A growing body of research shows a link between periodontal disease and heart disease. A study recently published cited those with severe gum disease are twice as likely to suffer from heart disease. Scientists believe that infection in the mouth and the increased level of inflammation increases the plaque buildup. This in turn has the potential to create blood clots and swollen arteries that lead to strokes and heart attacks.
The best prevention for periodontal disease is to brush and floss regularly while maintaining routine dental cleanings.
Comprehensive Cosmetic, Implant
And Reconstructive Dentistry
Medical City Dallas
Suite C-104
7777 Forest Lane
Dallas, Texas 75230
Phone (972) 566-4990
Fax (972) 566-4993
Medical City Dallas
7777 Forest Ln, Suite C-104
Dallas, Texas 75230-2512
Office 972-566-4990
Fax: 972-566-4993
Reisman Dental Group's Blog
April 16, 2010
Are you at Increased Risk for Stroke or Heart Disease?
February 9, 2010
Is your insurance company dictating your health?
As a general rule, dental insurance is a limited reimbursement plan to assist you with your dental treatment costs. Dental insurance is based upon a contract between the insurance company and your employer. This contract determines the level of your assistance. So how could this affect you?
- You may have benefits for routine cleanings that reimburse you twice a year, yet in order to prevent disease you may require cleanings more frequently.
- You may have been treated for active periodontal disease and require ongoing supportive periodontal maintenance for disease remission, yer your insurance benefits limit the frequency of reimbursement.
- You may have been treated for active peiodontal disease and have achieved disease remission, yet your benefit for ongoing maintenance expires after two years without additional therapy.
These contract limitations often leave the patient either paying out-of-pocket for necessary services or neglecting appropriate care.
We encourage our patients to be their own advocate related to insurance limitations. Understand what you need to maintain appropriate oral health, and communicate with your human resources department when your insurance contract is not supporting your goals. You have a chance to evoke change in the next contract agreement.
February 2, 2010
Oral DNA Testing
Are you at risk for periodontal disease because of your genes? A quick, non-invasive test is now avaiable to test for the periodontal genetic marker.
For a limited time, take advantage of getting the test at our cost of only $99. The genetic test result provides information to assess your individual oral infection risk.
Offer expires 4/02/2010
September 21, 2009
Oral Cancer Screenings
The importance of an oral cancer screening at recall appointments can not be emphasized enough. So many cancers are found through this quick and easy screening. A general guideline for checking any lesions at home includes: any lesion that appears red, white or blue and lasts longer than two weeks should be evaluated by your dentist. Smoking and the use of tobacco products will also increase the risk for oral cancer. We at the Reisman Dental Group feel strongly about this exam and perform it routinely at the cleaning appointments.
September 1, 2009
Halitosis a.k.a. Bad Breath
Common causes of halitosis:
- sinus drainage
- periodontal disease
- cavities
- leaking dental restorations
- gastric reflux
Using a mouthwash may only be masking the real problem. Many of these causes can be addressed by your medical doctor or your dental professional.
August 13, 2009
Dental x-rays harmful?
Just how much radiation do you get from a dental x-ray? The typical dental x-ray image series exposes you to about 2-3 mrem (millirem). For comparison, the following are some typical sources of radiation we come in contact with on a regular basis:
Living in a brick home 10 mrem/year
Cooking with natural gas 10 mrem/year
Reading a book 1mrem/year
Cross country flight 5mrem/flight
On average we are exposed to 360 mrem per year from background sources. Obviously, your probably would not refuse to fly on an airplane, live in a brick home or read books. Since we gain valuable information from x-rays to aid in keeping you healthy, it is in your best interest to have routine x-rays.
June 18, 2009
Can Common Herbal Products Affect Your Dental Health?
Over-the-counter herbal supplements are a $4.5 billion a year industry. The herbal supplement business has seen steady growth since 1994 and continues to increase. Retailers, such as WalMart, continue to expand their inventory making a variety of supplements available. Recent estimates conclude 1 in 6 adults are taking one or more herbal products. Some of the most common supplements can cause bleeding gums, digestive problems, insomnia, and diminish the effectiveness of some prescription drugs.
Commonly used herbal products and potential effects:
- Echinacea: GI upset and allergic reactions
- Garlic: Increased post-surgical bleeding
- Gingko (biloba): Increased bleeding, interferes with anticoagulants and NSAIDS
- Ginseng: Increased bleeding, decreased blood sugar, increased blood pressure
- Green Tea: GI upset, insomnia, cardiac palpitations, headaches
- St. John’s Wart: causes dry mouth
- Vitamin E: >400IU/day can increase bleeding, delays wound healing
While there are many advantages to taking supplements, the possible side effects are not well publicized. Supplements are also not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, so testing is very limited. Please be sure to inform the necessary staff if you are taking supplements, so that you receive the best care possible!