Periodontal disease is a problem that has been around for centuries, and dentists and their patients just assumed it was a disease of the mouth. Dr. Clifford cites new research that points at gum disease being one of the causes of type 2 diabetes.

Mesa, AZ -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/30/2014 -- Controlling periodontal disease is essential to oral health. Proper care involves brushing twice a day, using floss to clean between teeth, eating healthy foods and cutting down on snacks and sugary or acidic drinks. Patients are encouraged to make and keep regular appointments with Dr. Clifford for teeth cleaning and exams.

For decades, the warning that accompanied the average dental hygiene visit was, "Take care of your teeth before you don't have any teeth to take care of!" Now, research has shown that a more candid warning might be, "Take care of your teeth before you get type 2 diabetes, kidney or liver disease, and chronic lung infections."

In a study of over 9,000 people over 20 years and published in Endocrine Today it states, "For decades, it has been generally accepted that periodontal disease is a consequence of diabetes. However, we found that over two decades of follow-up, individuals who had periodontal disease were twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life when compared to individuals without periodontal disease."

"Infected gums that are not treated can actually make you seriously ill," states Dr. Donald Clifford. The effects of periodontitis and gingivitis are critical enough in themselves: Inflammation, redness, bleeding gums and eventually the loss of a tooth or teeth, but the complications of severe gum disease can be far more serious.

Dr. Clifford remarks, "Bacteria from infected gums can travel far into the lungs where the only thing separating the air from the blood vessels is a thin layer of cells." The moist air in every breath picks up bacteria from gum disease as it travels across your teeth, gums and tongue.

Bacteria also enter the bloodstream when gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, creating a weak pocket. Once the bacteria has broken through the body's defenses and entered the bloodstream, it can travel anywhere the blood takes it. Coronary artery disease, diabetes, arthritis and respiratory problems are the most common systemic complications associated with periodontal disease.

If gums bleed when brushing or there are any signs of redness and swelling noticed, it's time to see Dr. Clifford for periodontal disease treatment. "Other important signs of periodontal disease are aching, shiny red or puffy gum tissue, halitosis (bad breath) and wobbly or loose teeth," says Dr. Clifford. In most cases, the damage caused by plaque and tartar buildup can be reversed with consistent professional care.

About Dr. Clifford
Dr. Clifford is a member of the American Dental Association, the Central Arizona Dental Society, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Care, confidence, and quality embody Dr. Clifford's philosophy of dentistry. Call for an appointment at (480) 820-6080.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Often, dental patients feel nervous merely from the thought of visiting the dentist. Some patients have avoided dental cleanings or preventive dental care because of fear.

Mesa, AZ -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/28/2014 -- Apprehension in the area of dental treatment is a typical phobia. Half of the population is nervous regarding a visit to the dentist or having dental treatments. "All of our staff has many years of experience in taking good care of the needs and concerns of our more fearful patients," states Dr. Clifford. "If all you want us to do is merely sit down and talk about any worries you may have during a scheduled visit, we will be happy to do that – you being at ease throughout the appointment is a top priority."

The list is long of the most typical dental fears which include: Fear of being embarrassed about the condition of their teeth, fear of gagging, fear of injections and not becoming numb when injected with Novocain. Other fears are of the dental professional as a person, fear of the drill, fear of the unknown and fear of dental noises and smells. Our office has also been specially built to put you at ease by getting rid of most of the sights, noises and smells of a normal dental office.

Dr. Clifford and the Arizona Advanced Dental team have comfort treatment options and effective sedation capabilities. "We can provide many levels of comfort and begin with a topical solution that 'pre-numbs' the injection area. Then the local anesthesia is used to completely numb the area being treated," says Dr. Clifford. This temporarily blocks feeling to the nerve and should last one to two hours or longer. Another sedation type is Nitrous Oxide Gas. Almost all dentists agree that nitrous oxide gas (laughing gas) is especially useful for dental phobic patients.

Ways to help reduce dental fear and anxiety include: Talking to Dr. Clifford despite the fact that it may be challenging to discuss fears with a complete stranger. He will take added steps during appointments if fears and stress are communicated. Tips from Dr. Clifford include bringing an iPod to your appointment. Music will act as a relaxant as well as drowning out any fear-producing noises. A lot of people are frightened the dentist will not likely know they are in considerable pain during the appointment, but will carry on the treatment regardless. The easiest way to fix this issue is to decide on a "stop" hand sign with the dentist and use a sore throat spray that can actually control the gag response.

