In the U.S., around 20% of the population has an STI of some variety. The risk of contracting an STD is dependent on several factors, including geographic location, your demographics, and your lifestyle. In general, individuals who live in more populated areas, such as the South or a large metropolis.  In fact, Georgia and Louisiana are among the top 5 states with the most STIs per 100,000. Your risk of STI contraction is further increased by the number of sexual partners you have, with the more you have, the higher your risk of contracting.

So, how can you protect yourself against these risks? Vaccination and post-exposure have varying levels of success, ranging from a 26% risk reduction to a 98% risk prevention. Physical prevention, such as using internal or external condoms, has a 98% risk reduction option. However, the only way to make absolutely sure you don’t have an STI is by getting regularly tested. Fortunately, eNational Testing makes it very easy. By visiting their website, you can easily find a testing center near you and get safely and accurately tested. To make sure that you don’t have an STI, getting tested with eNational Testing centers is the best way to go about it.

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Over the years, insurance premium auditing has changed drastically.  This change has led to improvements, especially when it comes to reducing excess expenses.  

Initially, insurance premium auditing was done by the insurance carrier.  Auditors would calculate insurance premiums based on estimates of insurance exposure.  Factors such as auditor bias, proper classifications, and actual premium bias also impacted the final premium.  Unfortunately, these estimates were often inaccurate, leading to high business costs.

Today, it is more common that auditing is conducted by an auditor who works for or is contracted by an insurance company.  This auditor reaches out to a company to offer services.  To conduct an audit, auditors review various records, such as payroll, cash reimbursements, and tax records.  With this information, the auditor pieces together a final report that determines whether the company receives a bill or a credit. 

Even more changes are on the horizon when it comes to insurance premium auditing.  AI is having sweeping impacts on the auditing process, introducing increased flexibility and reliability.  AI helps auditors to identify anomalies, uncover real-time business operation shifts, and boost data accuracy.  This can cut down on costs for businesses, making AI auditing an appealing option. 

Companies like AdvoQate are striving to streamline the auditing process, marking a new era in insurance premium auditing.  The process has already changed significantly and will continue to improve moving forward.

When most people think about going to the dentist, they picture cleanings, fillings, or maybe even whitening treatments. What often gets overlooked? The gums.

But here’s the thing—your gums aren’t just the background players in your smile. They’re actually central to your oral health, and research increasingly shows they’re connected to your overall health too. In fact, gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) can be a red flag for conditions that go way beyond the mouth.

So let’s break down why your gums matter, how to keep them healthy, and what your dentist is looking for during those quick pokes with the gum probe.

What Exactly Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the tissues surrounding your teeth. It starts off small—usually as gingivitis, which shows up as swollen or bleeding gums when you brush or floss. Left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss, bone loss, and even changes in how your teeth fit together.

Sounds intense, right? The good news is it’s also highly preventable and manageable with regular dental care and good home habits.

The Surprising Link Between Gum Health and Whole-Body Health

Your mouth isn’t isolated from the rest of your body. It’s all connected. When your gums are inflamed or infected, that inflammation can spread through the bloodstream and affect other systems.

Studies have linked gum disease to a wide range of health concerns, including:

• Heart disease

• Diabetes

• Stroke

• Respiratory conditions

• Pregnancy complications

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, people with gum disease are nearly twice as likely to suffer from heart disease. While researchers are still exploring the exact connection, it’s clear that chronic inflammation from gum disease plays a big role in this relationship.

Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

One of the tricky things about gum disease is that it’s often painless in its early stages. That’s why regular checkups with your dentist are so important—they can catch signs of trouble before you even know there’s a problem.

Still, there are some symptoms you can watch for at home:

• Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing

• Persistent bad breath

• Red, swollen, or tender gums

• Receding gums or teeth that look “longer”

• Loose teeth or changes in bite alignment

• A metallic taste in your mouth

If any of these sound familiar, don’t panic—but do bring it up with your dentist.

How a Dentist Diagnoses Gum Disease

When you go in for a routine exam, your dentist or hygienist isn’t just checking for cavities—they’re also looking closely at your gums.

They’ll measure the depth of the “pockets” between your gums and teeth. Healthy gums typically have pocket depths of 1–3 millimeters. Deeper pockets can indicate inflammation or infection. Your dental team will also check for bleeding, recession, and how your teeth are sitting in your jaw.

Experts like the Dentists at Vivid Smiles in Lincoln Park, Chicago use these evaluations to build a picture of your gum health and catch any early signs before things escalate. Prevention is the name of the game.

Tips for Keeping Your Gums in Top Shape

The best defense against gum disease? A strong offense at home and consistent dental visits. Here are some simple ways to keep your gums happy:

1. Brush Gently Twice a Day

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and take your time. Brushing too hard can actually wear down your gums, while a gentle touch clears away plaque without irritation.

2. Don’t Skip Flossing

We know—it’s the part everyone forgets. But flossing once a day removes the plaque and food particles from between your teeth that brushing alone can’t reach. Water flossers can also be a great alternative if you’re not a fan of string floss.

3. Rinse Smart

An antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash can help cut down on bacteria and protect your enamel. Just make sure it’s alcohol-free, as alcohol can dry out your mouth and do more harm than good.

4. Keep Up With Dental Checkups

Even if your gums feel fine, regular cleanings and exams can help catch gum disease early. Your dentist can remove tartar (hardened plaque) that brushing and flossing can’t touch.

5. Quit Smoking

Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for gum disease. It reduces blood flow to the gums, making it harder for your body to fight infection. If you’ve been thinking about quitting, consider this one more reason to go for it.

What Happens If You Do Have Gum Disease?

If your dentist finds signs of gum disease, they’ll walk you through treatment options based on how advanced it is.

For early-stage gingivitis, a deep cleaning and a refresh on brushing and flossing habits may be all you need. But for more advanced cases, you might need a scaling and root planing (also known as a deep cleaning), which goes below the gumline to remove buildup.

In severe cases, you may be referred to a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in treating the supporting structures of the teeth.

No matter the treatment, the key is consistency—keeping up with follow-up care and staying on top of your at-home hygiene makes all the difference.

Final Thoughts: Healthy Gums = Healthy You

Your gums might not be the flashiest part of your smile, but they’re one of the most important. Taking care of them is about more than just avoiding bad breath or bleeding—it’s an investment in your overall health and well-being.

If it’s been a while since your last dental visit, or if you’ve noticed some changes in how your gums look or feel, it’s worth checking in with your dentist. A quick appointment today can help you avoid bigger issues tomorrow.