LACKAWANNA, N.Y. – Research suggests poor oral hygiene could lead to heart disease or Alzheimer\u2019s disease. Bad oral hygiene can cause pneumonia, as germs from the mouth can enter the lungs, and it can also lead to gum disease, eating disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis.<\/p>\n
\u201cHalf of all children ages 6-8 have had at least one cavity in their baby teeth,” said Jeff Papia, chief strategy officer at Our Lady of Victory. “Adults ages 20-64, currently one in five are walking around as we speak with a cavity that’s being untreated. People defer these issues for fear or out of concern of cost and, as a result, have larger issues down the road.\u201d<\/p>\n
Going to the dentist can cause anxiety for some. The best advice from a dental hygienist is to ask a lot of questions.<\/p>\n
\u201cI always felt like it’s usually the patients that haven’t been here in years and years and they’re just afraid to come through the door,” Melissa Makey, dental hygienist, OLV, said. “And I have noticed that once we do the exam and we talk through everything, things aren’t as bad as what they seem to be. It\u2019s appointment by appointment and we will get you through it.”<\/p>\n