Blogging with Lee

Has your dentist told you that you have periodontal (gum) disease? If so, you are one of many. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that 8.52% of adults age 20-64 have periodontal disease. That percentage increases as we grow older. Some 17.2% of seniors age 65 and over also have the disease.

Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that results in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth, according to the NIH.

"Our mouths are full of bacteria," the NIH reports. "These bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colorless ’plaque’ on teeth. Brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque. Plaque that is not removed can harden and form ’tartar’ that brushing doesn’t clean. The longer plaque and tartar are on teeth, the more harmful they become."

People usually don’t show signs of gum disease until they are in their 30s or 40s and men are more likely to have gum disease than women.

That brings me to a recent study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research. Scientists at the University of Hong Kong have found that resveratrol may destroy many of the bacteria that cause periodontal disease. See my first report today to learn more about this great discovery.

On another front, in news coming out of England and Norway, it appears that a combination of certain B-vitamins may slow the decline of mental function. The study that reached the stated conclusion was published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. Check out my second report for the details.

Last on the agenda today is a study that finds a link between low levels of vitamins D and K and young people with celiac disease. Read all about it in my final report.