If you’ve ever visited the dentist, or seen a mouthwash commercial, then you’ve probably heard of gum disease and its predecessor, gingivitis. Did you know, though, that the dental condition is one of the most widespread chronic diseases in the nation? As a progressive illness, gum disease affects nearly 80% of adults in America in varying stages, the most severe of which (periodontitis) is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. Despite its destructive power, however, gum disease is highly treatable, although once it develops beyond gingivitis, it is no longer curable. (more…)

Tooth decay, the reason why we develop cavities, may be the most widespread chronic disease among adults and children alike, but it’s also among the most preventable diseases in the world. In fact, knowing how cavities form can grant you the power to prevent them, even if you’ve already had one. If a cavity appears, then restorative dentistry can save your smile by eliminating the infection and restoring your tooth’s structural integrity. Before it becomes a factor, however, you can prevent cavity development by addressing the issues that cause them in the first place. (more…)