Let’s look at an example of how the mouth and body are related. There is a direct correlation between periodontitis and diabetes. Among the US population 11.3% (37.3 million people) have diabetes, with approximately 1 in 4 not aware of having the disease. The total US population with pre-diabetes is 38% (96 million people aged 18 years or older). Did you know November is American Diabetes Month to raise awareness of diabetes symptoms, promote healthy living, and ensure people are...

Wisdom teeth, also known as your third molars, will start to make an appearance between the ages of 17 and 21. These are commonly known as wisdom teeth, because they come through at a later age. Some people get all four, others only a couple, and yet others never get any of their wisdom teeth. When there is enough room and they come into the mouth correctly, healthy wisdom teeth can help you chew. It is important to have a...

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), by 2060 the number of US adults aged 65 years or older is expected to reach 98 million, 24% of the overall population. This is a growing demographic in the United States. Being disabled, homebound, or institutionalized (e.g., seniors who live in nursing homes) increases the risk of poor oral health. The ability to access routine professional oral health services, have proper oral health education, and daily oral hygiene are...

May is Older Americans Month, established in 1963 to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons. The theme for 2023 is ‘Aging Unbound’, exploring diverse aging experiences and discussing how communities can combat stereotypes as we expand our thinking about aging—and how all benefit when older adults remain engaged, independent, and included.   Plaque retention in the aging population is exacerbated by the presence of dental restorations (e.g., crowns, bridges), missing teeth, and gingival recession. The aging population...

You don’t often realize how essential your tongue is in your everyday life. Your tongue helps you taste, eat, digest, and speak. While you chew the tongue assists with moving the food and swallowing. The small bumps, or papillae, on the tongue allow you to taste. The tongue is an agile and flexible muscle, giving it the ability to produce many words. The tip of the tongue is sensitive, allowing it to assist in cleaning the mouth and alerting us...

When we hear the word cancer it might seem like a distance term, or you may have a very personal experience. “1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime” (cancer.org). Cancer impacts many people.    April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, which raises awareness about oral cancer and the importance of completing self-exams. Oral Cancer starts in the oral cavity (mouth) and the oropharynx (neck and throat). This year there will...

How to Clean a Dental Bridge When missing a tooth you may notice a difference in chewing, speaking, and the way your smile looks. A bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial teeth and connects the gap where one or more teeth used to be. Bridges use the surrounding teeth to support the artificial teeth. You can either have an implant-supported bridge or a tooth-supported bridge. Both provide a realistic look, and both are different to take care of than a...

A missing tooth might be the result of gum disease, injury, severe tooth decay, or a genetic condition. Regardless of the way a tooth is lost, it can impact a person in multiple ways. Missing teeth can negatively affect how your teeth are aligned. Teeth will start to shift to fill the missing area causing a change in bite. This in turn can cause issues with grinding, tooth fractures, and/or tooth wear. When teeth are missing your jawbone starts to...