About Arizona Advanced Dental
Arizona Advanced Dental takes your fears seriously and is also dedicated to offering a dental experience that can improve your dental health and lower your dental anxieties. Call our office at 480-820-6080 should you have any concerns or questions. Dr. Clifford has studied Temporal Mandibular Dysfunction (TMD), completed a "Comprehensive Esthetic Residency" that included many hours of advanced training in cosmetic dentistry and bonding. Dr. Clifford completed a second residency program in full mouth reconstruction. He is certified in laser dentistry, a member of the American Dental Association, the Central Arizona Dental Society, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

ViziLite Plus uses technology that has proven successful in identifying soft tissue abnormalities in your mouth. A ViziLite Plus exam is particularly important if you are at increased risk for developing oral cancer.

Mesa, AZ -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/14/2014 -- Dr. Donald Clifford states, "Oral cancer is one of the most curable diseases when it's caught early. That's why we are using ViziLite Plus." An annual ViziLite Plus exam, combined with your regular visual examination, provides a complete oral screening procedure. The ViziLite Plus exam is painless and fast, and could help save your life. ViziLite Plus is performed immediately following a regular visual examination.

Oral cancer is rising due to the link to HPV. When oral cancer is detected early it can save your life. The research shows that these tests do aid in early detection. Dr. Clifford remarks. "The ViziLite Plus test, which is what I use, is not a harmful test; the patient only needs to rinse with a vinegar tasting liquid and open their mouths. What other cancer screening test is that simple and pain free?"

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, "The human papilloma virus (HPV) is a double-stranded DNA virus that infects the epithelial cells of skin and mucosa. The moist epithelial surfaces (squamous cells) include all areas covered by skin and/or mucosa such as the mouth interior, throat, tongue, tonsils, vagina, cervix, vulva, penis and anus. Transmission of the virus occurs when these areas come into contact with a virus, allowing it to transfer between epithelial cells. While it is established now that sexual contacts, both conventional and oral, are means of transferring the HPV virus through direct skin to skin contact, it is still poorly understood what other transfer pathways may exist. It is highly unlikely that the virus can live for long on inanimate objects outside of a cell."

Dr. Clifford says, "Although the exact causes of these cancers are sometimes unknown, alcohol and tobacco use are major risk factors. More than half of patients are diagnosed after the cancer has spread to other areas in the body." Chances of successfully treating mouth and oropharynx cancer are highest when it is found early.

"If you have a suspicious "lesion or red or white spot in the mouth, then you definitely should seek the attention of your physician and/or dentist," especially if you're a smoker," comments Dr. Clifford.

The American Dental Association, The Oral Cancer Foundation and local and national groups are trying to educate the public about oral cancer and other head and neck cancers.

About Dr. Clifford
Dr. Clifford graduated with honors from Arizona State University. He received his doctorate degree from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry. He was awarded top honors in his class for oral and maxillofacial surgery. Dr. Clifford served in the United States Air Force from 1983-1986. While there, he received extensive training in diagnosis, endodontics, oral surgery, I.V. and nitrous oxide sedation and was appointed head of the prosthodontics department.

Dr. Clifford has remained committed to continued education since opening Arizona Advanced Dental. Care, confidence, and quality embody Dr. Clifford's philosophy of dentistry. His desire is to make his patients feel comfortable and at ease while at the same time providing the best dental treatment dental medicine has to offer.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Mesa AZ cosmetic dentist Dr. Donald Clifford is so fastidious about the appearance and quality of the veneers he places in cosmetic dental patients' mouths that he has decided to trademark his technique as Exquisite™ Veneers.

Mesa, AZ -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/21/2013 -- Mesa AZ cosmetic dentist, Dr. Donald Clifford explains that "our cosmetic dentistry patients in the Phoenix / Mesa area expect perfection in our cosmetic dental artistry."

Using esthetic dentistry, he and his staff are able to totally transform patient's smiles and possibly change their lives.

With skill and precision, Mesa AZ Advanced Cosmetic Dental creates beautiful smiles that patients have only dreamt of having. Nature-mimicking restorations such as advanced porcelain crowns, bridges, porcelain and/or bonded fillings and their special, Exquisite™ Porcelain Veneers, feel and function like natural teeth and look incredible.

