Heart Disease | 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

Feb 08

February is American Heart Month – What You Should Know About Heart Disease and Dry Mouth

If you take medication for heart disease you are probably experiencing a very dangerous side effect: Dry Mouth.

Dry Mouth is a side effect of popular heart medications including:

Blood pressure medications
Anti-depression/Anti-Anxiety
Diuretics
Cholesterol medication

If you take any type of heart medication, it’s very important for you to take care of your dental health because Dry Mouth can lead to the following:

Tooth decay
Gum disease, including bacterial infections.
Fungal infections
Mouth sores
Bad breath

If you are experiencing dry mouth as a side effect of your medication, please call Loveable Smiles at 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.

Feb 26

World Oral Health Day in Richardson, TX

In March, we celebrate Word Oral Health Day.

Dr. Larry Korenman is dedicated to improving your overall health through dentistry.

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 Cancers.

Poor dental health is often caused by 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.

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 where we will check you for gum disease at 972-231-0585.

Feb 01

Gum Disease Can Be Transmitted To Your Valentine

A Valentine’s warning from Dr. Larry Korenman of Loveable Smiles: Gum (Periodontal) Disease can be transmitted through kissing.
Gum Disease is an ongoing bacterial infection deep in the gums and bone around your teeth.
Studies show that this bacteria can travel from the pockets around your teeth into your saliva.
Why is Gum Disease So Serious?
• 80% of patients have it and don’t even know it. There is usually no pain involved for people until extremely late in the degeneration.
• Gum Disease is responsible for 75% of all adult tooth loss.
• The #1 cause of death in the world is inflammation and the entire body reacts to this negatively.
• Gum Disease has been shown to increase the risk of Heart Disease, Heart Attack and Stroke.

How Can I Protect My Valentine?
1. Visit Loveable Smiles For Your Total Health Dentistry Appointment – We are dedicated to educating our patients about the mouth/body connection. Specifically, how inflammation in your mouth (gum disease) can lead to heart disease. Please call 972-231-0585
2. Complete all recommended periodontal treatment. If you are diagnosed with gum disease, Dr. Korenman can design a treatment plan to help you keep it under control. Studies show that periodontal treatment gets rid of (or greatly reduces) the level of periodontal bacteria in your saliva.
3. Keep your periodontal cleaning appointments. Without periodontal cleanings, some bacteria in the saliva can return to pre-treatment levels within six months. You can significantly reduce your risk of re-infection of yourself and family members through frequent periodontal cleanings.
4. Get your family screened. Since gum problems will go unnoticed until they are diagnosed by a dentist, we highly recommend that family members get screened for gum disease.

Here at Loveable Smiles, we check our patients for Gum Disease on a regular basis.

Please call our office at 972-231-0585 for your Total Health Dental appointment to have a healthy Valentine’s Day!

Feb 01

American Heart Month: Heart Disease & Dry Mouth

February is American Heart Month and Dr. Larry Korenman of Loveable Smiles in Richardson has some important information for you.

If you take medication for heart disease you are probably experiencing a very dangerous side effect: Dry Mouth.

Dry Mouth is a side effect of popular heart medications including:

Blood pressure medications
Anti-depression/Anti-Anxiety
Diuretics
Cholesterol medication

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

If you take any type of heart medication, it’s very important for you to take care of your dental health because Dry Mouth can lead to the following:

Tooth decay
Gum disease, including bacterial infections.
Fungal infections
Mouth sores
Bad breath

Additionally 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 gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease.

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.

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

May 25

Father’s Day Dental Care Tips for Dads

If you’re the man of the house, you probably think that dental health is the last thing on your priority list. Today’s dads are busy with their careers, kid’s (or grandkid’s) activities and “Honey Do” lists.

However, if you want to be healthy for your family, you must take care of your teeth.

Dr. Mayo of Mayo Clinic has explained, “Having a healthy mouth can add 10 years to your life.”

Medication
Does dad take any kind of heart medication including blood pressure or cholesterol meds?

