Are YOU spreading Gum Disease?

 Is periodontal disease contagious? Can it be passed on from one person to another like the flu? Can you get periodontal disease by kissing someone who has it? Can your children inherit periodontal disease? The answer to all these questions is YES.

Studies show that periodontal disease has a genetic component, it is recommended that if one family member has periodontal disease, all family members see a dental care professional for a periodontal screening. Parents need to know that periodontal disease is not just an adult health problem and that children also can be affected.

 Periodontal bacteria can be transferred through saliva. If you or your partner are diagnosed as having periodontal disease, you need to be aware that intimate contact through saliva could result in periodontal disease transmission.

Here are some things you can do to prevent periodontal diseases and or maintain periodontal health:

• Brush your teeth twice a day (with a fluoride toothpaste)
• Floss every day
• Visit the dentist routinely for a check-up and professional cleaning
• Eat a well balanced diet
• Don't use tobacco products

Schedule a periodontal exam today with Dr. Ko!

Oral Cancer prevention!

ORAL CANCER

What a routine dental check up and a full series of x-rays can do for you!

How often should you be checked for oral cancer and why are timely full sets of x-rays so important?  As humans our bodies naturally change with our environments, with age, and what we consume.  At Hemet Valley Dental Care we strive to educate all of our patients on the importance of 6 month check ups and a full series of x-rays at the very least once every 3 years!

Even on patients who are seen on a regular basis things change rapidly! Recently Dr. Ko requested a full series of x-rays be taken on a patient who is seen every 3 months for his periodontal maintenance. With this full series she was able to do her complete 6 month exam and oral cancer screening. This patient presented with a possible mass near his sinus cavity that had not shown up on any other x-rays in years or even months past! Dr. Ko informed her patient that this mass looked benign, but because oral cancer so often is only caught when it is causing pain or is beyond treatment she recommended the patient to see an oral surgeon for further diagnosis as soon as possible. The patient did go the very next day and all routine tests were performed. In this case this patient was found to be oral cancer free!

In the United States alone, 1 person dies of undetected oral cancer every hour.
Please see a dentist today!