A whiter and brighter smile which shows even teeth and a healthy, gleaming pink gum line might take a decade off of a person's actual age.

Dr. Clifford's cosmetic dental expertise and experience in cosmetic dentistry, and health and functional restorative dental care, is highly respected in the Mesa AZ area.

After the doctor and staff are in sync with a patient's vision of their new smile, they factor in the shape of the patient's face, the presentation of their cheekbones and nose, and the character of their eyes. However, it is the shape and contour of the patient's lips that is the highest priority. In addition, Mesa AZ Advanced Cosmetic Dental will measure an esthetic list of factors like the harmony of the patient's eyes and nose in relation to their other facial dimensions.

Mesa AZ Advanced Cosmetic Dental can remodel smiles to make patients look younger, make their smiles whiter and more prominent, reduce facial lines and wrinkles, perform "Instant Orthodontics" to straighten crooked teeth, and, finally, max out anybody's sex appeal level.

Remember, however, Dr. Clifford and his Mesa cosmetic dental smile team aren't just focusing on the patient's appearance. Their first priority is to make their patients smiles healthy, engineered correctly, and in occlusal harmony so that they can enjoy laughing, talking, chewing and kissing… and look great doing it.

As a cosmetic dentist in Mesa, Dr. Clifford is able to:

- Restore a beautiful, youthful look to your appearance
- Close up gaps in front teeth
- Make repairs to chipped, broken or cracked teeth
- Change the shape of teeth so they're no longer crooked or crowded
- Shape gum tissue to get rid of a "gummy" smile
- Bring mismatched teeth into harmony
- Replace missing teeth
- Use all porcelain restorations to replace old "dark" dentistry
- Improve or correct bad (dysfunctional) bites
- Perform smile whitening in the office for the most dramatic results

About Mesa Arizona Advanced Cosmetic Dental
Mesa Arizona Advanced Cosmetic Dental provides advanced cosmetic dental artistry delivered with the latest technical dental advances, and most importantly with compassion and individualized attention. Cosmetic dental patients' expectations are what drives Mesa Arizona Advanced Cosmetic Dental to offer the best and latest techniques and technology available in the dental field. Because Dr. Donald Clifford truly cares about his patients, he strives to provide a very warm and caring atmosphere where everyone feels welcome and valued. From routine dental care to helping patients achieve optimum oral health, to advanced cosmetic dental procedures to rejuvenating a smile, Mesa Arizona Advanced Cosmetic Dental takes the time to get to know every patient and listen to their wants, needs and goals for their dental care.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Dr. Donald Clifford, Arizona Advanced Dental, has big concerns about snoring even if it appears not to hurt the snorer because the snorer is asleep and can’t hear the noisy rumbles. Research shows that you are hurting your body and brain when you spend hours every night snoring.

Mesa, AZ -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/21/2013 -- "Snoring affects 30% of people in America, while second-hand snoring–being kept up or having your rest disturbed by a snoring partner–affect about 73% of people who sleep with someone who snores. Your entire night is spent trying to get enough oxygen to keep you alive. That doesn't sound like a rejuvenation of the mind and body, but rather like a bad dream," says Dr. Donald Clifford.

The sleep apnea never-ending cycle consists of drifting off to sleep, the mouth relaxing and the air-passage collapsing causing an extended time with no oxygen. Then the snorer unconsciously wakes up with a gasp and then goes back to sleep only to start the cycle all over again. This may repeat itself 50 or more times each hour during the night. With a blocked air-passage, the individual can't receive adequate oxygen, which can lead to additional issues.

Dr. Clifford remarks, "If you're the spouse/partner of a snorer, no doubt you know about the negative results of second-hand smoke, but do you know about how bad second-hand snoring could be to you?" Ongoing research has shown that bedmates of snorers can lose as much or more sleep as the snorer. When you consider that snorers may top out at nearly 80 decibels, a bed partner's thunder rumbles are louder than snuggling up to a high-speed blender for eight hours.

