There are many signs of periodontal disease:

• Bad breath or bad taste that won't go away
• Red or swollen gums
• Tender or bleeding gums
• Painful chewing
• Loose teeth
• Sensitive teeth
• Gums that have pulled away from your teeth
• Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• Any change in the fit of partial dentures

A toothache, chipped tooth and swollen or bleeding gums should be evaluated by a dental professional, it could be a sign of a serious underlying condition.

There are many steps that you can take maintain good oral hygeine:

• brush & Floss
• Drink fluoridated water
• Avoid tobacco
• Limit Alcohol
• Avoid sugary and starchy foods
• visit your dentist regularly

Take into consideration how important your dental hygeine is and how it truly effects your overall well being.

Choosing a dentist that is right for you is important. From the dentist to the staff and the environment, it is important to pay attention to whom you chose, afterall, this is about you. The way the dental staff treats you and other staff members is very important. It shows how you will be treated as a patient. Never settle for someone whom you are not comfortable with. Your comfort level is extrememly important, not just for your dental visit, but for your overall well being.

Our staff here at Dr. Alexander's office believes that the patient always comes first. The patient or "family" as we like to call them, is our number one priority from the moment they make the initial appointment. We take the time to get to know our patients, we listen to any concerns and welcome any questions that they may have. Having patience is a priority to Dr. Alexander and his staff.

If you're thinking about getting your tongue pierced or know someone who is, a new study could have you thinking twice. A new study, published in the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics, shows that tongue studs cause a gap between your two front-teeth.Also, tongue piercings can lead to inadvertent chipping of teeth. The study reports that those with their tongue pierced play with their tongue studs, usually by pushing the barbell shaped object back and forth against their front teeth.The study reports that a young woman, 26-years old, managed to create a significant gap between her upper teeth, called diastema. She would periodically wedge the thin part of the stud between her teeth and by wiggling it around over the course of seven years, she created a sizable gap. The woman eventually got her teeth fixed with braces.

Piercing phenomenon in Syracuse
Syracuse dentist, Dr. Howard Alexander, has seen the problem of tooth chipping with his patients due to tongue rings. However, the creation of a gap between the two front teeth is not something he's seen firsthand.

"Typically it (tooth chipping) would be when a patient or person is chewing food that it would be the most likely time for that to happen," said Dr. Alexander.

The average cost of getting a tongue pierced ranges from $30-60. However if a gap is created between your teeth over time or incidental tooth chipping occurs, patients could be paying a much higher fee for their dental bills.

Dr. Howard went on to say the cost of repairing a damaged tooth because of a tongue ring can get pricey. "It could cost anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars," said Howard.

 Other Health Risks
Dr. Alexander said there are various potential health risks a tongue ring may pose, even outside the realm of dentistry.

"I wouldn't recommend a tongue ring whether it caused dental issues or not. The other thing that might need to be considered is the biological issue created by trauma to soft tissue of the tongue, by having a foreign irritant there on an ongoing basis," said Dr. Howard.

Other issues that may arise aside from your teeth according to Dr. Howard are:

-Scarring
-Potential infection
-Speech impediments

Dr. Alexander added jokingly, "The oral cavity is no place for metal foreign objects, if you want a tongue ring, you could do the same damage chewing on nails if you like." All joking aside, Dr. Alexander advises against getting a tongue ring. I would strongly discourage getting a piercing in an area that's under constant function and inherently not sterile. I just think someone who does that is looking for trouble."

It seems obvious that your self image and self esteem can be affected by tooth decay, tooth loss, and gum disease, but scientists suggest there's more at stake.

Gum Disease in particular may play a roll in systemic diseases including diabetes. That's why the salad study is so intriguing.

Think about it. A healthy diet and thirty minutes of daily exercise can help to protect you against cardiovascular diseases. Well, so could the few minutes a day it takes to brush, floss, and rinse, especially when combined with regular dental visits. If you're not confident about your home care routines, we'll be happy to give you a refresher.

Enjoy your summer and keep a healthy smile!

