New research is hinting that bad gums could be as bad as smoking when it comes to increasing your risk of heart attack.

About three-quarters of adults over the age of 35 have some degree of gum disease. It is generally a painless disease that gives few warning signs in its early stages. What you can't see is that under the surface, there are pockets of infection that contain billions of bacteria. The latest theory is that over time these bacteria can inflict damage in other areas such as the heart. Looking at people who have bad gums, medical research strongly suggests a higher risk of heart attack. A startling study of veterans in Boston found that over a period of thirty years, men with periodontal disease had about twice the death rate, especially from heart attack.

It's a common myth that as we get older it is normal to lose teeth and to eventually end up with dentures. The reality is that with proper care and maintenance, your teeth can last as long as you do.

Tooth loss is not a natural process. Teeth are lost because of dental diseases that attack our teeth and gums over time. Gum disease is responsible for more than 70% of tooth loss.

In its early stages, gum disease can cause soreness, bleeding and puffiness where your gums meet your teeth. As the disease progresses, the infection attacks and destroys the bone that supports your tooth. Gum disease will also cause your gums to recede and expose tooth roots to cavities and make teeth sensitive to heat and cold. This condition affects about 8 out of 10 people by age forty. Often it happens so gradually that we don't notice the changes because we get used to them.

Other causes of tooth loss in adults are root cavities, root canal infections and worn out fillings. Unlike the cavities of our youth, many of these later-life problems can develop without showing any signs or symptoms such as pain or swelling.

Regular dental checkups are even more important as we get older. With proper brushing and flossing, and regular trips to the dental office, there's no reason you should ever lose a tooth.

Dental implants offer a more secure alternative for replacing teeth.

Implants are made up of three components: the anchor, which is implanted into your jawbone; the post, which is used to attach the replacement tooth; and the replacement tooth itself. Implants can be used to replace a missing tooth, or several implants can be used to secure a full or partial dentures.

Implant-supported dentures function closer to natural teeth, and help overcome problems that result from loose-fitting dentures such as soreness of the gums and difficulty chewing and speaking.

As with any type of surgical procedure, there is some degree of risk and this type of treatment will not be recommended to everyone. A good candidate for implant procedure would be one who has adequate bone structure and does not have a serious medical condition.

Implants require a significant investment of your time. After the anchor is placed into the jawbone, it can take up to six months for the bone to grow tightly around the anchor and hold it firmly in place. Only after healing is complete, your implant is uncovered and a post is attached. Then, the implant and the post are a solid unit ready to support your new teeth.

With implants you will be able to eat almost anything you would eat with your natural teeth. You can feel confident about your smile, knowing your teeth are secure.

For one out of five adults, dry mouth is a chronic condition that leaves the mouth and the throat rough, sore, and sticky. Some patients experience hoarse voices and have trouble eating, swallowing, talking, or wearing dentures. They may be vulnerable to oral sores and yeast infections, and their teeth are prone to decay.

There are many causes of dry mouth. It can be brought on by pregnancy. Sometimes it may be an indication of a problem with or blockage of the salivary glands. It can also be caused by other disease processes, radiation treatment, work environment, or mood changes. However, in most cases, it is the result of drug therapy.

Common drugs that cause dry mouth, include those used to treat depression, anxiety, and hypertension. Other medications that have this side effect include antihistamines, antispasmodics, decongestants, and muscle relaxants.

Studies show that people with dry mouth are at much greater risk for tooth decay. The condition also has nutritional consequences. Parched, crusty, and sensitive mouths cannot tolerate spicy or acidic foods like fruit juice, or foods that require a lot of chewing like vegetables and cereal. Studies show that dry mouth sufferers often lack essential vitamins and nutrients in their diets.

If you suffer from dry mouth, be meticulous about keeping your mouth clean. Saliva helps wash away decay-causing bacteria and, with less of it, you are at greater risk of both cavities and gum disease. To decrease dry mouth or the problems associated with it:

 Avoid spicy foods
 Avoid alcohol and smoking.
 Use sugarless gum to stimulate salivary flow
 Drink a lot of fluids or suck on Popsicles
 Avoid mouthbreathing, breath through your nose.
 Use a humidifier

Nine thousand people die of oral cancer each year. However, early detection could cut this statistic in half. Cancer can strike any part of the mouth, including the lips and tongue. If left untreated, tumours grow deep into local tissues, spreading to lymph glands in the neck. The risk for oral cancer increases with age and with alcohol and tobacco use. All of us, especially those over 40 years of age, should be alert to the signs of oral cancer.

Dentists are trained to recognize the early warning signs of oral cancers and routinely look for potential oral problems during all checkups. You cannot detect many of these indicators but you can help. When brushing and flossing, periodically check your mouth and look for changes in colour and sensitivity. Commonly, these clues appear as either red or white patches. Other irregularities you should watch for are ulcers, swellings or hard surfaces in the mouth lasting for more than a week.

If you find a persistent sore or irritation; pain, tenderness or numbness anywhere in the mouth, gums or lips; a lump, thickening or crusty area; or experience increasing difficulty in chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving your jaw or tongue, you should see your dentist immediately. It could save your life.