I’m Corbet Locke, a Waco general and sedation dentist. Lately I have been focusing on major issues like gum disease, tooth pain, and sleep apnea in the blog. A common phrase often quoted is, “Thank God it’s Friday!” So for my readers who have had a stressful week, I thought I would lighten the mood and help you start off a great weekend with a few fun dental facts:
Spring brings the season of fresh fruits and vegetables. Nutritionists, doctors, and dentists strongly encourage people to eat plenty of nutritious foods to take advantage of their many health benefits. Strawberries, in particular, are powerful fruits to integrate into your daily diet.
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. Researchers have found that people who suffer from severe periodontal disease double the risk of having pre-cancerous lesions and have four times greater risk of developing an oral tumor. Surviving oral cancer, like most cancers, depends on the stage of the disease at diagnosis. If periodontal disease is diagnosed and treated, the risk of oral cancer decreases.
Unlike women, men tend to ignore health issues, including oral health issues. Oral health plays a major role in overall health. However, recent polls show that men rarely seek preventative dental care and often neglect their oral health for years.
Cigarettes, cigars, snuff, and dip cause cancer and other health issues. Studies now reveal that dissolvable tobacco products have the potential to cause mouth diseases, as well. These pop-into-the-mouth products replace cigarettes and other tobacco products. They are a popular alternative in social settings.
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.
A recent study conducted at the Eastman Institute for Oral Health at the University of Rochester showed that the acid in orange juice has more negative side effects on tooth enamel than does the hydrogen peroxide used in professional and over-the-counter teeth whitening systems.
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?