Persistent toothaches that result in throbbing or sharp pain are common symptoms of a tooth abscess. Other symptoms include:

• Pain when chewing
• Sensitivity to hot or cold
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Feeling of overall uneasiness or illness
• Redness and inflammation of the gums
• Bad taste in mouth or foul smelling breath
• Fever

If you're experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, you'll want to visit Dr. Alexander as soon as possible, as an abscess won't go away on its own. Delaying treatment can lead to serious health complications, including tooth loss and the spread of infection to your soft tissues or the jaw bone. An abscess that ruptures or a tooth root that dies as a result of the infection may reduce the pain significantly, but dental treatment will still be necessary as the infection remains active and can continue to spread to surrounding tissues.

Treatment for a tooth abscess may vary depending on the severity of the infection. At Dr. Alexander our treatment plan focuses on eliminating the infection, preserving the tooth, and preventing further dental complications.

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is the best way to prevent dental problems that may lead to an abscessed tooth, including daily brushing, flossing and a healthy diet. Additionally, regular visits to our Syracuse NY office for cleanings and check ups are also critical for detecting dental problems early.

Easy Ways to Avoid Dental Injuries

• Avoid chewing ice or hard candy which can crack teeth
• Avoid ripping objects with teeth, such as sealed packages and tape
• Avoid the risk of injury to teeth, gums, lips and tongue by wearing a mouthguard when participating in sports and high-impact activities
• Visit Dr. Alexander for regular check ups and cleanings

Whether you're at home, in the car or at work, when a dental emergency strikes, you'll want to be prepared. Until you can get into our Syracuse dental office, following these basic steps can help relieve the pain, save your tooth and prevent additional damage. Before acting on any dental emergency, you should always contact Dr. Alexander first to ensure safe and appropriate care.

Temporary Treatment for Common Dental Emergencies

• Toothache: Rinse mouth with warm water to clean the affected tooth, and gently floss to remove food or debris that may be trapped between the teeth. If pain persists, visit a dentist for a thorough evaluation as it may indicate a cavity or infection.
• Broken tooth: Rinse mouth with warm water; locate the lost filling or tooth pieces; and control swelling or bleeding with an ice pack and gauze. See your dentist as soon as possible.
• Knocked out tooth: Gently place the tooth back into the socket if possible. If not, tuck it between your cheek and gum or place it in a small container of milk. Getting to your dentist within one hour of the accident with the tooth is your best bet for successfully reattaching the tooth to the supporting tissues.
• Objects caught between teeth: Rinse your mouth with warm water. If that doesn't work, gently try to remove the object with floss. Avoid using sharp instruments that could injure or cut the gums. If the object can't be dislodged, visit Dr. Alexander for professional assistance.

Temporary dental care is just that- temporary. It's important to seek professional dental assistance as soon as possible following an injury to your teeth or gums.

Fortunately, an unforeseen dental emergency can usually be prevented with early detection and preventative care. Practice good oral hygiene-brushing and flossing daily-and visit our Syracuse office for regular check ups and cleanings. As a general rule, if your teeth or mouth hurt, visit Dr. Alexander for a careful evaluation and proper treatment.

Chronic acts of grinding can result in a fracturing, loosening or loss of the teeth. Severe cases can also lead to jaw disorders, like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder and frequent headaches.

Common warning signs and symptoms of chronic teeth grinding may include:

• Worn down, flattened or chipped teeth
• Frequent earaches, facial pain or jaw pain
• Unexplained headaches, particularly in the morning
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Indentions on tongue
• Worn tooth enamel, exposing deep layers of the tooth
• Chewed tissue on inside of cheek
• Enlarged or tightened jaw muscles due to severe contractions
• Grinding or clenching that is loud enough to awaken others in your household

There isn't one cause of bruxism, but many times teeth grinding is related with reasons such as stress or a natural response due to the misalignment of teeth. In children, many times bruxism is a result of the growth and development of the jaws and teeth.

Treatment for bruxism will vary, depending on the severity and cause. Sometimes simple behavior modification or relaxation techniques may be enough to reduce teeth clenching. If bruxism is caused by dental problems, Dr. Alexander can work with you to correct the malocclusion. Other possible solutions include dental appliances which can also protect the teeth from the impact of grinding.

