If you read these chronicles, you know that I have constantly warned about dangers of using NSAID's to tackle arthritis pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause serious problems and ulcers are one of them.

When we talk about NSAID's, we can include products like aspirin, Advil, Aleve, Motrin and many more. The newer group of NSAID's is also implicated. I am talking about Vioxx, Celebrex and Bextra.

The risk factor for ulcer complications is lower with last group of prescription drugs but as most of you know, Vioxx was recently pulled from market because of possible cardiac implications. Of course, drug companies and government are taking a closer look at other two drugs in that category.

Ulcers: No Fun and They can be Yours Our stomachs have natural bicarbonate that protects us from ulcers. However, amount of bicarbonate is controlled by prostaglandins and in some parts of your body, they can cause inflammatory responses. When you listen to television commercials, they talk about Cox-I and Cox-II inhibitors. I am referring to ads for products like Celebrex and Bextra. Now, these two enzymes are in charge of manufacturing prostaglandins. The one that protect your stomach is of Cox-I type. They control amount of bicarbonate released into your stomach. The Cox-II type deals with inflammation through prostaglandin production.

The in-betweeners have two choices, go without any insurance, go to dentist and take full attack on their pocketbook, or don’t go to a dentist at all and just wait till ax to fall. And it will – there is a 50-50 chance that a toothache will hit you, or if you’re married – your family.

HOW IMPORTANT IS DENTAL HEALTH

There is more to Dental Health than a winning smile or avoiding that terrible toothache – it is important to your overall health. Let me give you one example.

Joe Smith has just learned that he has diabetes – how can diabetes affect his teeth. If you do not maintain dental health you can be at risk for:

·tooth decay ·gum disease ·salivary gland dysfunction ·fungal diseases ·infections and delayed healing

These problems can be kept in check with preventive oral health care, 6 month or yearly cleanings.

It is easy to forget our teeth, gums and mouth, but they are definitely part of our physical health and well being. And with help of a good dental health plan – you can prevent bone disease, gum disease and infections.

DISCOUNT DENTAL PLAN