Diabetes | Loveable Smiles Dentistry

Nov 11

How is Diabetes related to your mouth?

November is Diabetes Awareness Month and we want to educate Diabetics on oral care and gum disease.

This blog post is part of a series of Total Health Dental Care 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 of other conditions including Alzheimer’s disease and even some Cancers.

So, how is Diabetes related to your mouth?

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

The startling news is that 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.

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.
A dry mouth can exacerbate the side effects of diabetes, which will then lead to an increase in glucose levels, wreaking havoc on the body.
Having a dry mouth, especially as a diabetic, can lead to rampant tooth decay, which means blood sugar increases as the body tries, and fails, to fight infection.
Sometimes if the blood glucose levels are higher than they should be, the result is dry mouth.

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

Medications and Dry Mouth

Medications that treat high blood pressure or other heart problems, including diuretics, are often used by many patients to manage complications of diabetes. A very common side effect of these medications is Dry Mouth.

The combination of two or more of these medications dramatically increase dry-mouth effects.

Dry mouth is a growing problem in dentistry. On a daily basis, Dr. Korenman and his staff see patients who suffer from dry mouth and the issues associated with dry mouth including tooth decay, gum disease and mouth sores.

The Good News for Diabetes Patients

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 overcome it and then to keep it under control.

Additionally, if you suffer from Dry Mouth, Dr. Korenman provides the following tips for treating this dangerous condition:

Swish with water in addition to drinking it.
Chew sugarless gum.
Patients with dry mouth should have regular dental checkups with Dr. Korenman and his staff for evaluation and treatment. Please bring up-to-date medication list with you to your appointment at Loveable Smiles.

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.

#DiabetesMonth

#ThisIsDiabetes

Sep 05

Type 1 Diabetes and Oral Health

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic, lifelong disease that is typically diagnosed in children and teenagers. If the blood glucose levels aren’t controlled properly, the risk of developing gum and teeth problems increases for them.

A few oral health problems associated with Type 1 Diabetes are thrush, dry mouth, cavities and gum disease.

How Diabetes affects gum disease:

Uncontrolled Type I 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.
A dry mouth can exacerbate the side effects of diabetes, which will then lead to an increase in glucose levels, wreaking havoc on the body.
Having a dry mouth, especially as a diabetic, can lead to rampant tooth decay, which means blood sugar increases as the body tries, and fails, to fight infection.
Sometimes if the blood glucose levels are higher than they should be, the result is dry mouth.

Preventing Dental Complications Linked to Diabetes
The first step is keeping the child’s blood glucose level under control. If blood sugar is high, the sugar can appear in the saliva. Sugar is a breeding ground for bacteria, which can cause gum disease and other oral health problems.

According to the American Dental Association, it’s recommended to brush teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste because that helps protect the teeth against tooth decay Flossing at least once a day is recommended as well because it helps remove the plaque and food particles between the teeth. Lastly, make sure to make a trip to the dentist twice a year to ensure there are no problems arising with the teeth and/or gums. Be sure to notify the dentist that your child has diabetes so that they can check the mouth for swollen gums, dry patches, bleeding and more.

If you’re looking for a gentle children’s dentist, contact the team at Loveable Smiles today. 972-231-0585

May 05

Does Your Mom Suffer From Dry Mouth? There Is Hope in Dallas Ft. Worth

Dr. Korenman is the first in the DFW to offer a life-changing procedure for Dry Mouth, which is a dangerous side effect from many common medications.

Dry Mouth is not a disease, but a symptom of a medical disorder and/or most commonly, a side effect of popular medications including:
• Blood pressure medications
• Anti-depression/Anti-Anxiety
• Cholesterol Fighters
• Pain killers
• Antihistamines/Decongestants
• Even neurological medications for treatment of ADHD.

Dr. Korenman is the first in Dallas/Ft. Worth to offer this breakthrough laser treatment for Dry Mouth.

