No time to wait...

If you have a flexible spending health insurance plan at work, you know a section 125 cafeteria plan...and you still have money in it, you lose any money you don't use by the end of the year. But here's the good news: a LANAP procedure from the Doctors of Ameridontics is eligible under most plans! If you act now, you still have time to schedule your procedure. One of the great things about LANAP, it won't lay up for the Holidays. Most patients report resuming regular activities the same day they have the procedure! Don't delay, make the most of your insurance funds. Call (866) FIT-GUMS or send us an e-mail today!

A PROBLEM IN OUR SCHOOLS

According to the Forsyth Kids organization, more than 51-million school hours are lost each year due to dental related illness from lost productivity due. Poor oral health is a serious problem in our schools. Be sure to have your children regularly treated by a dental professional. Forsyth is a non-profit organization that provides dental care for at risk children. And, get this, they've been doing this fantastic work since 1910!

A SAD STORY

If you've been reading this blog for any length of time, you know how passionate we are about dental care. Here is a very tragic example of why: In 2007, a preventable tooth infection spread to the brain of a 12-year old Maryland boy resulting in his death. Proper dental care is important. The evidence is over-whelming. Please, please take care of your family's dental care. In our next post, we discuss the implications of dental disease has on our schools.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Thanksgiving is a time to take stock. Here at the Ameridontics blog, we're thankful for the many wonderful patients we've met and who have become wonderful friends. We're thankful for the Ameridontics' doctors who have made it their mission to help educate everybody about the importance of proper oral health care. And, we're thankful to be in a position to be able to introduce LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) to so many of you. We it's a great feeling to know we're making a positive difference in so many people's lives. Enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner, but we would be remiss to not remind to be sure to to brush and floss after eating the pumkin pie!

PROPER NUTRITION AIDS ORAL HEALTH

If we've been reading these posts for any length of time, you know the importance of proper dental care (brushing and flossing). But did you know that there are other health style choices you can make that will help you fight gum disease? This is certainly true for a well balanced diet. Proper nutrition helps the body to fight off infection. For example, antioxidant rich foods with vitamin E (vegetable oil, nuts, green leafy vegetables) and vitamin C (citrus fruits, broccoli, and potatoes) helped repair damaged tissues.

ORAL HEALTH LINKED TO A WOMAN'S OVER-ALL HEALTH

A woman's oral health in an important, yet often overlooked aspect of a woman's over-all health. It is also important to note that while women are generally more likely to perform proper oral maintenance than men (daily brushing and flossing), their overall incidence of gum disease is not markedly lower. Researchers believe this is caused by hormonal fluctuations in the various stages of a woman's life (puberty, pregnancy, and menopause). These life stages can adversely affect the gum tissue in a woman's mouth causing gum disease. In upcoming posts, we will discuss the links between gum disease and osteoporosis and pregnancy complications.

GUM DISEASE AND PREGNANCY COMPLICATIONS

While both men and women suffer with gum disease linked diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes equally, there are some periodontal linked health complications that are specifically linked to women. Researchers have tied gum disease with pre-mature birth. It is believed that disease causing organisms (bacteria) in a pregnant woman's mouth my end up in the amniotic fluid or placenta contributing to pre-mature birth. Unfortunately, treating the gum disease after a woman is pregnant may already be too late. This is because the bacteria is already in the bloodstream. That's why it is so important that a woman take care of any gum disease before getting pregnant.

ORAL HEALTH LINKED TO A WOMAN'S OVER-ALL HEALTH

A woman's oral health in an important, yet often overlooked aspect of a woman's over-all health. It is also important to note that while women are generally more likely to perform proper oral maintenance than men (daily brushing and flossing), their overall incidence of gum disease is not markedly lower. Researchers believe this is caused by hormonal fluctuations in the various stages of a woman's life (puberty, pregnancy, and menopause). These life stages can adversely affect the gum tissue in a woman's mouth causing gum disease. In upcoming posts, we will discuss the links between gum disease and osteoporosis and pregnancy complications.

How Much Work Will I Miss After The LANAP Procedure?

One of the first questions someone contemplating the procedure asks is, "How long will I be off work?" In other words, "How long will I take to heal after the procedure?" The good news is that recovery time is almost immediate for most patients. Many people report going back to work the same day they have the procedure. Or as in the case of one patient we talked to, after having the procedure,
since she had told her work that she was "out for day" having "gum surgery" she went shopping at the Mall! In any case, you'll be fine to go back to work the next day.

