Are you getting enough sleep? Your body definitely depends on a good night’s rest. Staying up to finish just one more episode of your favorite show or not having a regular sleep schedule can cause a lot more harm to your body than you may think. Every year, Sleep Awareness Week^® sponsored by the National Sleep Foundation reminds us of the significant link between sleep and overall health. The National Sleep Foundation aims to improve health and well-being by advancing sleep health theory, research, and practice.

A new study conducted by researchers at New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing suggested that in comparison to older adults with more social communications, socially isolated older adults have a higher likelihood of having missing teeth and losing their teeth faster over time. Tooth loss can play a major role in your well-being, and can not only impact the beauty of your smile, but also your speech, chewing efficiency, and much more!

You may know the dangers of tobacco use to your health, but did you know that goes for vaping too?! Recent studies conducted by researchers at NYU College of Dentistry show the relationship between electronic-cigarettes (E-cigarettes)/vaping products and gum disease. They found that individuals who use e-cigarettes have a unique oral microbiome that is less healthy than nonsmokers, which may contribute to gum disease. E-cigarettes use a battery that allows for nicotine and other chemicals to be vaporized and then inhaled.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) continues to work to cure multiple sclerosis (MS) via research and many educational initiatives. Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month is an important yearly effort to spread awareness and help individuals impacted by this disease manage their treatment and overall health. MS is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own central nervous system. This can lead to trouble balancing, impaired vision, fatigue, and other health irregularities.