Periodontal disease, which is commonly known as gum disease, affects countless people. In fact, one estimate states that about half of U.S. adults have some form of it! This oral health condition develops when sugars and starches interact with bacteria in the mouth, leading to the development of plaque. If plaque is not removed in a timely manner, it can lead to an infection in the gum tissue.

Of course, plaque may not be the only factor that affects the development of periodontal disease. Your oral microbiome may also play a role. Let’s talk more about this connection.

Every time you doze off to sleep, you embark on a journey. Your mind and body travel through four unique stages of sleep, each of which is important for making sure that you benefit from your nightly rest. What exactly happens during each stage, and how might sleep apnea disrupt this important process? This blog post provides some fascinating information.