Unfortunately, you may not even realize that you have bruxism until it causes significant damage to your teeth. If you suspect you may be grinding your teeth, visit Dr. Alexander for an evaluation. During regular visits to our Syracuse office, the teeth are examined for evidence of grinding, such as jaw tenderness and abnormalities in your teeth. Dr. Alexander can help you identify your cause of grinding and determine the best treatment to help you stop.

Canker sores are characterized by one or more painful sores on the tongue, soft palate, insides of the cheeks or lips and the gums. These inflamed, tender sores are typically round, white, or gray in color, with a red surrounding border

Causes

While their exact cause is unknown, common triggers of a canker sore may include:

• Stress
• Immune deficiencies
• Infection
• Aggressive tooth brushing
• Oral tissue injury
• Allergic reaction
• Spicy or acidic foods
• Abrasive foods or dental appliances

If one does develop, rinse with salt water daily and apply an over-the-counter oral numbing agent to alleviate the pain. Doing so will speed up the healing process and make eating, drinking and brushing more bearable.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Monitor your canker sores as they develop to detect unusual changes. Canker sores will generally heal on their own and don't require treatment. If your sores are abnormally large, last longer than a few weeks or are so painful you can't eat or drink, you should make an appointment with our Syracuse office. Recurring canker sores and intolerable pain is not normal and should be examined by a dentist.

At Dr. Alexander, we strive to provide the highest quality of dental care in a comfortable, open environment. We take the time to understand your needs and fears so that we can deliver the best oral health care for all of your dental needs.

Healthy Communication for a Healthy Smile

The following tips can help you better understand and practice good communication skills with your dentist:

Build Trust

Get to know us at Dr. Alexander. We want you to feel safe, confident and comfortable every time you visit our Syracuse office. Whether you are coming in for a routine cleaning or you have an appointment for extensive dental work, we want to work with you to make sure the entire procedure goes as smoothly and pain free as possible.

Speak Up

It's not always easy to recognize when a patient is nervous or scared. Let us know what about the dentist intimidates you? Once we understand your fears, we can work with you to modify the treatment in order to provide the most relaxed and comfortable care.

It's also important for patients to respond to a dentist's questions honestly so that we can provide the most appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Failing to tell our Syracuse office about your toothache won't make the problem go away. In fact, it will make the situation worse.

Reveal Important Medical History

We can't stress enough how important it is that you provide our office with all of your health history information. From medications and allergies to heart conditions and other health problems, it's critical that we have the most up-to-date medical history in order to deliver the safest and most appropriate dental care.

The Age of Information Technology

In this day and age, there are a number of ways a patient and dentist can communicate more efficiently and effectively. With Dr. Alexander's website and blog, our patients always have easy and quick access to our practice, including office hours, contact information, service descriptions and more. Whenever you have a question about your oral health, we encourage you to check out our site, read through our blog or contact our office for more information.

Going to the dentist doesn't have to be your favorite activity, but it doesn't have to be uncomfortable either. At Dr. Alexander, our dentist's expertise not only includes clinical skills, but patient education and good communication as well. Once you learn to communicate effectively, you'll be able to better understand your dental treatment options, ease your dental anxiety and achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile.

At Dr. Alexander, we offer three effective procedures that can bring you a straighter, healthier smile faster and more discreetly than with orthodontics braces. Come into our Syracuse office for a consultation and find out if Invisalign, veneers or cosmetic contouring could work for you.

Invisalign

Invisalign is one of the newest and most popular methods for achieving a straighter smile. This method uses clear, discreet aligners that are replaced every few weeks to gradually shift your teeth to their desired position. Invisalign trays are removable, making it easy to eat and brush as normal. Adults love Invisalign because no one can tell you are undergoing treatment, but your new smile will look straighter with each series of aligners that is completed. Invisalign treatment can usually be completed in just a year and generally works best for patients with minor teeth misalignment.

Veneers

Looking for a fast way to make your teeth look straighter without actually straightening your teeth? Veneers can instantly mask dental imperfections, giving the illusion of a perfectly aligned smile. This procedure involves applying durable, porcelain shells to the front of teeth to cover orthodontic problems. The added bonus is that you can improve the coloring and shape of your teeth at the same time- the ultimate smile makeover.

