Periodontal disease may be passed from parents to children and between couples. Researchers suggest that the bacteria which cause this disease may be passed from one person to another though saliva. This means that the common contact of saliva in families puts children and couples at risk for contracting the disease of another family member.

Genetics may also play a major role in the onset and severity of this disease. Researchers found that Up to 30% of the population may be genetically susceptible to developing severe periodontal disease. Therefore, if one family member has this disease, it is a good idea for all family members to see a dental professional for a screening.

Evidence shows that this disease may increase during adolescence due to lack of motivation to practice oral hygiene. Children who maintain good oral health habits up until the teen years are more likely to continue brushing and flossing than children who were not taught proper oral care.

Hormonal changes related to puberty can put teens at greater risk for getting this disease. During puberty, an increased level of sex hormones, such as progesterone and possibly estrogen, cause increased blood circulation to the gums. This may cause an increase in the gum’s sensitivity and lead to a greater reaction to any irritation, including food particles and plaque. During this time, the gums may become swollen, turn red and feel tender.

Early diagnosis is important for successful treatment of periodontal diseases. Therefore, it is important that children receive a periodontal examination as part of their routine dental visits. Be aware that if your child has an advanced form of this disease, this may be an early sign of systemic disease. A general medical evaluation should be considered for children who exhibit severe periodontitis, especially if it appears resistant to therapy.

Many medications can dry out the mouth or pose other threats to oral health. Be sure to tell your dental professional about any medications your family members are taking.

Monitor your family to see if anyone has the habit of teeth grinding. Grinding can increase the risk of developing this disease, in addition to causing cracked or chipped teeth. Boise dentists can make custom-fitted night bite guards to prevent teeth grinding at night.

Researchers suggest this disease can pass through saliva. This means that the common contact of saliva in families may put children and couples at risk for contracting the disease of another family member. If one family member has this disease, all family members should see a dental professional for a periodontal evaluation.

Osteopathy is a manual therapy, which is highly regulated by medical boards around the World. This fact alone will help dispel many of the common myths. Below is an examination of five of the more popular myths about osteopathy.

Myth 1: Osteopaths Only Focus on Your Bones

This is false, but it is an assumption that is understandable. After all the word ‘osteo’ does come from the Greek word ‘osteon’ which means bone. Adding weight to this myth is the mere name of the conditions osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, which are degenerative bone diseases. When first founded, osteopaths did solely focus on bones, however this approach quickly shifted to encompass all joints, muscles and body systems. However the name was never changed.

Osteopathy is one of the most complete manual medical disciplines. It treats all your bones, muscles, joints and body systems.

Myth 2: Osteopaths, Physiotherapists and Chiropractors are all the Same

False. Osteopaths, physiotherapists and chiropractors were all founded on different philosophies and treatment methods. Although very simplistic, osteopaths focus on treating the entire body, physiotherapists focus on local area rehabilitation and chiropractors focus on the spine and the surrounding nerve pathways.

Myth 3: Osteopathy is an Unproven ‘Witch Doctor’ Remedy

False. As indicated above, osteopathy is firmly recognised by the medical community and has its roots based on sound evidence. This is supported by the following facts:

* Australian osteopaths must complete an intensive five year degree, including two years of performing supervised treatments on paying patients
* The practice of osteopathy is strictly regulated by government bodies. In order to practice, osteopaths must be officially registered
* All osteopaths are classified as primary health care providers. This means that you do not need to organise a referral from your GP prior to a treatment

Myth 4: Osteopathy is a Simple 5 Week Course

False. As previously indicated, becoming an osteopath is hard work. All osteopaths must complete an intensive five years of university study. In addition to the physical elements of treatments, osteopaths also learn the intricacies of anatomy, physiology, pathology, radiology and clinical medicine.