This is the first treatment that actually deals with the problem of Dry Mouth itself and not just the symptoms.

Using a painless laser procedure this treatment quickly and easily re-stimulates saliva glands.

The treatment is painless, simple and quick.

If you would like to find out more about this phenomenal treatment, please call us and schedule an appointment for you or a loved one. 972-231-0585

Learn about the dangers of Dry Mouth here.

Apr 26

Healthy Mother’s Day Gift Ideas at Loveable Smiles in Richardson

If you want your mom to have a healthy body, her mouth needs to be healthy; because you can’t have one without the other.

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 migraines, Alzheimer’s disease and even some types of Cancer.
Since oral health directly impacts the health of the rest of the body, these gift ideas will help mom’s overall well-being. All of them are available at Loveable Smiles in Richardson, TX. 972-231-0585

Effervess Natural Oral Care Products – If your mom takes any medication for heart conditions, cholesterol, diabetes or depression, chances are she suffers from a common side effect: Dry Mouth. Dry Mouth can lead to extensive tooth decay, gum disease and mouth sores.

Here at Loveable Smiles, we carry the Effervess natural oral care line specifically created to combat the effects of dry mouth with the soothing properties of aloe vera and cavity fighting properties of xylitol.

Sonicare AirFloss – Quickly cleans the entire mouth in just 60 seconds. Watch the Sonicare AirFloss in action in this video.

Sonicare Toothbrush – Philips Sonicare toothbrushes can help remove plaque, whiten teeth and improve gum health, giving you a clean you can feel. Loveable Smiles has Sonicare products cheaper than Walmart, PLUS you get professional instruction on how to get the best results!

Invisalign – The alternative to metal braces
Properly aligned teeth are not only attractive – but also healthier! Straightened teeth contribute directly to your overall health. Teeth that are properly aligned create a more balanced bite, and they are easier to keep clean, leading to healthier teeth and gums. Invisalign straightens your teeth with a series of clear, virtually invisible, customized aligners.

And finally, teeth whitening is a simple process that delivers brilliant results for your mom’s smile. After a simple consultation with Dr. Korenman of Loveable Smiles, he will help your mom determine which teeth whitening system is right for her. We are able to provide gift certificates in any amount.

The best way to help your Mom is to arrange for her to have a comprehensive examination to determine the status of the health of her mouth and to allow us to provide her with a plan to attain what we like to call Optimum Oral Health for her lifetime.

Please stop by Loveable Smiles in Richardson or call us at 972-231-0585.

Apr 12

The Dangers Of Dry Mouth

Dr. Korenman of Loveable Smiles Explains Dry Mouth: Causes, Associated Problems, and Treatment
Dry mouth is a growing problem in dentistry. On a daily basis, Dr. Korenman and his staff see patients who suffer from dry mouth and the issues associated with dry mouth including tooth decay, gum disease and mouth sores.
Dry mouth—also called xerostomia—results from an inadequate flow of saliva.
It is not a disease, but a symptom of a medical disorder and/or most commonly, a side effect of popular medications including:
• Blood pressure medications
• Anti-depression/Anti-Anxiety
• Diuretics
• Pain killers
• Antihistamines
• Decongestants
• Even neurological medications for treatment of anti-anxiety and ADHD.

The combination of two or more of these medications dramatically increase dry-mouth effects.

With regular saliva production, your teeth are constantly bathed in a mineral-rich solution that helps keep your teeth strong and resistant to decay.
Dry mouth can lead to extensive tooth decay, gum disease and mouth sores.

Signs You May Have Dry Mouth
• Extreme thirst.
• Waking up in the night needing water.
• Teeth feel rough like sand.
• Cheeks stick to your teeth.
• Lips feel dry.

Other Issues Associated with Dry Mouth
Other health issues can also arise if dry mouth is left untreated.

