 | Michael L. Jones, president of US Floss, Inc., has been a lawyer practicing in Wichita, Kansas, for thirty-five years and has been associated with US Floss, Inc., for over seven years. He grew up in Wichita where he attended Chaplain Kapaun Memorial High School, thereafter graduating from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, and then receiving his law degree from the University of Kansas. He is married to Suzanne Jones and they have four adult children scattered about the country. He has served as president of the Kansas Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, presently sitting on its Board of Directors. Likewise, he has served on the boards of several other charitable and business entities. His favorite activity is getting together with his family but his other likes are golfing, gardening and running (he just completed his first marathon in Chicago). You may contact Michael at (316) 832-0444. |
Dental
2003-11-01 08:49:00
How does gum disease affect me?
ANSWER: In researching the answer, I find that there are many factors, but few solutions. The mouth cleanses itself through the production of saliva, the higher the flow of saliva; the better the mouth is cleansed of bacteria. However, if your diet is high in sugary foods, the natural bacterial growth is enhanced and if you do not brush or floss your teeth after every meal or sugary snack, the bacteria are given time to attack your teeth and gums. The keys to good dental health are easy to list but difficult for most people to implement. Brushing after every meal is a key to dental health, flossing after a meal is another key, annual or semi-annual visits to your dental professional for the cleaning of plaque from teeth and prompt care of developing gum disease is a valuable tool. However, each of these key factors to dental health may be easy to mention but in today's busy world hard to implement. Everyone does not carry a toothbrush with them nor do many people have the time to brush their teeth due to the requirements of work or study. The development of dental floss devices that are small and may be carried in a purse or pocket makes this key to good oral hygiene and plaque prevention one that is easy to implement even during the day and immediately after meals. The latest research on oral hygiene demonstrates that having bad teeth and gums can contribute to high cholesterol and bacterial infections. The research supports the theory that people with gum disease are at significantly increased risk of arteriosclerosis, the thickening of the arterial walls that leads to heart attacks and strokes. Chronic gum disease may also contribute to diabetes; respiratory infections and bacterial infection may trigger the development of rheumatoid arthritis. Daily brushing with a manual toothbrush has limited effectiveness in the areas between the teeth and periodontal diseases begin in these areas. It is imperative that food be removed from between the teeth before the bacteria in your mouth attack it and begins the decay process. Without seeing a dental care professional every day, the use of floss or a flossing device is the best method to avoid the buildup of plaque and to remove the food particles from between the teeth. Suppressing the formation of plaque is critical in lowering the risk of periodontal disease and related illnesses. Regular care from your dental professional, regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste and the use of dental floss or a flossing device are essential in the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease.
