Most of the “Baby Boomer†generation is concerned with improving their health and living a longer healthier life. We have been bombarded with pollution, chemical additives , genetically modified foods , pesticides and more.
One of the main deficiencies of the diet in industrialized nations is the lack of dietary fiber.  The main excess is represented by the over consumption of refined carbohydrates. It has been proven that cancers feed on sugars ( refined carbohydrates ) such as flour, rice, bread, pasta soda and energy drinks of all kinds.
An article recently published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition stated that foods with high glycemic index (carbs and sugars ) favored the development of chronic degenerative diseases such as Cancer, Type II Diabetes , heart aliments , Alzheimerâ€
Research  has shown that a diet that is rich in fiber and low in carbs , not only prevents cancer of the breast, colon, prostate and more, but patients that move towards a Paleolithic diet have shown a major reversal in diseases.
We now understand that our genetics have not changed , but our environment, life style and diet have changed and we now see a plaque of chronic degenerative diseases as a result .
The move towards prevention and health, and away from a chronic pharmaceutical option is the direction that we need to be taking.
Dietary changes, such as a diet of non-gmo or gluten containing foods are a beginning. Eliminating sugar and refined flours are another. Many disease processes are inflammatory and may be related to diet.
Exercise and a more active vs sedentary life style also contribute to pain free and improved mobility as we age, along with better circulation.
The oral connection is huge. Except for air through our nose, most everything else that enters our body is through our mouth. Refined carbohydrates and sugars are converted and are absorbed in the mouth and are the source of food for bacteria that cause caries (cavities ) and gum disease.  Fibrous foods are masticated (chewed) and broken down in the mouth , before traveling through the digestive tract.
Head and neck posture is directly related to the lower jaw and its alignment to the skull (head) . Lost damaged or worn teeth can upset this bone-muscle alignment causing a “head forward†posture , neck and shoulder problems and some forms of headaches . The Occlusion (bite ) relation and how the jaw and teeth function together are also of great importance. Our teeth should really never be in physical contact. When we eat there should be food in between and otherwise when relaxed there should be a minimum amount of space. The constant contact, clenching or grinding is not a natural situation and may be an indication of imbalances or airway/ breathing problems or more.
The mouth forms a significant part of the upper airway ( where we breathe ) , blockages and misalignments can contribute to snoring and sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. Sleep apnea can lead to other disease processes such as high blood pressure, diabetes, impotence, acid reflux and increased incidence of stroke. Â Worn or collapsed bite alignments my constrict this breathing space as well as inflamed tissues from smoking, Â alcohol consumption , and allergies. . Dental reconstruction of the bite and alignment may be necessary.
Periodontal ( gum ) disease is caused by bacteria and bacterial by-products that damage gum tissue and the supporting ligaments and bone. Periodontal disease is an inflammatory process. The periodontal bacteria and factors have been related to other inflammatory diseases in heart muscle, arteries and joints.
Thorough and regularly scheduled dental hygiene care is important to remove dangerous bacteria laden plaque and tarter and help minimize the periodontal flare-ups that could develop into more severe disease issues .
Lasers have been used in Dentistry since the mid 90â€