According to recent research by the Mayo Clinic and Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, people who sleep next to a snorer experience more chronic pain, suffer from ongoing fatigue, have more frequent episodes of conscious "blackouts" while driving, and may even be at higher risk for hearing loss. One very interesting Mayo Clinic study resulted in evidence that spouses of chronic snorers were pulled out of their sleep about 21 times in an hour, nearly as often as the 27 times an hour the snoring person partially woke up.

The solution to this potentially deadly scenario can be found in a comfortable dental appliance similar to a mouth guard and offered by a dentist with more education in airway management. This little plastic "miracle" positions the lower jaw in a farther forward location, making it very unlikely that when the snorer begins sleeping, the airways will collapse as usual. "Test this for yourself while you're reading this. Simply lie back, move your lower jaw forward, relax and try to get your throat to make snoring sounds. It's nearly impossible," said Dr. Clifford.

A solution accessible to those who snore or even have sleep apnea is an oral appliance. An appliance is positioned in the mouth and worn similar to a mouth protector used in sports. The appliance prevents the collapse of your tongue and soft tissues in the rear of the throat so that the air passage stays open while asleep.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) now considers dental appliances a first-line treatment for snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea, they are also ideal for patients with severe sleep apnea who cannot tolerate other alternatives such as CPAP masks. Dental sleep appliances have been scientifically proven to be very effective; over 95% of patients are satisfied with the level of improvement with their snoring when assessed and treated correctly. Dr. Clifford points out, "If you are tired of snoring and getting no restful sleep, or tired of trying to wear that CPAP mask, call our office today. It might just save your life."

To watch a video about this disorder follow this link: http://www.smileaz.com/sleep-apnea/

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Donald Clifford, DDS of Mesa, AZ has been invited by The Dental Library's national organization to launch and take the helm as the contributing author for TheDentalLibraryOfMesa.com.

Mesa, AZ -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/03/2013 -- The Dental Library of Mesa is meant to offer important news and information about changes and opportunities in dentistry specific to families in the Mesa area.

Dr. Clifford graduated with honors from Arizona State University. He received his doctorate degree from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry. He was awarded top honors in his class for oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Dr. Clifford has remained committed to continued education. He has studied Temporal Mandibular Dysfunction (TMD) under the direction of Dr. Tanaka at the University of California, San Diego. Additionally, Dr. Clifford completed a "Comprehensive Esthetic Residency" program under the tutelage of Dr. Bruce Crispin of Esthetic Professionals where he received many hours of advanced training in cosmetic dentistry and bonding. He also completed a second residency program in full mouth reconstruction. Dr. Clifford is certified in laser dentistry. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Central Arizona Dental Society, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

About The Dental Library
The Dental Library is an organization of local, prominent dental professionals who have agreed to research and write or edit articles about dental issues and developments for their local communities. The Dental Library organization finds relevant information on technologies, trends and techniques in today's dental health care system. Local residents can find up-to-date news about dentistry and the potential impact on your family's future dental care.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The Inman Aligner System can straighten the all-important front teeth in a few months rather than the 12-18 months needed for traditional braces. In addition, the Inman Aligner System is far less costly than traditional braces.

Mesa, AZ -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/28/2013 -- Everyone would like to have a straight, perfect smile, but few people are born with one. Most often, smiles are marred by at least one or two turned or crooked teeth.

The desire to achieve a good-looking smile means that many people will have to wear braces in order to straighten their teeth. Braces are usually worn by adolescents; however, adults have also found themselves needing braces later on in life. Research shows that, given a preference, adults would prefer not to wear metal braces for months or years and have found the Inman Aligner System a desirable choice that fits their lifestyle and dental goals.

Dr. Clifford recently stated that, "The advantages of the Inman Aligner System are that results will be seen in as little as eight to twelve weeks. They are removable for eating, sleeping and special occasions, and there is little to no pain. Plus, they are less expensive than other types of orthodontic treatment."

He went on to say, "In my opinion, the Inman Aligner System is the greatest innovation in orthodontic dentistry in recent years. It's fast, affordable and gentle to patients' teeth. It really is the best way to straighten crowded front teeth."

The Inman Aligner is a cost-effective removable orthodontic appliance that moves teeth in a fraction of the time of other systems. It aligns crowded or protruding front teeth with two opposing spring-loaded aligner bars. This provides gentle but continuous pressure over a large range of movement. Surprisingly, this gentle pressure is the quickest way to move teeth while also making treatment very safe and comfortable.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm