Each May marks National Arthritis Awareness Month, which draws awareness to the condition. Approximately over 53 million individuals in the United States suffer from some form of arthritis, according to Flushing Hospital Medical Center. Arthritis can impact anyone of any age.

Could the bacteria in your mouth give clues about high blood pressure (hypertension) risk? An interesting new study reported by the American Heart Association (AHA) revealed a potential link between oral bacteria and high blood pressure. These findings, although not a definitive cause and effect relationship, can help improve research and our knowledge regarding hypertension prevention.

This month, in addition to every month after, we want you to know how important it is to protect yourself from facial injury. Every April marks National Facial Protection Month, which is dedicated to spreading awareness on oral and facial injury prevention. With spring comes nicer weather and many opportunities to go outside and play during either recreational or organized sport events. Unfortunately, many doctors are faced with an influx of patients who have endured head, mouth, and facial injuries due to sports-related accidents. Sports safety equipment including helmets and mouth guards can go a long way in protecting you from serious harm.

Feeling spicy? Everyone likes to spice up their life every now and then, but doing so frequently with the consumption of spicy foods can take a toll on your teeth.

There are a few things you should know about spicy foods when consumed in overabundance:

In 1987, National Alcohol Awareness Month was created and continues to this day. Founded by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), this annual observance is dedicated to educating the public about the health risks of alcohol dependence. Greater than 90,000 individuals lives are taken each year as a result of alcohol abuse and dependence.  In addition, about 29 people die in vehicle accidents due to an alcohol-impaired driver, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Other campaigns that highlight the dangers of alcohol misuse include D.A.R.E (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) and Know Your Limits.

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.

Migraines can be a nuisance! If you’ve ever suffered a migraine, you know how significant an attack can feel. Could your dentist help relieve your migraines? In some cases, yes! A study published by the American Society for Microbiology suggests that certain oral bacteria known to increase nitric oxide in the bloodstream can cause the blood vessels in the brain to widen, which consequently can trigger the onset of a migraine.