Gum Disease | Loveable Smiles Dentistry

Jan 19

Crowded Teeth and Your Overall Health

This blog post is the 7th in a series of articles to inform our readers about the connection between your oral health and your overall health.

It’s called the “Mouth-Body Connection,” and it means that poor dental health can severely deteriorate your body. Today we are discussing the connection between malocclusion (poor “bite” or fitting together of the teeth) and your overall health.

Straightening teeth is no longer only for appearance. Straightened teeth contribute directly to your overall health.

What is a Malocclusion?

Malocclusion is often referred to overcrowding or misalignment of your teeth. Specifically it refers to the relationship between your upper and lower teeth, which should fit together evenly with low force exuded on the jaws and tooth surfaces. If there is a misalignment between the upper and lower teeth, then a number of symptoms can occur:

Premature wearing and breaking of teeth which can lead to tooth loss.
Chronic headaches
Neck and jaw pain
Tooth sensitivity
Pain of facial muscles
Joint noises in the jaw
Difficulties with biting or chewing

Teeth that are crowded or out of alignment are more difficult to keep clean which can contribute to gum disease.

Gum disease not only leads to severe oral health disorders, but can exacerbate overall health conditions, such as diabetes or respiratory disorders. If left untreated, malocclusion can progress to affect bone, jaw, neck, and even head health.

Additionally, the improvements to bite functionality that result from malocclusion treatment can also make regular nutritional intake easier.

More About Gum Disease

80% of people have Gum Disease and DO NOT KNOW IT! There is usually no pain involved for people until extremely late in the degeneration. Many gum problems will go unnoticed until they are diagnosed by a dentist.

The good news is that Dr. Korenman and his team are dedicated to educating the public about the dangers of gum disease and they check all their patients for it.

If you are diagnosed with gum disease, Dr. Korenman can design a treatment plan to help you keep it under control.

Problems with your bite can lead to problems elsewhere in your body. But, at Loveable Smiles, we understand the connection.

We urge you to call Loveable Smiles for your Total Health Dental Care appointment. 972-231-0585

This is just one of many examples of how we treat people, not just teeth.

Jan 19

How is Pancreatic Cancer related to your mouth?

This blog post is the sixth in a series of articles to inform our readers about the connection between your oral health and your overall health.

It’s called the “Mouth-Body Connection,” and it means that poor dental health can severely deteriorate your body, especially your lungs and heart, and it can also lead to a host to other conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, strokes and even some Cancers.

What is a Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic Cancer occurs when there is out-of-control cell growth in the pancreas. The cells continue dividing and form lumps called tumors, which interfere with the normal functioning of the pancreas.

Pancreatic Cancer/Gum Disease Statistics

Pancreatic Cancer is the 4th leading cause of cancer related death in the US.
74% of Pancreatic Cancer patients die after the 1st year.
Unfortunately treatment options are limited.
Studies have shown positive association between gums disease and bone disease and Pancreatic Cancer.
In one study men with a history of gum disease, had a 63% higher risk of developing Pancreatic Cancer than those with no gum disease.
People with chronic inflammation caused by gum disease harbor higher levels of harmful bacteria and carcinogens in the mouth and gut. Over many years, this can lead to higher amounts cancer-causing nitrosamines.

Shocking Truth About Gum Disease

The number one cause of death is inflammation.

The number one cause of inflammation is gum disease.

The good news is that Dr. Korenman and his team are dedicated to educating the public about the dangers of gum disease and they check all their patients for it.

If you are diagnosed with gum disease, Dr. Korenman can design a treatment plan to help you keep it under control.

Additionally, if you are a patient and either about to start or are currently undergoing cancer treatments, here at Loveable Smiles, we will provide you with a complimentary fluoride tray to save your teeth.

We urge you to call Loveable Smiles for your Total Health Dental Care appointment where we will check you for gum disease at 972-231-0585.

This is just one of many examples of how we treat people, not just teeth.

Jan 19

How are strokes related to your mouth?

This blog post is the fifth in a series of articles to inform our readers about the connection between your oral health and your overall health.

What is a stroke?

An ischemic stroke (the most common type) happens when a blood vessel that feeds the brain gets blocked, usually from a blood clot. When the blood supply to a part of the brain is shut off, brain cells will die. The result is the inability to carry out normal brain functions such as walking or talking.

