m trained to diagnose and treat all stages of gum disease, but I’d much rather see you avoid it. When you do, I’m reminded that my patients have succeeded, and so have I. And, if an occasional reminder by the likes of a comedian named Larry helps, so be it!

If you are a diabetic, you may have heard of the connection of periodontal (gum) disease and diabetes. This has to do with the bacteria of gum disease that tends to trigger an inflammatory response. This inflammation sets off a series of different reactions and has been linked to arthritis, coronary artery disease, preterm babies, and more.

Research on periodontal disease bacteria and its effect on the heart, lungs, endocrine system (for diabetes), unborn babies, etc. has been conducted for years across the globe. The latest findings pertaining to diabetes were revealed through a study conducted by United Concordia, the nation’s sixth largest insurer. This study of 1.7 million patients showed a reduction in pharmacy costs by nearly $1,500 per year, on average, after diabetics received a round of treatments for gum disease.

This study follows one previously conducted that revealed how periodontal treatment for diabetics significantly decreased the number of doctor’s office visits and hospitalizations. A savings of fewer medical visits culminated into an annual average of over $1,800 per patient. This most recent study shows how gum therapy tends to lower costs required for hospitalization, medical office visits, and medications,for an annual heath care savings of over $3,200.

The oral health study by United Concordia is the largest of its kind. As a Periodontist, I’m pleased that it represents how thorough periodontal treatment can greatly enhance the overall well-being of diabetic patients. While the decrease in medical costs for diabetics is an appealing bonus, it further emphasizes how periodontal therapy gives significant, whole-health benefits.