As a direct result of outreach efforts of the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry, governors of seven states have issued official proclamations supporting Gum Disease Awareness week to help educate the public about the dangers of this serious and widespread health threat.
"Oral health has a major impact on overall health, and mounting university research has linked gum disease to serious health concerns including heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, diabetes and even stillbirths,"says Robert H. Gregg, DDS, president of the IALD. "The IALD is all about the patient, and we believe that this is basic information that patients need to know in order to make more informed decisions about their health."
As a result of the IALD's efforts, governors in Colorado, Connecticut, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, West Virginia and Oklahoma have joined the movement to advance public education in their states. The IALD is declaring war on gum disease and is working to persuade more public officials to join the potentially life-saving cause.
"The IALD has constructed social channels to facilitate ongoing public education, continued support of research initiatives and to offer free patient treatment through the IALD for qualified patients," said Dawn M. Bloore, DDS, Training Director at the IALD. "What's more, every new visitor who "likes" the Facebook page at facebook.com/fightgumdisease and every new Twitter follower at twitter.com/fightgumdisease will trigger a $1 donation to research initiatives supporting gum disease treatment."
Eighty-five percent of American adults suffer from some form of gum disease, and 50% have moderate to severe periodontitis. Of those diagnosed, only 3% seek treatment, putting the rest at risk for a number of serious health issues.