The data is compelling. While great strides have been made in reducing the caries rate in the United States, the incidence of periodontal disease remains epidemic. In our increasingly health-conscious society, patients have a heighten awareness of their periodontal condition. This awareness may be due to the mounting evidence linking periodontal infection to cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, low-birth weight babies and other serious health problems.

Today, patients have greater access to medical and dental information than ever before. Patients continue to be better educated about the health risks associated with periodontal disease and want to be advised by dental professionals regarding treatment options.

Regular visits to the dental office and proper diagnosis are critical in the treatment of recurrent caries and periodontal disease. Compliance with at-home co-therapy is essential, yet almost 80% of dental professionals report that less than one-half of their patients adequately comply with their at home oral care recommendations. It has been suggested that as many as 70% of prescriptions for oral preventative care medicines go unfulfilled each year.

Some Staggering Statistics:

• Severe periodontitis is the equivalent of nine square inches, about the size of the palm of an adult hand, of chronic wound.
• Among adults age 35-44, 48% have gingivitis and 22% have destructive gum disease.
• 29.6 million Americans have type 3,4 or 5 periodontitis.
• Nearly 80% of all Americans have type 3,4 or 5 periodontitis.
• Tooth decay remains one of the most common diseases of childhood — five times as common as asthma and seven times as common as hay fever.
• 45% of school children and 94% of adults have experienced caries in permanent teeth.
• Mounting scientific evidence is linking oral health to overall health.
• Over 500 prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs have xerostomic effects.
• A major obstacle facing dental professionals today is the lack of patient compliance with home oral co-therapies.
• Flossing can add 3 years to life expectancy.
• Patients trust their dental professionals' recommendations.
• Dispensing prescription medications form the dental office increases patient compliance and treatment success.
• Healthy, educated patients help improve patient retention and build referrals.

At Downtown Dental Care we are absolutely committed to help our patients understand the importance of thorough, complete and comprehensive exams on a regular basis.

Press Release:

TOOTH WHITENING PROCEDURE OFFERED

Downtown Dental Care has recently acquired the Luma Cool Whitening System, a state-of-the-art technology that whitens teeth in less than an hour. Patients who have had the whitening procedure report that their whiter, brighter smile boosted their self- confidence, improved their looks and made them feel better about themselves. Tooth whitening has become one of the most requested dental procedures. As people age, their teeth tend to darken and yellow, particularly if they use tobacco, take certain medications or drink coffee, red wine or tea. This process is nearly impossible to reverse without professional help.

Downtown Dental Care decided to offer the Luma Cool procedure as an additional service for patients who would like whiter, brighter smiles. Unlike do-it- yourself remedies that involve wearing gel-filled trays for several hours at a time, the Luma Cool process uses a special light to activate the whitening solution. The procedure has been thoroughly studied and safety-tested. The entire process is supervised by a qualified staff member and takes less than an hour. It is easy and painless.

Those interested in learning more about this new tooth whitening procedure or wanting to schedule an appointment with Downtown Dental Care should call 501-374-2929 between 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.