Common Signs That Your Roof Needs To Be Replaced

You may notice that your roof has small leaks or problems that are inconvenient and a nuisance, but how do you know when it’s time to do a complete overhaul of your roof? Your home is your biggest investment, and the roofing on it is vital to protecting your belongings and your family from the elements. To guarantee your roof is in good working order, we encourage you to watch for a few common signs that your roof should be replaced.

Judge by Age

Even if your roof functions well, its age may tell you that it’s time for a replacement. As a rule of thumb, most experts agree that a roof should be replaced when it is between 20 and 25 years of age. While this is a good standard guideline, other factors come into play, such as:

• Is the roof properly ventilated?
• How many layers of shingles have been placed over the years?
• Was the original, older roof removed before the current one was installed?

If you feel your roof is getting old and may need replacement, we encourage you to contact a professional to determine what steps to take.

Shingle Problems

If you are missing shingles, or if they seem to be curling and buckling in the areas that get direct sunlight, your roof is likely past its prime. Keep an eye on your shingles, as they are almost always a good indicator that something is wrong with your roof.

When checking your shingles, pay close attention to the valley areas. Extra moisture can compromise these spots, causing roof leaks.

Daylight Coming In

If you feel a bit of a spring in your step when you walk across your roof boards, this may be a sign of weakening from moisture. Look in your attic to see if any daylight is slipping through the roof boards, and look to see if the insulation is gathering moisture. These can be clear signs that the decking of the roof is compromised by water damage.

Call a Pro

While you can watch for common signs that your roof needs to be replaced, we advise you to call a professional before you make the final decision. At (Company Name), we are here to help any time you have roofing problems. Call us today at XXX-XXX-XXXX.

The Dangers of Periodontal Disease and How Scaling and Root Planing Can Help

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), close to 50% of adult Americans suffer from some form of periodontal disease, also known as gum disease or gingivitis. This means more than 64 million people in the United States are at risk for serious health complications. Gum disease is closely linked to the health of the entire body, and treating it may mean the difference between a healthy, happy mouth and a life of concerning health problems.

Diseases Linked to Periodontal Disease

Experts originally believed that gum disease was linked to other health conditions through bacteria that entered the bloodstream. Current research supports the idea that the inflammation caused by gum disease may be the more likely culprit.

Gum disease is closely linked to systemic conditions such as:

• Diabetes – Periodontal disease makes it difficult to control blood sugar and to reduce complications from diabetes.
• Heart Disease – While there is no direct causation between the two, experts believe that inflammation caused by gingivitis may also lead to heart disease down the road.
• Osteoporosis – Studies link bone loss in the jaw from periodontal disease to osteoporosis.
• Cancer – Some studies show that people with gum disease are anywhere from 30% to 50% more likely to develop certain types of cancer.
• Respiratory Disease – Bacteria located in the oral cavity may be aspirated into the lungs, causing respiratory problems such as pneumonia.

These links suggest that treating gum disease early and efficiently may make all the difference in the overall health of the patient.

How Does Scaling and Root Planing Help?

In most cases of periodontal disease, fast, effective treatment is vital to reversing the condition or stopping its growth. Most dentists will use specialized cleaning tools to remove tartar and plaque from the teeth and gums in order to ensure a happier, healthier mouth.

Scaling is the process dentists use to remove plaque and calculus from the root and crown of the tooth. Special devices are used to clean and irrigate the area, and an antimicrobial substance may be administered in order to reduce bacteria in the mouth.

Root planing is done to remove surface dentin and cementum that is full of toxins, tartar and unwanted microorganisms. During root planing, the tooth’s root is smoothed in order to create a hostile environment in which bacteria cannot develop. Gum disease is minimized when bacteria cannot grow.

Scaling and root planing are cleaning processes that are used to remove harmful substances from the deep pockets of the gums and teeth in order to minimize risk for gum disease. After these procedures, gum pockets are often treated with antibiotics in order to promote healing.

Good Treatment, Better Health

If you are concerned that you are developing gum disease, schedule an appointment with a dentist at (Company Name) today. We are here to help you minimize the damage quickly. Call us at XXX-XXX-XXXX.