Strokes Gum Disease Statistics

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the US.
Oral bacteria can affect the heart adversely by entering the blood stream, thereby reaching the heart and contributing to clot formation.
In a recent study, people diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia (the most common type of stroke) were found more likely to have an oral infection when compared to those in the control group.
Men and women who suffered from bleeding gums had more than twice the risk of stroke compared with those whose gums were healthy.

As you can see, research studies have discovered that oral infection is indeed a risk factor for stroke.

So, how are strokes related to your mouth?

The number one cause of death is inflammation.

The number one cause of inflammation is gum disease.

Shocking Truth About Gum Disease

The good news is that Dr. Korenman and his team are dedicated to educating the public about the dangers of gum disease and they check all their patients for it.

If you are diagnosed with gum disease, Dr. Korenman can design a treatment plan to help you keep it under control.

Additionally, if you have suffered from a stroke, a consistent, preventive dental program is essential for survivors. The loss of senses, weakness of facial muscles, and side effects of medications can put you at high risk for dental problems.

We urge you to call Loveable Smiles for your Total Health Dental Care appointment at 972-231-0585.

This is just one of many examples of how we treat people, not just teeth.

Jan 19

How is Rheumatoid Arthritis related to your mouth?

This blog post is the fourth in a series of articles to inform our readers about the connection between your oral health and your overall health.

Rheumatoid Arthritis & Gum Disease Statistics

1. People with RA are 8 times more likely to develop gum disease than people without RA.
2. Studies have shown that when people with a severe form on RA, cleared up their gum disease, their pain and other arthritic symptoms got better.
3. People with RA sometimes have a hard time maintaining good oral hygiene because the disease can affect the joints in the hands, making brushing and flossing difficult. Electric toothbrushes and the AirFlosser by Sonicare can make dental care easier.

So, how is rheumatoid arthritis related to your mouth?

The number one cause of death is inflammation.

The number one cause of inflammation is gum disease.

Inflammation is a protective immune system response to substances like viruses and bacteria. In autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis the immune system mistakenly triggers inflammation, although there are no bacteria or viruses to fight off. The inflammation causes joints to become swollen, painful and stiff.

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gum Disease are both have inflammation in common, which may explain the connection.

Controlling the inflammation through better dental care could play a role in reducing the incidence and severity of RA.

Shocking Truth About Gum Disease
80% of people have Gum Disease and DO NOT KNOW IT! There is usually no pain involved for people until extremely late in the degeneration. Many gum problems will go unnoticed until they are diagnosed by a dentist.

The good news is that Dr. Korenman and his team are dedicated to educating the public about the dangers of gum disease and they check all their patients for it.
If you are diagnosed with gum disease, Dr. Korenman can design a treatment plan to help you keep it under control.
Additionally, if you suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis, sometimes shorter appointments scheduled later in the day when joints are less stiff can make you more comfortable. We can also provide a neck or leg pillow for better support in the dental chair.
We urge you to call Loveable Smiles for your Total Health Dental Care appointment at 972-231-0585.
This is just one of many examples of how we treat people, not just teeth.

Sep 16

Liver Transplant Patient Taken Off List Due To Gum Disease

Meet Vicki, 66, of Dallas who is sharing her “Total Health Dentistry” testimony.

This is a fine example of the “Mouth-Body” connection and how your oral health affects your overall health.

Kidney problems have always run in Vicki’s family. And as a diabetic, Vicki ended up needing a kidney transplant.

After being on the list for 4.5 years she got the call that a kidney was available!

Unfortunately, Vicki had a fear of the dentist and hadn’t seen a dentist in quite some time.

Vicki was not able to receive the available kidney due to a gum infection.

She had heard about Dr. Korenman from his radio show on KAAM and decided to give our office a call.

Vicki received a root canal, fillings, had a couple of teeth pulled and a crown placed as well as a deep cleaning.

Because her mouth is now healthy again, she’s back on the transplant list.

And her fear of dentist? Gone! Dr. Korenman and his staff use the most updated technology to create a pain-free dental experience. Dr. Korenman has been referred to as the “Listening Dentist” and makes his patients feel at ease. If there is ever any discomfort, he and his staff stop the dental work, and make adjustments to ensure the patient’s comfort.

