When it comes to healthcare, individualization is the best medicine. If you are at low or no risk for issues, then the frequency can be longer. For instance, the ADA recommends radiographs for healthy adults every 2-3 years.

The jaw joints or TMJs are made up of the head of the lower jaw (which is shaped similar to a ball), the housing the ball fits into (which is part of the upper jaw and skull), and a disc which cushions the jaw joint as it moves against the upper housing. The jaw joint complex is part of the chewing system which is made up of the muscles that control the function of the jaw joint, the teeth, the cervical spine, and the airway.

Dentistry and Medicine have moved, largely because of insurance company reimbursements and the influence of corporations, to a one size fits all treatment.  This is why there is a segment of the population that suffer from the debilitating effects of undiagnosed inflammation.  Because there is no solution for anything out of the ordinary.  Dentistry and medicine aren’t about figuring anything out, it is about treatment.  Getting the right insurance and diagnostic codes to do the treatment the doctor wants to do to you.

Inflammation is when your body’s immune system is activated. This means that cells are released that attack bacteria and viruses or heal damaged tissue. If your body sends out these inflammatory cells and you are not sick or injured and either has long-standing disease states or absence of disease states, you have chronic inflammation — think arthritis.

Bacterial decay is one of the most common dental problems next to gum and bone disease and tooth wear. Teeth are meant to last a lifetime. People with healthy teeth have been studied and commonalities have been found that allow Dr. Edwards to assess your teeth in relation to a healthy dentition. Dr. Edwards also listens to your family's story about dental health and medical health to gauge your genetic predisposition or risk of having certain dental issues. In addition to this, your lifestyle plays a large role in “turning on” certain genetic expressions as well as increasing the risk of having bacterial decay.

In 2022, a tooth was discovered from a mysterious early human relative, the smallest snail species was discovered, we also found Africa’s oldest dinosaur fossil, and learned that jumping spiders could dream. Scientists learned of a spectacular prehistoric rainforest in a now polar region, revealed certain stretches of the universe, and saw evidence of the existence, still, of a presumed extinct Roman-era miracle plant.

Research has shown strong connections between Alzheimer's disease and conditions commonly treated at the dental office such as periodontal disease, chronic inflammation, and sleep apnea. These inflammatory states can affect as much as 70% of the population.