There's one more reason to make losing extra weight a priority: studies show a relationship between obesity and gum disease. A recent Harvard University study indicated that obese men were 30% more likely to develop gum disease. Gum disease threatens more than just healthy smiles; experts have linked it to heart disease, strokes and certain cancers.
The findings offer obese Americans good reason to take charge of their weight in order to prevent gum disease and, in turn, many associated life-threatening conditions.
"The research underscores the importance of a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Your mouth is an entry point for disease," says Robert H. Gregg II, DDS. "We're learning more and more thatpatients with untreated gum disease are putting their lives at risk. Fifty million Americans have moderate to severe gum disease, and 40 million don't even know they have gum disease. The good news is there is a safe and effective laser treatment option, the LANAP® protocol, that can help treat gum disease and restore oral health."
Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is a chronic bacterial infection that if left untreated can lead to tooth loss and has been closely linked to major health problems. It is often painless and may go undetected until severe gum and bone destruction occurs. Even when detected, patients often choose not to undergo traditional surgery due to fear, poor esthetic outcomesand associated pain.
The LANAP protocol, a patient-friendly, laser gum disease surgery, was developed by clinicians for clinicians as a treatment patients would accept. It is the only FDA-cleared laser protocol for the treatment of periodontitis. The LANAP protocol continues to be adopted by renowned specialists as the preferred laser gum surgery, on the basis of its clinical and scientific results and treatment acceptance rates.