Vicki receives dialysis 3 times a week, 4 hours each session. We wish her well and hope and pray she will be able to receive a new kidney very soon! We will continue to see her at Loveable Smiles to keep her mouth healthy and therefore the rest of her body health as well!

Call Loveable Smiles for your Total Health Dental appointment at 972-231-0585.

Sep 09

Healthy Mouth, Healthy Baby

This blog post is the third in a series of articles to inform our readers about the connection between your oral health and your overall health; or in this case, your baby’s health.

The bacteria that cause gum disease may increase a mom’s risk for delivering prematurely.

Gum Disease & Developing Babies

There is a link between uncontrolled gum disease (and the mom may not even know she has gum disease) and pregnancy complications such as premature labor and preeclampsia (rise in blood pressure).

A study exploring the possible link between gum disease and preeclampsia found that 50% of the placentas from women with preeclampsia were positive for one or more periodontal pathogens.

Scientists believe these infections cause a rapid increase in certain fluids in the body that, in turn, induce labor. It’s not necessarily the infection itself, but the body’s response to the infection that causes the premature birth.

Mom’s Hormones and the Baby’s Teeth

Pregnancy causes hormonal changes that increase the risk of developing gum disease, which can affect the health of their babies.

Studies have shown that bacteria responsible for tooth decay are passed from the mother to the child in utero. The more frequently you give in to the craving for sugary snacks, the greater the chance of developing tooth decay.

Additionally, pregnant women with acid reflux are also at a greater risk of tooth erosion and periodontal problems as the acid dissolves away the protective coating of teeth (enamel) leaving them weakened and at a very high risk of needing extensive (and expensive) restorations.

Dr. Korenman recommends that women visit his office as soon as they learn or their pregnancy. Dr. Korenman and his team will test for any health problems that might affect your baby.

If you are diagnosed with gum disease, Dr. Korenman can design a safe treatment plan to help you keep it under control.

For the health of your unborn baby, we urge you to call Loveable Smiles for your Total Health Dental Care appointment at 972-231-0585.

This is just one of many examples of how we treat people, not just teeth.

Sep 01

How is Diabetes related to your mouth?

This blog post is the second in a series of articles to inform our readers about the connection between your oral health and your overall health.

It’s called the “Mouth-Body Connection,” and it means that poor dental health can severely deteriorate your body, especially your lungs and heart, and it can also lead to a host to other conditions including Diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and even some Cancers.

So, how is Diabetes related to your mouth?

If you have gum disease and your gums bleed, you’re sending bacteria and inflammation by-products through your blood vessels, damaging the vessels and exacerbating your diabetes condition.

Additionally, this is how gum disease affects Diabetics:

Uncontrolled Type II Diabetics are at a higher risk for gum disease.
Severe gum disease can affect blood sugar.
Diabetics have a decreased ability to fight bacteria that invade the gums.
Medication can cause dry mouth which can cause soreness, ulcers, infections and cavities.

Your gums are the “foundation of your house” and if the foundation crumbles, the house crumbles with it.*

The good news is that Dr. Korenman and his team are dedicated to educating the public about the dangers of gum disease and they check all their patients for it. He and his team are also dedicated to educating their patient family about the health of your mouth and the health of your body.

If you are diagnosed with gum disease, Dr. Korenman can design a treatment plan to help you keep it under control.

We urge you to call Loveable Smiles for your Total Health Dental Care appointment at 972-231-0585.

This is just one of many examples of dentistry saves lives.

*Dr. Elias J. Achey Jr., D.M.D. “A cup of coffee with 12 leading dentists in the United States.

Jan 19

How is heart disease related to your mouth?

This blog post is the first in a series of articles to inform our readers about the connection between your oral health and your overall health.

So, how is heart disease related to your mouth?

The number one cause of death is inflammation.

The number one cause of inflammation is gum disease.

Several theories exist to explain the link between periodontal (gum) disease and heart disease.

Oral bacteria can affect the heart via the blood stream and then attaching to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries (heart blood vessels) and contributing to clot formation.
Another possibility is that the inflammation caused by periodontal (gum) disease increases plaque buildup, which may contribute to swelling of the arteries.

