Seven States Sign Gum Disease Awareness Proclamations in Recognition of Serious Public Health Issue

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. We’re leading the charge in communicating the serious and far-reaching impacts of this health concern, and are surprised that we are the only organization to successfully attract state-level attention to the problem, filling a void left by national organizations such as the American Dental Academy (ADA), Academy of General Dentists (AGD), and American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). Patients deserve to be informed.”

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(1), 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. Many refuse treatment out of fear of the traditional deep cleaning cut-and-sew surgery. In sharp contrast, 90% of patients offered the LANAP treatment accept treatment.

The LANAP(R) protocol, a patient-friendly laser procedure that offers an FDA-cleared alternative to traditional surgery, has been performed on tens of thousands of people for more than 13 years with positive, clinically-proven regenerative results.

ABOUT THE LANAP PROTOCOL: The LANAP(R) protocol is the first and only specific laser periodontal protocol to receive FDA clearance; it has been in increasing use by the dental community since its inception by dentists Robert H. Gregg II and Delwin K. McCarthy in 1990. The LANAP(R) protocol is typically performed to treat moderate to severe periodontitis. During treatment, a tiny laser fiber (about the thickness of three human hairs) is inserted between the tooth and the gum to clear away infection and disease without cutting. Tooth roots are thoroughly cleaned of tartar and plaque, and the laser is used again with a different setting to create a stable, firm fibrin blood clot to seal the pocket. Unlike conventional scalpel/suture flap surgery, LANAP(R) treatment requires just one or two brief sessions and preserves much more healthy gum tissue. Patients can often return to their regular daily activities immediately following the procedure. The technique offers powerful benefits, including higher patient acceptance and clinically proven bone regeneration that result in lasting health improvements. For more information, visit www.LANAP.com .

ABOUT THE INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED LASER DENTISTRY (IALD): The Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry is a non-profit educational and research center dedicated to providing evidence-based clinical training in advanced laser dentistry therapies. Formed in 1999 by dentists Robert H. Gregg II and Delwin K. McCarthy, the IALD is both ADA CERP and AGD PACE accredited, and is nationally recognized for its continuing education (CE) programs. With more than 20 certified instructors who train dental professionals in laser dentistry techniques including the LANAP(R) protocol, the IALD aims to reach more underserved patients with gum disease who have avoided therapy out of fear. To that end, the organization provides free treatment to qualified patients who can benefit from the no-cut, no-sew, no-fear LANAP(R) protocol-providing about $750,000 in free dental services each year. The IALD’s ultimate goal is for the percentage of patients seeking treatment for periodontitis to reach the percentage of patients seeking general dental care. For more information, please visit www.theiald.com

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