Cosmetic Contouring

Cosmetic contouring, also known as dental reshaping, is performed to correct crooked teeth, chipped teeth, cracked teeth or overlapping teeth in as little as one appointment. By making subtle changes to your teeth- just a few millimeters of reduction- your dentist can alter the length, shape or position of your teeth to create the perfect smile. This method is pain-free and is most commonly used on upper teeth.

Today, straightening your teeth without traditional orthodontic braces is possible. For severe malocclusion, Invisalign, veneers and contouring may not be the best solutions and traditional braces may be recommended. Come into our Syracuse office, and we can help you determine the best choice based on the degree of straightening needed. Rest assured that we can find the best treatment to help you achieve your best smile.

You may have dental phobia if you experience:

• Difficulty sleeping the nights leading up to a dentist appointment
• Feelings of nervousness that escalate while in the dental office waiting room
• Crying or feeling physically ill at the thought of your next dentist appointment
• Intense uneasiness when dental objects/instruments are placed in your mouth during the appointment

At Dr. Alexander, we want your visits to be as comfortable and pain free as possible. Our professionals are specially trained in handling fearful patients and offer a variety of methods and techniques to reduce fear and make your visits relaxing. Avoiding the dentist because of fear can have serious ramifications in terms of your dental health and overall well-being. Today, with advanced treatment techniques and a dentist trained to help you overcome dental anxiety, you can feel confident about restoring your oral health.

• Trust: We'll establish a rapport with you starting with your initial visit. We want you to trust our ability to provide you with the best dental care possible, so we welcome all questions and fears regarding your dental health.
• Communication: Before starting any treatments, we'll discuss exactly what the procedure entails. Let us know what scares you. Whether you fear pain, injections or a loss of control, we'll talk you through the procedure and modify the treatment plan to accommodate your misgivings.
• Relaxation: Controlled breathing and muscle relaxation can help calm your nerves before procedures. If it helps, bring a friend or relative with you to the appointment for support.

Bad experiences with oral health care providers in the past can lead to a lifetime of dental phobia. Let our dental professionals at Dr. Alexander provide quality, gentle dental care for your oral health needs and help you overcome your dental anxiety. We understand that trips to the dentist can be scary, but together, we can help you overcome your phobia once and for all to bring you a lifetime of good dental health.

The procedure involves removing small amounts of tooth enamel in order to alter its shape, length or surface. Dental instruments and abrasives allow dentists to remove the enamel, and then sculpt and polish the tooth to its desired appearance. Many patients prefer this conservative treatment because their smile is improved without looking drastically different.

Teeth Reshaping is a great option for minor dental imperfections, such as:

• Pitted or grooved tooth enamel
• Chipped or fractured teeth
• Overlapping or crowded teeth
• Uneven teeth
• Crooked, pointy teeth

Healthy teeth and gums are necessary for dental contouring. Patients with deep cracks, decay or extensive chipping may not be good candidates.

Advantages of Dental Contouring From Dr. Alexander

• Conservative Approach: Dental contouring is one of the most conservative cosmetic treatments for achieving a more radiant smile. If you're looking for subtle improvements rather than dramatic changes, this procedure may be right for you.
• Improved Health: Repairing minor overlaps and other dental damage where plaque can accumulate reduces your risk of decay and gum disease.
• Ease of Procedure: Reshaping your teeth is generally quick and painless since only surface enamel is removed from the tooth.

Even though the reshaping process involves removing only a few millimeters, dental contouring goes to show that even little changes can make a big difference in the appearance of your smile. Keep in mind that teeth reshaping is best for patients who want only subtle adjustments or repairs. For a more noticeable smile makeover, consider veneers. Visit Dr. Alexander and find out if dental contouring is a good option for you.

With that being said, it may be time to "brush up" on your oral hygiene. Daily dental care, including brushing and flossing will help combat the buildup of plaque and fight tooth decay, gum disease and other serious health problems.