Researchers have found that people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease.

The good news is that Dr. Korenman and his team at Loveable Smiles in Richardson are dedicated to educating the public about the dangers of gum disease and they check all their patients for it.

If you are diagnosed with gum disease, Dr. Korenman can design a treatment plan to help you keep it under control.

We urge you to call Loveable Smiles for your Total Health Dental Care appointment at 972-231-0585.

This is just one of many examples of how we treat people, not just teeth.

Aug 06

Foods to Eat to Keep Your Teeth Healthy

Proper nutrition and diet programs affect our health. For dental concerns, there are certain foods to eat to keep your teeth healthy. Oral checks must also be done regularly to ensure you get healthy teeth, gums, and mouth for healthy body functions.

Knowing the Risks
It is best to let you know the risks of ignoring your teeth’s health and nutritional requirements so you will understand better how important to take care of your teeth through the foods you eat and other habits you need to change.

Cavities
These are the result of plaque build-up. Cavities appear as holes in the teeth. As they grow bigger and touch some nerves, you feel pain. A tooth abscess comes from an untreated cavity so you should hurry up for treatment when you spot a cavity in your teeth.

Periodontal Disease
This is another name for gum disease. It starts as gingivitis or gum problem in its early stage. Gingivitis can be cured to stop further issues but if not taken seriously, it can lead to the formation of little spaces between the teeth and gums that is known as “pockets.” These pockets are then colonized by bacteria that result to periodontitis.
The symptoms include tender, swollen or discoloured gums. Receding and bleeding gums, loose tooth, bad breath, and sensational changes when eating. Root surface debridement is the procedure used for treating this disease.

Understanding Dietary Essentials
Here are the foods that you need in optimizing oral health at its best potentials.

Calcium and Phosphorus
Milk, cheeses, chicken or other meats, and nuts are rich in phosphorus and calcium that are effective to remineralize the teeth after damaged by acids.

High Water Content
This include firm or crunchy fruits like pears, apples and even vegetables. The high water content in these fruits and vegetables stimulate salivary flow, washing the acid away, and dilutes sugary effects. Tomatoes, lemons, citrus and other acidic foods must be taken as part of larger meals to minimize acidic reactions.

Water
This universal solvent is the best beverage for all body types and ages. Sugar-containing drinks must be limited to avoid decay-causing acids.

Cranberries
These fruits along with blueberries, eggplant, red cabbage, raspberries and black rice are rich in anthocyanins that prevent pathogenic attachment the teeth and other host tissues.

Probiotics
These help destroy plaque and gingivitis making you less prone to periodontal diseases.
Soy, green tea, whole foods, Echinacea, ginseng, ginger, garlic, and other foods rich in zinc, irons, vitamins C, A, D, B, folate, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants in addition to calcium and phosphorus helps you get complete oral health in action.
Please call us at 972-231-0585 for dental appointment. We’ll be glad to see you!

Jul 15

What Is Plaque And Why Is It Bad?

Plaque is the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on your teeth.

Plaque that is not removed with thorough daily brushing and cleaning between teeth can eventually harden into calculus or tartar.

If your gums bleed when you brush, that’s your body’s way of telling you that you have plaque trapped under the gum line. Bacteria found in plaque create toxic chemicals that irritate the gums and can eventually lead to gum disease.

Dr. Korenman and his team are dedicated to educating the public about the dangers of gum disease and they check all their patients for it.

Recent research suggests that gum disease is linked to other health problems including heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s and some pregnancy complications.

Here are 3 realities of gum disease:

Gum (Periodontal) Disease is an ongoing bacterial infection deep in the gums and bone around your teeth.
80% of people have Gum Disease and DO NOT KNOW IT! There is usually no pain involved for people until extremely late in the degeneration. Many gum problems will go unnoticed until they are diagnosed by a dentist.
Gum Disease has been shown to increase the risk of Heart Disease, Heart Attack and Stroke.

Here at Loveable Smiles, we check our patients for Gum Disease on a regular basis. If you are diagnosed with gum disease, Dr. Korenman can design a treatment plan to help you keep it under control.

We urge you to call Loveable Smiles at 972-231-0585.

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