Tooth or Consequence

By David A. Johnson MD, Medical Director, Signature Care

Wednesday, February 15th, 2006; Posted: 1:45 p.m.

Did you know that...

• Oral cancer is the 6th most common cancer in this country and 25% of those with it do not have the common risk factors of tobacco or alcohol use.
• Poor oral care has been scientifically shown to increase the risk of heart disease.
• Brushing and flossing have been shown to decrease the risk of heart disease.
• Gum disease has been tied to low birth weight in babies. Women with gum disease are 7 times more likely to have low birth weight children.
• Diabetes can often times be detected with oral exams.
• Employed adults lose more than 164 million hours of work each year due to dental problems.
• October is National Dental Hygiene Month.
• Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease. It is 5 times more common than asthma and 7 times more common than hay fever.
• 30% of people over the age of 65 have no teeth.

In short, care for the tooth or suffer the consequence!