Gum Disease and the Economy

At first glance these two topics seem unrelated. How does the economy affect gum disease? It's simple. As prices rise higher and higher on basic necessities such as food and fuel, the natural tendency is to "put off" other purchases to another time. It's understandable and everyone on a budget does it. We take our vacation days at home rather than traveling. We don't visit restaurants like we used to. It's basic Economics 101. However, if you've been diagnosed with gum disease, one thing you should never "put off" is treatment. Here's why, gum disease will not get better over time, it will only get worse resulting in pain and tooth loss. Even more serious, recent medical research suggests a link between gum disease and grave health conditions such as heart disease and stroke. Speaking medically and economically, it never pays to postpone the treatment. The cost truly out weighs the shot term savings. So how do you work the treatment into your budget? Well, at Ameridontics, the doctors offer a range of payment plans for patients that result in low monthly payments. Treating your gum disease is an important investment in your over-all health. Please don't "put it off"

IS GUM DISEASE CONTAGIOUS?

After examining the risk factors for gum disease in earlier posts, we've been asked the question, "Can you catch periodontal disease from someone else?" " Is it contagious?" Well, the answer is YES, if you're asking about the bacteria believed to be responsible causing plaque and gum disease. That's why it's a good idea to NEVER, NEVER share your tooth brush with a friend. He or She may return it with undesirable bacteria, not to mention a host of other germs! Talk about the "yuck" factor.

THE AMERIDONTICS PRESIDENTIAL POSTING!

These days it seems everyone is focusing on the upcoming presidential election. We're no different here at Ameridontics Blog. And, no we're not going to endorse one of the candidates based on their oral health! But, we did think it might be fun to "explode" a prevalent presidential myth. We've all heard since childhood that George Washington had wooden teeth. The wooden teeth story is, well, "false". Washington did wear dentures, but as was the custom of the times, the false teeth were made of gold, lead, animal, and human teeth. No wood was used in their construction. There are four known existing dentures of our first president. One pair was recently analyzed by historians and found to be made of hippopotamus ivory and cow's teeth. Washington suffered with gum disease most of his life, and began losing his teeth while still in his twenties. His dentures "fit" over-sized giving him the stern "look" we now associate with the "the fatherof our country". That's too bad, because historians believe he was was much more fun-loving than the image on the one dollar bill would lead us to believe. He was said to be our most athletic president and quite a good dancer!

IF YOU SMOKE, QUIT!

How about this for another great reason to quit smoking? We all know smoking tobacco is really bad for your over-all health. But did you know that smoking is also the number one environmental/behavioral risk for gum disease? The fact is that smoking creates havoc in your mouth. If you smoke, the best time to quit is Today! In fact, after treatment of gum disease, your dental professional will most likely suggest that you give up tobacco to reduce your chances of having gum disease re-occur.

HEREDITY AND GUM DISEASE

As we discussed in our last posting, heredity plays a huge role in determining your risk for gum disease. One study suggests that half the population has a genetic predisposition to gum disease! Research involving identical twins, family histories, and periodontal disease have highlighted this risk. It has been suggested that children of parents with gum disease are 12 times more likely to harbor dangerous bacteria in the mouth that can lead to plaque and ultimately gum disease than the general population. Many experts believe the genetic link is a minor defect in the immune system that does not eliminate this harmful bacteria.

RISK FACTORS FOR GUM DISEASE

So you say, gum disease won't happen to you. You do everything right including proper brushing and flossing daily. You also have regular visits to dental professional for cleanings. That's fantastic, and it will greatly reduce your chances for gum disease, but it won't eliminate the chance entirely. Why? Because there are other important risk factors to consider. In addition, to proper dental hygiene, research has shown stress, diet, smoking, and viral infections can all play a role in the occurrence of gum disease. One study has even linked periodontal (gum) disease with obesity. Heredity also plays a major role in determining your risk for gum disease. We'll explore the heredity link further in our next posting.

