What You Should Know about Gum Disease is also available on the Barnes & Noble website:

[Editors note: Get The Book: What You Should Know about Gum Disease ]

Benjamin Franklin once quoted “She laughs at everything you say. Why? Because she has fine teeth.” We can now probably add “and a healthy heart.” Recent research studies have shown a striking association between poor dental hygiene and coronary heart disease. Coronary heart disease may be responsible for 20% of deaths across the world and almost 50% of deaths in developed countries. A study from Boston University School of Dental Medicine in Massachusetts, published in the March 9, 2004 issue of Circulation reported that patients with five poor oral health pathologies have a 70% probability of having coronary heart disease. Findings from the Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System, reported in the December 2005 issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine also demonstrated a significant association between tooth loss and the prevalence of coronary heart disease. This large study involved 41,891 adults aged 40 to 79 years living in 22 states and in the District of Columbia. Periodontal disease in heart attack survivors was also found to cause a rise in inflammatory markers, putting them at a greater risk of future heart attacks, according to research conducted at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The underlying cause of coronary artery disease is atherosclerosis, commonly known as hardening of the arteries. This is usually associated with several modifiable risk factors (e.g., smoking, systemic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol levels) and some non-modifiable risk factors (e.g., age, gender and family history). However, atherosclerosis is also known to follow bacterial (Chlamydia Pneumoniae and Helicobacter pylori) or viral (Cytomegalovirus and Coxsackie B) infections. Recent data has confirmed that persistent dental infections also contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Such infections release several toxins which insult the delicate inner lining of the blood vessels, called the endothelium. There is also an associated immuno-inflammatory response, which causes further injury. C-reactive protein, a sensitive marker of inflammation and a predictor for future cardiovascular events, is consistently elevated in patients with chronic dental disease.

The earliest phase in gum disease, gingivitis, is an inflammation caused by the accumulation of plaque. Plaque is a soft, sticky, colorless film above the gum line. It results from the interaction of sugars and starches with bacteria normally found in the mouth. Plaque can provide shelter for over 400 species of bacteria and other microorganisms. In the early stages gingivitis may not produce any symptoms. However, as the bacteria grow and proliferate, it can cause red, puffy, swollen or tender gums that bleed during routine brushing or flossing. There may be a constant bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth. Gingivitis may be aggravated by an underlying illness or by hormonal changes associated with pregnancy or puberty. Medications such as steroids and those used for seizures, high blood pressure, and organ transplants can suppress the immune system and encourage bacterial infection in the gums.
Unchecked, the plaque of gingivitis will gradually build up between the teeth and gums, in damaged or faulty fillings, and around partial dentures, bridges, and braces. The gums may also begin to form pockets below the gumline, trapping food and more plaque, resulting in an infection or even an abscess
formation. This is called periodontitis and can only be treated by a dental professional. At this stage, pus may start oozing from between your teeth and gums. As the disease progresses, bacterial toxins eventually break down the underlying bone and connective tissue that holds the teeth in place. The ultimate outcome is tooth loss.

An unknown author once said, “You don’t have to brush your teeth—just the ones you want to keep.” Regular brushing and flossing will help prevent gingivitis and its later complications. And as the scientific data suggests, it will also protect your heart. The famous US writer, Fannie Fern said “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Perhaps we should also keep in mind that “The way to heart disease may be through a man’s mouth.”

Shashi K. Agarwal, MD is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Diseases. He has in private practice in New York City and New Jersey. He is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Holistic Medicine and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shashi_Agarwal_MD

Get : What You Should Know about Gum Disease Now.

I received this from someone. This was a bit irritating.

But it happens every so often. This is what happens when we get frustrated and don’t understand the situation:

As with most of these website offers, yours is bogus as well and designed to drive someone to the point of giving up. Instead, I’ve chosen to give you some feedback. There’s is no way in hell to obtain the offer from coupon code A-PER10 as advertised on your website. It applies free shipping (big deal……..there’s free shipping with a $99 offer normally!) and free tube of toothpaste. There’s no way to get the serum that is advertised, and my guess is that the book and other information after the product is received would never be forthcoming either. Thanks for yet another frustrating website offer experience………..

This is my very patient reply:

It seems strange that you would write this to me. The free shipping may be on 99$ orders and up but it is not on available on a 98 dollar product with this vendor. You can only get that with the coupon code or if you bought something extra to push you over the 99$ minimum.

The coupon code does work. And you automatically get the AktivOxigen serum in the same box your Hydro Floss comes in.

It clearly states on the site that you email me your receipt and in exchange I send the link to download the e-book for free.

I put a lot of time and effort into writing that book and it shares a whole lot of information that it is very likely your dentist never told you.

I could focus on the negative aspects of your email, but I choose not to do that.

Instead, I have written back to you clarifying the facts. If you have some further questions, you may ask.

Here is the reply and my follow up. A simple misunderstanding or frustration or what???

If I would automatically get the serum, why does your website add the normal price into my order? Why would I give a credit card number on an order that should be $98 according to the coupon code (including shipping, toothpaste and serum) when even after applying the coupon code the website gives the credit on the toothpaste but adds in the normal price on the serum? Would you do that? If the coupon code is legitimate, then I would expect the total cost to be $98, including the shipping, toothpaste, and serum. I would suggest that you pretend to place an order yourself, and if it works for you, then please share the “secret”, and I will be happy to place my order.

Thank you.

My Reply:

You must have accidently added the serum to your shopping cart.

If you look at the actually line that says Hydro Floss on it, you will see that it says something like:

“Hydro Floss with Aktiv-Oxigen Serum”

Why don’t you try removing the Serum from your shopping cart which will also remove any additional charge?

Person’s reply and the final outcome:

Yes, I’ll try that - thank you for getting back to me

Then:

Thank you Dave - I obviously misjudged your website/advertising, and I apologize. Thank you for walking me through this - I look forward to receiving all products.

Wow - This was a strange communication in my book and speaks to how many of us, including me, tend to react when we feel we have been wronged some how.

Comment below if you have anything you would like to reflect about this conversation.

Thanks

Dave

PS. if you are wondering where this offer is that she is talking about:

It is here: http://oralirrigatordiscount.com