Dental Health Tips from Dr. Alexander

Brushing: Get in the habit of brushing your teeth morning and night, spending at least two minutes brushing all areas of your teeth to remove plaque and bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Use fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen the teeth and combat decay, and brush after consuming sugary foods and drinks when possible. Remember to replace your toothbrush every few months or when it begins to show wear.

Flossing: Only flossing can remove food particles and debris from between the teeth where your toothbrush can't reach. It's important to floss once a day, gently maneuvering the floss between each of your teeth until you reach the gum line. Doing so can help prevent dangerous plaque and tartar from accumulating which can lead to gum disease.

Diet: Sugary snacks taste great, but they aren't so great for your teeth. Foods high in sugars and starches contribute to the production of plaque acids that attack tooth enamel. Eventually, these acids can cause tooth enamel to break down, forming a cavity. If you must eat foods high in sugar or starch, eat them during meals rather than between meals, and avoid any foods that stick to your teeth as these can produce more plaque. To avoid stains, be mindful of tea, coffee, soda and other dark foods and beverages that can discolor your teeth.

Checkups and Cleanings: Visiting Dr. Alexander regularly at our Syracuse office for routine checkups and cleanings is the most important step you can take to maintaining a healthy smile. During these important visits we can detect and treat a number of oral health conditions including tooth decay, gum disease and oral cancers.

Next time you visit Dr. Alexander, ask us for tips for caring for your teeth and gums. We can help point out areas of your mouth that may require extra attention and care during brushing and flossing. Diligent dental care at home combined with regular visits to our Syracuse office are the best ways to keep your teeth looking and feeling their very best.

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots used to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth. The procedure is a multi-step process that involves placing metal anchors into the bone of the jaw, allowing the anchor and bone to fuse, placing an extension in the anchor, and fixing a prosthetic tooth or crown on the extension.

Benefits of Dental Implants from Dr. Alexander:

If you, like millions of adults, have lost one or more teeth, then you understand the unpleasant consequences that accompany tooth loss. Missing teeth result in an older appearance, difficulty eating and speaking, and other health problems like tooth decay and bone deterioration.

Not long ago, dentures were the only restorative dental treatment available for replacing natural teeth, but unlike dental implants, offered no stability or permanence. Since implants are securely attached, you gain confidence to eat what you like, the ability to speak clearly and freedom from embarrassment. Other benefits include:

• Improved Appearance: Dental implants look and feel just like your own teeth
• Improved Comfort: Implants are securely anchored, so there is no slipping as there is with dentures. This eliminates some of the key inconveniences of dentures, including poor fit, gum irritation, and pain.
• Improved Health: Dental implants can help prevent deterioration of the jawbone caused by loss of teeth, so your face retains its natural shape.
• Durability: Implants are strong and can last a lifetime with proper care.
• Convenience: Unlike dentures, dental implants are permanent, eliminating the inconvenience of removing your dentures. With implants, you can brush and care for your teeth just as you would your natural teeth.

Are you a good candidate for dental implants?

Whether you are missing one tooth or multiple teeth, dental implants may be a viable solution for restoring your natural smile. Patients must have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. The patient must also be committed to good oral hygiene, including exceptional brushing, flossing and regular visits to our Syracuse office.

Whether your tooth loss is caused by decay, years of wear and tear or serious trauma, dental implants can help you get your smile back. No other restorative procedure replaces the entire missing tooth and preserves bone like dental implants. If you're missing teeth, don't compromise your health and quality of life any longer. Visit Dr. Alexander and find out if dental implants are a good fit for you.

The probability of developing decay begins early in life, so children and teenagers are obvious candidates for dental sealants during their most cavity-prone years. But that doesn't mean adults at risk for tooth decay can't benefit from sealants as well.

At Dr. Alexander, sealants can be applied quickly, easily and comfortably without the need for drilling or the removal of tooth structure. The sealant is painted onto the tooth to form a protective shield, and bonds into the pits and grooves of the chewing surfaces, acting as a barrier to protect enamel from harmful plaque. Sealants can last for several years and can be reapplied by our Syracuse dental office as necessary.