GUM DISEASE AND OVER-ALL HEALTH

Recent medical research has linked gum disease (periodontal disease) to over-all health. Researchers now believe that gum disease may be related to serious health complications including heart disease and stroke.
How can gum disease do so much over-all health damage? Here's what many doctors believe is the connection: even the healthy mouth is full of bacteria. This is kept in check by regular oral maintenance (brushing and flossing). However, when gum disease is present, the bacteria is believed to gain entry into the blood stream and therefore a portal to the entire body.

Here some of the links between disease and gum health:

HEART DISEASE

Researcher have found that people with periodontal disease (gum disease) are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary pulmonary disease. Other studies suggest that gum disease can also exacerbate existing hearth conditions.

STROKE

Additional published studies have pointed to the a relationship between periodontal disease and stroke. One study concluded that people have suffered a stroke are much more likely than the control group to suffer from gum disease.

PREGNANCY COMPLICATIONS

Gum disease has been linked to pre-mature birth. That's why many experts say it is vital for a woman to maintain excellent oral heath prior to getting pregnant.

DIABETES

People with diabetes are more likely to suffer with gum disease than the general public. This may be because the diabetic is more prone to infection. Severe gum disease can also increase blood sugar levels creating even more complications.

OSTEOPOROSIS

The first stages of bone loss may be first evident in the teeth. Often, this will be discovered with routine dental x-rays. If bone loss continues to occur, the dentist will most likely suggest the patient discuss the problem with other healthcare providers.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Again as shown is some of the above cases, arthritis sufferers have been shown to higher incidence of periodontal disease. One theory suggests that because of the debilitating nature of the disease, the patient is unable to perform the physical movements necessary of oral maintenance.

There is however good news in the battle against gum disease. LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) has become available throughout the United States as a patient-friendly alternative to traditional gum surgery. With LANAP, the trained and certified general dentist or periodontist utilizes a laser (Periolase MVP-7,Millenium Technologies, Inc) to treat gum disease. Unlike traditional gum surgery, LANAP requires no surgical cutting, scaling back the gums, or stitches. This results in much less pain and discomfort for the patient. In addition, it requires much less healing and recovery time.

As shown in the above examples, proper oral maintenance and promptly treating gum disease is a valuable investment in your over-all health.

WORD OF MOUTH

While on the Ameridontics web-site be sure to check out the patient testimonials (just go to the home page and click on the patient testimonial icon near the bottom of the page). These testimonials can be an invaluable resource for someone contemplating having the LANAP procedure. That's because they represent the point-of-view of patients who have had the procedure. The testimonials represent people from all walks of life including a teacher, church caretaker, real estate agent, homemaker, retiree, and even a radio personality. About the only thing they have in common is that they all had moderate to severe gum disease and they decided to treat it with LANAP at Ameridontics. Unlike "paid" testimonials each of these testimonials donated their time to help educate the public about the laser treatment of gum disease. All of the testimonials are in the patients own words and represent exclusively their own experiences with LANAP. We'd like to thank each and everyone ofthese testimonials for helping spread the word about LANAP and Ameridontics!

NIGHT AND DAY Gum Surgery!

One of the best ways to find out the difference between LANAP and traditional gum surgery is to talk to someone who has experienced both procedures. Recently, we had the opportunity to talk to one such patient who we will call "Mary Jo" (mainly because that's her real first name!). Years ago, Mary Jo had her gum disease treated with the traditional surgical cutting and stitches. She suffered complications from the surgery and her healing process was very slow. The treatment caused her a great deal of pain, which even after all these years, she could still re-count in vivid detail. Fast forward to about two years ago, still dreading gum surgery, she had need for another treatment. This time at the urging of her dentist, she choose LANAP at Ameridontics. Mary Jo calls the difference between the two treatments the difference between "night and day". She vows never again to have traditional gum surgery. The LANAP procedure was performed with little or no discomfort and she experienced none of the complications she had with gum surgery. She felt great the next day. She told us, "You need to tell people about the difference." Well Mary Jo, with your help, we just did!

DO YOU SUFFER WITH ANY OF THESE COMMON SYMPTOMS OF GUM DISEASE?

Gum disease in the United States has reached epidemic proportions. It is estimated that 85 percent of all adults suffer some form of the disease. About half of adults suffer with moderate or severe forms of gum disease.