Common problems linked to dry mouth include:
• Difficulty speaking
• Difficulty chewing
• Fungal infections in mouth
• Hoarseness
• Sore gums/throat
• Problems with swallowing food
• Burning sensation in mouth
• Dry nasal passages
• Difficulty wearing dentures
• Overly dry lips

Treating Dry Mouth
While there isn’t any cure for dry mouth, the sooner it gets diagnosed the less damage it does to your teeth. Here are some tips for treating your dry mouth.
• Dr. Korenman highly recommends Effervess Oral Care products, which can help relieve the symptoms of dry mouth caused by medications. (Available at Loveable Smiles and Amazon.) The line includes toothpaste and a whitening gel.
• Swish with water in addition to drinking it.
• Chew sugarless gum.
• Patients with dry mouth should have regular dental checkups with Dr. Korenman and his staff for evaluation and treatment. Please bring up-to-date medication list with you to your appointment at Loveable Smiles.

If you are experiencing a dry mouth as a side effect of your medication, please call Loveable Smiles at 972-231-0585

Oct 28

How is obesity related to your mouth?

This blog post is the 9th in a series of articles to inform our readers about the connection between your oral health and your overall health.

What is obesity?

According to www.letsmove.gove, obesity is defined as excess body fat. It accumulates to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health, leading to increased health problems and reduced life expectancy.

Typically, Body Mass Index, or BMI, is used as a screening tool for overweight or obesity. BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. People with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 are considered overweight. People with a BMI of 30 or more are considered obese.

You can calculate your BMI by visiting this chart. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/BMI/bmi_tbl.htm

Here at Loveable Smiles in Richardson, we treat all our patients like family. This blog post is not meant to judge but it is simply meant to inform our readers about the facts between your oral health and your overall health. We believe YOU deserve a Loveable Smile and look forward to helping you achieve Optimal Dental Health.

Obesity Statistics

More than 1/3 of US adults are obese. (35.7%)
Obesity has become one of the most serious public health problems of the 21st century.
Obesity increases the likelihood of various diseases including heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes, sleep apnea, certain types of cancer and osteoarthritis.
The most common type of obesity results from excessive sugar and carbohydrate intake.
Obesity is the leading preventable cause of death, world-wide.

How is obesity related to your dental health?

Various studies have shown that those with excess weight have more oral health problems, including higher tooth decay, more missing teeth, and fewer essential dental fillings than other individuals in general.

Those who carry excess weight and are between the ages of 18 and 34 were found to have a 76% higher rate of gum disease than individuals within a normal weight range.

Before we explore this topic any further, we want to reassure our readers that if it’s been a while since you’ve been to the dentist, here at Loveable Smiles, we will not judge you. We will be happy to see you. We are dedicated, to helping you achieve a health mouth, which will in turn help you with your overall health.

Tooth Decay

The connection between obesity and tooth decay relies largely on diet. The combination of bacteria and food causes tooth decay. Plaque, a clear, sticky substance that contains bacteria forms on teeth and gums and as the bacteria feeds on the sugars in the foods, they make acid. The acid attack the teeth for 20 minutes or more after eating. Over a period of time, these acids destroy teeth enamel, resulting in tooth decay.

Diabetes, Heart Disease, Sleep Apnea

As mentioned above, obesity increases the likelihood of various diseases including heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes and sleep apnea. We have covered these topics and how they relate to gum disease quite extensively on this blog. (See links here.)

The bottom line is that it’s a problematic “Catch 22.” Obesity can lead to tooth decay, which can lead to gum disease. And gum disease not only leads to severe oral health disorders, but can exacerbate these overall health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disorders.

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

If you want to achieve your health goals, we encourage you to start with your dental health.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

All Posts in Category: Diabetes

The best way to help your Mom is to arrange for her to have a comprehensive examination to determine the status of the health of her mouth and to allow us to provide her with a plan to attain what we like to call Optimum Oral Health for her lifetime.

Please stop by Loveable Smiles in Richardson or call us at 972-231-0585.