A Healthy Smile Calls for Good Dental Hygiene

Sealants are only one part of preventive dental care and should not replace good oral hygiene. Instead, sealants preserve the teeth, adding additional protection to prevent decay and reducing the likelihood for extensive dental procedures later on. In addition to sealants, a comprehensive dental program should include twice-daily brushing, fluoride, healthy food choices and regular visits to our Syracuse office.

Even if you brush and floss carefully, it can be very difficult- and even impossible- to remove food and bacteria buildup from the tiny crevices on certain teeth, which puts you at risk for tooth decay. Talk to Dr. Alexander about dental sealants at your next appointment. Combined with good dental hygiene, you can feel more confident that your smile is protected from the harmful plaque that causes cavities.

Dentures are a set of replacement teeth for any teeth that are missing. When healthy teeth remain, there are partial dentures, which take the place of only a few teeth and prevent the others from shifting position. If all teeth have been lost, there are complete dentures for replacing an entire set of teeth, which can include upper dentures, lower dentures or both. Both full and partial dentures improve your ability to chew and speak, while supporting facial muscles and enhancing appearance.

Advancements in dental technology are creating dentures that are more comfortable, more durable and better fitting than ever before. At Dr. Alexander, we can custom design dentures that not only replace teeth, but ensure the best possible fit, function and comfort for your jaw and bite.

Dentures can help you look better and feel better, but may offer other benefits as well. Dentures can:

• Prevent other teeth from shifting position
• Improve your ability to chew and speak
• Support the muscles in your face

The loss of one tooth or many teeth can be devastating, but it doesn't have to be permanent. The condition and severity of your remaining teeth will determine the type of denture that will best address your needs. Visit our Syracuse office for an examination, and we'll work with you to determine the best treatment plan for you.

• Gums that bleed easily during and after brushing or flossing your teeth
• Swollen, puffy gums
• Change in color of gums from pink to red
• Bad tasting or smelling breath
• Soft, tender gums

Reversing the Symptoms to Save Your Teeth

With professional treatment from your dentist and an improvement in your oral hygiene, gingivitis can easily be reversed since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected. Left untreated, however, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, a serious infection that destroys the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth. As the disease progresses, gums begin to recede and the teeth shift and become loose. In fact, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Luckily, keeping gums healthy and avoiding gum disease is easy with good oral hygiene and regular checkups with your dentist. You can promote healthy gums and stop gingivitis before it develops by:

• Brush regularly, at least twice a day
• Floss daily
• Eat a well-balanced diet
• Rinse with mouthwash after brushing and flossing
• Avoid smoking and other tobacco products
• Visit our Syracuse office regularly for professional cleanings and check-ups

Gingivitis is a serious condition that can lead to severe forms of gum disease when left untreated. Fortunately, with a dedicated dental health plan and regular visits to Dr. Alexander, gingivitis is easy to detect and easy to reverse before it has a chance to advance to periodontitis.

The severity of gum disease can range from simple gum inflammation to serious infections that result in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. But gum disease can impact more than your smile. In fact, the same bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease can impact other important systems in your body as well. Recent studies have found that people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from heart disease as those without gum disease.

Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

Some patients won't show obvious signs of gum disease. That's why it's important to visit Dr. Alexander for regular checkups and cleanings. Visit our Syracuse dental office as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of the following:

• Tender, red, swollen gums
• Gums that bleed easily
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• Loosening or separating of permanent teeth
• Change in your bite
• Pus between the gums and teeth
• Persistent bad breath

Gum Disease Prevention: Start with the Basics

The good news is that being diligent about your dental health can prevent plaque from forming and even reverse early stages of gum disease.

• Visit Dr. Alexander for routine cleanings and checkups. We can remove tartar build up and check for changes in your mouth.
• Brush at least twice a day- morning and before bed- to remove bacteria and plaque that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
• Floss daily to reach areas in between your teeth and along the gumline where harmful plaque accumulates.
• Maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and nutrients and low in sugary foods and drinks.

Gum disease is a serious oral infection that affects millions of Americans. And while there are several treatments a dentist can perform to treat the problem, it's best to avoid gum disease in the first place by brushing, flossing and visiting Dr. Alexander for regular exams and cleanings. Start taking care of your gums now to prevent tooth loss and other serious health problems in the future.