If you missed Part 1 and/or 2 of this series, you can find it at www.thetowncommon.com.

I have been writing the past couple weeks about the growing evidence that links oral and systemic disease, and the need for more collaboration between dentists and physicians. All of this, of course, is in the best interest of the patient.

The discussion has been primarily about gum disease and its relationship with systemic disease. The body is a complex system – and everything is connected. In addition to the need for dentists and MD’s to collaborate more on the oral/systemic connection, we also need to collaborate better about our patient’s sleep problems.  

As part of a comprehensive approach to care, we screen for sleep issues with our patients. it amazes me how many people have issues with their sleep. It amazes me even more when I learn that many of these people have never even had a conversation with their doctor about sleep. Experts in sleep medicine agree that there is much room for improvement in this vital part of our health care. (more…)

If you missed Part 1 of this series, you can find it at www.thetowncommon.com.

Painless Gum Disease Still Needs Attention

I ended last week with a statement that I have used numerous times before – just because it doesn’t hurt doesn’t mean there isn’t a problem. We keep learning more and more about the link between the mouth and the rest of the body. It is essential that dentists and physicians do a better job at co-managing patients, and learn more about the relationship between oral and systemic disease. (more…)

The connection between oral health and systemic health is well-established and ever-evolving. One thing we know for certain; we are living longer, but with more chronic diseases and medication than ever before.

Gum Disease in an Aging Population

The latest statistics are alarming. Forty-seven percent of US adults who are age 30 or older – an estimated 64.7 million Americans – have either mild gum disease (8.7%), moderate gum disease (30%) or severe gum disease (8.5%). As the population ages, the prevalence rises with 70% of individuals over the age of 65 exhibiting some level of gum disease. And, since we are on statistics, by 2030, it is estimated that the number of people over 70 years of age will have doubled from 35 million to 71 million.

So, as we age, our risk of developing disease increases. Interestingly, there is also a direct correlation between the regions of the US with the greatest concentration of gum disease, and those that have a high incidence of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Although a direct cause-and-effect link is still in the process of being established between gum disease (periodontitis) and other systemic diseases, inflammation is often a common denominator. And it is always important to remember that the mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body. (more…)

If you recently learned that you need a root canal, your first instinct may have been to go online to do some research on the procedure. The Internet can be a great learning tool, but it’s also full of misconceptions about treatments like root canal therapy. To help you separate rumors from reality, here are five common root canal myths in Rowley.

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October is here!!  This means only 3 months left in 2021. It’s crunch time to get everything done that we haven’t gotten done during the rest of the year. For those with remaining dental benefits, it’s also the time of year to consider utilizing those so you don’t lose them.

Using Dental Benefits Before They Expire

Unused dental benefits go directly back to the insurance company, which generates hundreds and hundreds of thousands of dollars for the insurance companies each year. Dental insurance companies count on the fact that many people will not claim their $1000 or so in benefits by the end of the calendar year. Those with dental benefits should look for legitimate means to use these benefits before they are lost, especially if you haven’t been to a dentist in a while. (more…)

If you recently learned that you need a root canal, your first instinct may have been to go online to do some research on the procedure. The Internet can be a great learning tool, but it’s also full of misconceptions. To help you separate rumors from reality, here are five common root canal myths in Rowley – debunked!

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