These medications are notorious for causing dry mouth and inhibiting salivary flow. The flow of saliva is crucial for washing away the germs that cause cavities, so dry mouth is bacteria’s playground!

Dad should have regular checkups to manage his Dry Mouth symptoms, chew sugarless gum and swish with water on a regular basis.

Diabetes
Is dad Diabetic?

The statistics about Diabetes and dental care are startling:

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.

Once again, it’s important to maintain regular dental care appointments to avoid the inflammation, gum disease and decay that can be caused by Diabetes and medication.

Dental Coward
We know dads have a reputation for being the “tough guy” but even “tough guys” can dread visiting the dentist. Many men have had bad experiences at the dentist and understandably avoid dental exams.

Dr. Korenman and his staff understand dental fear and they are dedicated to reversing the trend of miserable dental experiences. He will never cause his patients pain and he listens to all of their concerns.

If it’s been some time or even a long time since dad’s last appointment, we want him to know that we never will scold him or make him feel guilty because we are just glad to see him.

We are here to serve our patients for a healthy future.

Please schedule Dad’s Total Health Dental Appointment by calling 972-231-0585.

Apr 27

Women & Gum Disease – How Your Gums Change in Various Stages of Life

There is an important connection between a woman’s oral health and her overall health.

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

Hormonal fluctuations throughout a woman’s life, including puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, can affect many tissues, including gum tissue.

Throughout her life cycle, women should be aware of these hormonal and oral/overall health connections. It’s very important for women to maintain their dental care appointments so that their dentists can check them for gum disease and other concerning dental issues.

Oral birth control: Inflamed gums are a common side effect of taking the pill. Dr. Korenman and his staff can give you suggestions to protect your gums and teeth.

Pregnancy: 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).

Additionally 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. Women are encouraged to call their dentist for an appointment as soon as they learn they are pregnant.

Menopause: During menopause, changing hormone levels can cause various mucus membranes to dry out including salivary glands, often leaving menopausal and postmenopausal women with a persistent feeling of dryness in the mouth. Other oral changes that may occur during menopause are red or inflamed gums, mouth sores, bad breath, burning sensations, and altered taste, especially salty, peppery or sour.

The health of your mouth can be a sign of your body’s health. Mouth problems are not just cavities, toothaches, and crooked or stained teeth. Many diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers are linked with oral health problems. Regular dental exams help you maintain good oral health and avoid related health problems.

At Loveable Smiles, we practice Total Health Dentistry and educate our patients on the “Mouth Body Connection.” Additionally, we check all our patients for gum disease.

If you are diagnosed with gum disease, Dr. Korenman will design a treatment plan to help you get it under control and even more importantly, to keep it maintained in a healthy state.

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

Happy Mother’s Day from Loveable Smiles in Richardson!

Jan 19

How are strokes related to your mouth?

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 to other conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, strokes and even some Cancers.

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 Silent Epidemic

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.

Medications for Stokes Cause Dry Mouth

If you take any medication for stroke prevention including blood pressure medications and diuretics, you have probably experienced a common side effect of these popular medications: Dry Mouth.

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

The Good News for Stroke 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 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 heart disease related to your mouth?

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.

Gum Disease – The Silent Epidemic

The number one cause of death is inflammation.

The number one cause of inflammation is gum disease.

So, how is heart disease related to your mouth?

Several studies exist to explain the link between 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.
As the body fights the inflammation caused by periodontal (gum) disease, swelling of the arteries can occur which contributes to their deterioration.

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

Medications for Heart Disease and Dry Mouth

If you take any medication for dry mouth including blood pressure medications and diuretics, you have probably experienced a common side effect of these popular medications: Dry Mouth.

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

The Good News for Heart 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:

He 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.

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.

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All Posts in Category: Heart Disease

February is American Heart Month and Dr. Larry Korenman of Loveable Smiles in Richardson has some important information for you.

There is an important connection between a woman’s oral health and her overall health.

Throughout her life cycle, women should be aware of these hormonal and oral/overall health connections. It’s very important for women to maintain their dental care appointments so that their dentists can check them for gum disease and other concerning dental issues.