SOUTH BEND, Ind., Feb. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- More than just teeth and gums, a dentist may help detect a wide range of health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and oral cancer, but for many people an intense fear of dental treatment prevents them from getting the care they need.

To bring attention to the connection between good oral health and overall health, Heraeus, the leader in advancing dental esthetics and overall dental wellbeing, is acknowledging Heart Failure Awareness Week, February 13-19, 2011.  

"Recent scientific studies and data show that dentists can spot early warning signs in the mouth that may indicate disease elsewhere in the body," says Christopher Holden, President of Heraeus Kulzer. "Importantly, dentists' significant training and education enables them to recognize conditions that merit referring patients for care by dental specialists or physicians," he adds.

According to the U.S. surgeon general's report on oral health in America, approximately one-third of adults in the United States had not visited a dentist for treatment within the previous year.(1)

The barriers to adequate dental care can range from low income to lack of dental insurance to dental anxiety, but the end result is the same: oral health extends beyond dental health and forgoing a trip to the dentist inhibits optimal oral health and may even retard the detection of serious diseases.

For those with dental phobias, there's good news. New products and technologies are helping to eliminate sensitivities.  Gluma® Desensitizer PowerGel by Heraeus is one such product. Scheduled to launch in March 2011, the product helps eliminate sensitivity due to gum erosion. "Patients who forgo annual cleanings may have gum recession, and as a result, they may experience some sensitivity during a professional cleaning," says Rachel Wall, a renowned dental hygienist and founder of Inspired Hygiene. "Gluma® Desensitizer PowerGel promotes patient comfort by eliminating pain associated with dentinal hypersensitivity," she adds.

The American Dental Association recommends that individuals brush and floss every day, and see their dentist at least twice a year for regular cleanings and oral exams.

For more information on Gluma® Desensitizer PowerGel, talk with your doctor or hygienist or visit us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/VenusSmile.

Dental professionals interested in more information can call (800) 431-1785 or visit www.heraeusdentalusa.com.

(1) Department of Health and Human Services [U.S.]. Oral health in America: a report of the Surgeon General. Rockville (MD): National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health; 2000.

About Heraeus

Heraeus, the precious metals and technology group headquartered in Hanau, Germany, is a global, private company with over 155 years of tradition. Our businesses include dental products and biomaterials, precious metals, sensors, quartz glass, and specialty lighting sources. With product revenues approaching euro 2.6 billion and precious metal trading revenues of euro 13.6 billion, as well as more than 12,300 employees in more than 110 companies worldwide, Heraeus holds a leading position in its global markets.

About Heraeus Kulzer Dental

The Heraeus Kulzer Dental Division aspires to deliver unparalleled innovation and exceptional products that deliver ultimate value to both dental practitioners and laboratories. While product safety and efficacy are always our main goals, we also aim to create value-based products that unlock new levels of productivity in dental practices and dental laboratories. Interrelated products including the Venus® brand of low stress composites, Venus White®, Flexitime®, Gluma® and iBond® offer exceptional diagnosis, treatment, and restorative care.

Heraeus also collaborates with health care providers, researchers and academic institutions to support community wellbeing and overall oral health. To that end, Heraeus is a corporate supporter of the National Children's Oral Health Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides access to care for thousands of underserved children, and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

For more information on Heraeus or its products, call (800) 431-1785 or visit www.heraeusdentalusa.com.

SOURCE Heraeus