It's alarming but  current scientific research is producing more and more evidence that the bleeding gums and build-up of bacteria around the teeth and gums that is normally addressed by your dentist and/or dental hygienist can actually be life-threatening.  Approximately 80% of the American population has a chronic infection in their mouth called gingivitis which is inflammation of the gums, or periodontitis which means the bacteria has broken down the body's protective barriers and involved the bone around the teeth.

According to the American Cancer Society, in 2009, an estimated 35,720 new cases of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer will be diagnosed in the United Sates, causing approximately 7,600 deaths.

     The Federal Food and Drug Administration recently announced that mercury in amalgam fillings could be harmful to pregnant women, children, fetuses and people sensitive to mercury exposure.

Periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease are both considered chronic inflammatory conditions.  Inflammation is the body's instinctive reaction to fight off infection.  Cronic and prolonged inflammation can lead to severe health complications.  Researchers believe that inflammation provides the basis for the connection between gum disease and heart disease.  Now dentist and those who treat cardiovascular disease are working together to provide the best care to patients.

You might be surprised when your dentist asks even more questions about your medical history and your cardiologist may start to ask you about your dental history and might even look in your mouth to evaluate your teeth and gums!

Hopefully by working together with your dentist to ensure healthy teeth and gums, you will also ensure a healthy heart throughout your entire life.

Do you suffer from headaches, dizziness, ringing ears, tingling fingers or a feeling of pressure behind the eyes?  It could be related to your bite.  Dr. Miyasaki can determine if neuromuscular treatment might be able to help you when everything else has been looked at and there seems to be no solution.  The pain may not be just in your 'head'.