What do you know about Alzheimer’s?

What do you know about Alzheimer’s disease? Let this video give you a little more information about the facts surrounding Alzheimer’s.

Today is World Alzheimer’s Day, a day dedicated to informing the general public about the little known effects and dangers of this serious health problem. In the U.S. alone, 5.4 million people suffer from this disease, and this number is rapidly rising as a new person develops it every 69 seconds.

While the main effect of Alzheimer’s disease- memory loss- is commonly known about, many people don’t know how the disease develops and where it comes from. The truth is, medical professionals and scientists don’t know either. At this point in time, there are no known sources, prevention methods, or cures for the disease.

You can, however, eliminate one of the factors that increases your risk of developing Alzheimer’s. All you need to do is take good care of your teeth and gums by brushing and flossing thoroughly and appropriately and by visiting your dentist for regular dental cleanings and checkups every six months. Sounds simple enough, right?

Research shows that periodontal (gum) disease is directly linked to an increased chance of developing Alzheimer’s, as well as other serious health problems, including diabetes, heart and cardiovascular disease, and risk of stroke. If caring for your smile decreases your chances of developing these health complications (plus others) later in life, will you take the time to do it?

Think about your answer, and call Pannu Dental Care, located in San Jose, Dublin, Cupertino, and Fremont, for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Are You Wise on Wisdom Teeth?

Adults have 32 teeth that each has a specific purpose. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically erupt in the very back of the mouth when a person is between the ages of 17-25. Normally, there are four wisdom teeth: two on top, and two on bottom. However, some people have more; these are called supernumerary teeth. A few people have less than four third molars – lucky!

In prehistoric time, humans needed wisdom teeth to help digest roots, nuts, and barks. Today, our diet doesn’t require such sever mastication. Many people find their wisdom teeth to be a pain in the neck – or jaw.

The average mouth is designed to hold 28 teeth. When the jaw isn’t large enough to hold all 32 teeth, the wisdom teeth can grow sideways, partially emerge, or remain trapped below the gums. (more…)

Sleep Apnea Study Shows Spouses Suffer, Too

If you snore and you don’t sleep alone, you could be depriving your partner of sleep. A study at the Mayo Clinic found, when a snorer stops snoring, both the snorer and his or her sleeping partner get better rest. The silent bed mate can suffer from noise-induced hearing loss and daytime drowsiness, which leads to poor productivity, according to one Canadian study.

The same is true of sleep apnea sufferers who stop breathing while sleeping. Often obstructive sleep apnea (OSA, the most common type) causes a person to wake up suddenly while choking or gasping. This reaction is from the brain telling the body to wake up and breathe. (more…)