So what are the common symptoms of gum disease? Here is some of most common evidence of periodontal disease: bleeding gums, bad breath, puffy inflammed gums and loose teeth are all signs of the oral condition. If you have any of these symptoms it's important you visit a dentist for a check-up. Your dentist will be able to diagnosis if you indeed suffer from gum disease.

If you are diagnosed with moderate or severe gum disease, it's important you act quickly. Here's why: periodontal disease will never get better on its own. It will only get worse. You need to know your treatment options. Of course, we recomment LANAP as the patient friendly option. The most important thing is that you get treated!

HOW "NEW" IS "NEW"?

Now that is a great question: just how "new" is "new"? Here's why we ask it: Recent media stories about the LANAP procedure have called it "new". Well, LANAP is a "new" in the sense that many people are just now discovering the procedure and it's benefits.
It is not new in the sense that the procedure has been developed and perfected over many years. The therapy and the laser used to perform it (The Periolase MVP-7, Millenium Dental Technologies, Inc) have been long in use in the dental communities. LANAP has been performed on thousands of patients throughout the United States with outstanding results. In fact, it is the only laser protocol that is FDA approved for the treatment of gum disease. The results from LANAP have been proven to be effective and predictable.
And, while that may not be "new" it is certainly "news" to many of us!

GUM DISEASE AND THE LINK TO DIABETES

This is the third posting in a series on the mouth-body health link. In past postings we have looked at the emerging evidence linking gum disease to heart disease and stroke. Today, we take on another serious health condition: diabetes. Research has suggested that diabetes increases your risk for gum disease, cavaties, dry mouth, tooth loss, and a variety of other oral health issues. Conversely, poor oral health can make diabetes much more difficult to manage. Oral infections may cause increases in your blood sugar and that will require an increase in insulin to keep it under control. Next the "mouth-body" series: pregnancy complications.

GUM DISEASE AND THE LINK TO STROKE

Medical studies have suggested a link between oral infections and people diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia were found more likely to suffer with gum disease than the control group. The purpose of these postings are not to scare you, but to make you aware that gum disease can have serious consequences beyond oral health. The good news is that treating your gum disease has never been more patient-friendly. With the LANAP procedure, there's no surgical cutting or stitches. There's no long recovery time either. If we sound passionate about the LANAP procedure it's because we are! Next time we will look at the relationship between gum disease and diabetes.

GUM DISEASE AND THE LINK TO HEART DISEASE

Today, we start a series of postings on the "mouth-body" health link. In this series we will look at how infections caused by gum disease can play havoc throughout the body. The evidence is continuing to mount that supports a link between gum disease and serious health conditions. Today, we look at America's leading cause of death: Heart Disease. Several theories exist to explain the link between heart disease and gum disease. One leading theory suggests that oral bacteria once in the blood stream can adversely affect the function of the heart. Another theory suggests that inflammation caused by periodontal disease increases plaque build-up. The connection is serious: researchers have found people who suffer with gum disease are twice as likely to suffer from coronary disease than those not suffering with gum disease. Next posting we will examine the link between gum disease and stroke

INFORMATION IS POWER!

An informed patient is a confident patient...that's always been the philosophy of the Doctors of Ameridontics since day one. That's one of the big reasons that Ameridontics members offer a free consultation to prospective patients. Of course, the consultation will determine if you are a candidate for the procedure. Not everyone is. But just as important, is that the consultation is a great opportunity to meet with your Ameridontics dentist and have all of your questions answered about LANAP. Knowing what to expect from the procedure really removes any anxiety you might have about having your gum disease treated. It is the Ameridontics goal to eliminate the "Fear Factor" associated with treating your gum disease. If you would like a free consultation with an Ameridontics Dentist please call (888) FIT-GUMS.

Welcome To the First Posting of the New Ameridontics Blog!

We've designed this forum to be a place where LANAP practitioners, LANAP patients, and people who want to know more about procedure can share news, views, and personal experiences!

Just What is LANAP?

We thought we'd start with most basic question of all, "What is LANAP and how does it work?" LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is a gum disease treatment protocol involving an FDA approved laser. The trained LANAP dentist will utilize the laser to gently remove pockets of gum disease from between the gums and teeth. Unlike traditional gum surgery, LANAP involves no surgical cutting and no stitches. This results in less patient discomfort and a much shorter recovery time. For a more detailed explanation of the procedure go to www.ameridontics.com.