PEOPLE WITH SEVERE gum disease may be more likely to have precursors to heart disease than those with milder forms of the disease, known as periodontitis. The disease, in which bacteria infect the gums and bones supporting the teeth, can cause gums to separate from the teeth and form pockets. By measuring these pockets, researchers at Kyushu University in Japan found that people with an average pocket depth of 2 millimeters or more - a severe case of periodontitis - were 1.6 times more likely to have readings showing a larger left ventricle or electrical conductive problems, which are predictors for heart disease, than people with smaller pocket depths or no gum disease.
OUTBREAKS OF COLD SORES around the lips and mouth are often triggered by intense sunlight reflected off the snow at high-altitude ski resorts, but the cold weather has nothing to do with them. That same sunlight reflected off sand and water in hot weather can be just as problematic for more than 50-million Americans who suffer from painful and unsightly cold sores. Intense sunlight, as well as stress, fatigue and summer colds, can activate the cold sore virus, which is carried by about 80 percent of the population. While there is no cure, there is a nonprescription cream that uses active zinc to reduce the tingling, blistering, itching, soreness and pain. Marketed as "Novitra," it shortens the duration and reduces the severity of cold sores by as much as 50 percent, according to researchers. Most cold sore creams and lip balms are good moisturizers that help relieve symptoms but do not actually support healing.
AS WITH MANY decisions in life, searching for a new dentist can be challenging. Fortunately, you don't have to look far. The American Dental Association suggests beginning your search by asking for recommendations from family, co-workers, friends, neighbors or a pharmacist. If you have recently moved to the area, contact your previous dentist to find out if he or she can make a recommendation. Another option is to contact your state's dental association. Or search the ADA's Web site, www.ada.org to find ADA member dentists in the area. Don't know what type of dental care you need?
Here is a breakdown of several types of dental specialty areas:
PERIODONTICS: Encompasses the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of gum disease and tissues surrounding and supporting teeth, including aesthetics and function of substitute structures and tissues.
ENDODONTICS: The branch of dentistry that deals with disorders of the dental pulp, including root canal therapy and periradicular tissue conditions.
ORTHODONTICS: This specialty deals with the prevention, treatment and correction of malocclusion, skeletal and muscular abnormalities of developing and mature teeth.
PROSTHODONTICS: Treatment of patients with deficient or missing teeth and their substitutes (for example, dentures).
PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY: Oral treatment specialized for infants and adolescents.
