Studies have shown that gum disease contributes to diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, and Alzheimers. But did you know that gum disease may also lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia?
“Toothache” generally refers to pain around the tooth or jaw. In most cases, toothaches are caused by a problem in the tooth, such as a cavity, cracked tooth, exposed tooth root, or gum disease. A toothache may also be caused by a disorder of the temporo-mandibular joint (jaw joint). Like any injury, the severity of pain can range from mild to excruciating.
People often wait until they feel pain to go to the dentist. They believe they can save money by waiting. “Maybe the pain will go away?” This mentality costs patients more money in the long run. I’m Dr. Corbet Locke, a cosmetic and restorative dentist in Waco, and I advise my patients to follow the American Dental Association’s (ADA) recommendation to see me every six months for routine cleaning and checkups – and at the onset of a toothache.
You’ve always heard that a diet filled with fatty fish, such as tuna, sardines, salmon, trout, anchovy, and mackerel, are good for your heart and brain. But did you know that fish are good for your gums, as well?
Do you remember the advertisement, “You’ve come a long way baby?” I’m Dr. Corbett Locke, a Waco Dentist, and I believe this phrase should be used when to describe dental procedures, technology, and products. Gone are the days when dentists regularly pulled a tooth to correct a problem.
Research shows that nearly 30{dcbe0cd52ce35e2f156887e14605e24111ce99c14f01d3853732956d43020bdd} of people (or more) avoid the dentist because of fear or anxiety. Are you one of these? Do you experience the following issues?
Are you suffering from headaches, migraines, earaches, trouble chewing, pain in the face, or irritating jaw popping? There is a possibility that you may have temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD).
Most people know the main cause of periodontal disease or gum disease is plaque. Gum disease includes gingivitis and periodontitis, which are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. In my earlier blog, Healthy Gums Equal a Healthy Mouth, we discussed what gum disease is. But what are other reasons a person… Read More
In the 1930s, dental scientists discovered that fluoride reduces cavities. Studies in the 40s and 50s backed up the finding, showing that when fluoride was added to the public water supply, residents had less incidence of tooth decay. Grand Rapids, MI was the first city to fluoridate the public water supply, in 1945.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring compound that’s found in water and soil. During the formative years of a human’s life, fluoride strengthens teeth against decay. Even as adults, fluoride has a positive influence against dental cavities and can remineralize, or rebuild, tooth structure to some degree.
At a dental cleaning visit, we remove built up plaque and hardened plaque, called tartar or calculus. Plaque is the yellowish, sticky, smelly substance produced by bacteria in your mouth. It's plaque and tartar that irritate gums and lead to gum disease, a progressive condition that affects about 80{dcbe0cd52ce35e2f156887e14605e24111ce99c14f01d3853732956d43020bdd} of American adults. Your hygienist will let you know if your gums show signs of disease, and she can also help you chose the best oral healthcare products to use at home. If you have any questions about brushing, flossing, or taking care of your mouth, be sure to ask.