Category: oral health

Eating an Inflammatory Diet Can Contribute to TMJD Pain

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Have you been diagnosed with TMJD? If so, Dr. Korous has probably told you about ways to help reduce painful inflammation in your jaw joints, such as taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen and drinking a lot of water to flush inflammation out of your joint. She also probably mentioned that you should try to eat a healthy diet, too, to lower your inflammation levels. But, how does eating healthy help reduce inflammation and benefit your TMJ joints?

What Is Inflammation?

Inflammation is the body’s natural defense against damage, and damage can be from illness, injury or stress. When you have TMJD, your TMJ joints found in your jaw become stressed from wear and tear from grinding and clenching your teeth. In response to this stress, your body kick-starts inflammation to as a defense mechanism and a signal to the body to begin the healing process.

So, it sounds like inflammation is a good thing, right? It is a good thing – until it doesn’t go away. When inflammation persists for extended periods, it becomes dangerous for your health. Inflammation is the cause of swelling, pain, and in some cases of TMJD, inability to use the jaw.

Long periods of inflammation have also been linked to an increased risk of developing dangerous health conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, cancer, and arthritis.

What Foods Help Fight Inflammation

Although medications like NSAIDs and steroids can help lower your inflammation levels, you can do yourself a big favor by eating foods that reduce inflammation. Some of these foods include:

  • Tomatoes
  • Leafy greens, such as spinach and kale
  • Nuts
  • Olives and olive oil
  • Fruit
  • Berries, especially blueberries
  • Fatty fish, including salmon and tuna

These foods are all high in antioxidants, omega-3 acids, and polyphenols, all nutrients that work to protect cells from damaging long-term inflammation.

What Foods Cause Inflammation

If you are experiencing TMJD symptoms and have a lot of jaw pain, you can help reduce inflammation by avoiding:

  • Fried foods and fast food
  • Soft drinks
  • Caffeinated beverages such as coffee and tea
  • Sugary foods, including pastries and white bread
  • Processed and packaged foods
  • Red meat

These foods feed inflammation and have been linked to an increased risk of developing deadly health conditions, such as heart attack and stroke.

Learn more about inflammation and how it affects you and your TMJ joints by calling Millennium Smiles at 972-987-4899 for a consultation.

 

 

Tooth Pain: Is It Sinuses or Something More Serious?

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When is tooth pain something to call Dr. Korous about or when is tooth pain because of sinus problems? Sinus problems and seasonal allergies can often cause tooth pain, but when teeth hurt it can be worrisome, uncomfortable and even scary. Don’t be afraid – there are a few ways you can determine if it is sinus problems or time to make a dental appointment.

How Do Sinus and Allergy Issues Cause Tooth Pain?

When the hollow cavities next to your nose (also known as the sinuses) become filled with mucus and fluid, they also become inflamed. This situation is known as sinusitis, and the pain of inflammation combined with mucus puts painful pressure on the teeth. For many people, this pressure can feel like a toothache.

How to Tell If It Is Sinus Tooth Pain

Locate the Pain. For people with sinus problems, most of their pain will occur in the upper back molars. Severe cases can also cause problems in the top front and lower back molars as well. In most cases, the pain will be distributed on both sides of the mouth versus one tooth.

Also, many people have pain in their sinus cavities when they touch that part of their face. If your sinuses are sensitive or painful and your teeth are hurting, it is most likely because of sinus pain or allergies.

What Kind of Pain Is It? If your tooth pain dull? Do your teeth feel heavy? Does the pain and the feeling of heaviness go away with pain relievers, decongestants or sinus medicine? If you answer yes, tooth pain is likely related to your sinus pressure.

On the other hand, if your pain is sharp, throbbing or stabbing, this may mean an infection, a cavity or tooth decay or gum disease. If your pain is constant pain, gets worse at night or does not go away with over-the-counter medication, you should call Dr. Korous for an appointment.

Check for Other Symptoms. Do you have other symptoms of sinus problems along with your tooth pain? These symptoms would include a headache, ear pressure, ear pain, a sore throat or a runny nose. These symptoms plus tooth pain and sensitivity likely mean that you have a sinus problem and not a tooth problem.

If you have swelling or redness of the gums around your pain, bad breath that won’t go away or a foul, sour taste in your mouth or have a fever, you could have a tooth or gum problem that needs an appointment.

Are you having tooth pain? If you’re having tooth pain for whatever reason, call Dr. Korous today at our Little Elm Dental office today at 972-987-4899 schedule an appointment for a complete checkup.

You Can’t Take a Vacation from Sleep Apnea

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Summer is just a few weeks away – and that means fun! For many people, summer means heading out of town to see family or new sights. If traveling is on your bucket list this summer and you are living with sleep apnea, you may want to think about how your condition is going to affect your summer plans.

You Can’t Take a Vacation from Sleep Apnea

As much as you probably want to, you can’t take a vacation from sleep apnea. This means that if you are traveling, you will need to remember to pack your CPAP machine. Not only are you going to need to pack it, but you will also want to bring it on board as a carry-on because you will not want to take a chance on your machine getting lost, delayed, or damaged.

Taking your CPAP on as a carry-on may also require that you bring a copy of your CPAP prescription with you to show the TSA security agent that it is a required medical device.

If you fall asleep on the airplane or you have a long international flight ahead, you will likely want to use your CPAP to protect your health and keep your airway open. If you need to use your machine in-flight, you should be sure to ask when booking your reservation if you can have access to an electrical outlet.

Accommodating Your CPAP at Your Accommodations

If you are traveling in the United States, you probably will not have an issue finding an electrical outlet to use to power your machine, but if you’re heading overseas, be sure to bring an adapter. You may also want to pack a small extension cord just in case outlets are not conveniently placed near your bed.

Also, being on vacation still means you must clean your machine to prevent residue from building up or your machine from smelling. Pack your cleaning materials and extra tubing just in case. You definitely do not want to have to search for CPAP tubing in an unfamiliar city or country.

Speaking of tubing, many people have found that after traveling with their CPAP machine, that the tubes of the machine become damaged or split while packed. Duct tape can help if you need to make an emergency repair.

Traveling with a CPAP Does Not Sound Like Fun

Taking a heavy CPAP, packing it, lugging it through an airport, cleaning your machine, and hoping everything turns out for the best does not sound like the best way to enjoy your vacation. It turns out; you may not have to take your CPAP along with you at all. Some sleep apnea patients have benefitted from dental interventions for their condition – which may replace your bulky machine with a small dental appliance. Learn more about how Dr. Korous can help treat your sleep apnea by calling Millennium Smiles today at 972-987-4899.

Infographic: Oral Cancer Statistics

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April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month so we’ve put together this infographic to answer some of your top questions about oral cancer.

How common is oral cancer?

The American Cancer society estimates there will be more than 51,000 new cases of oral cancer this year. About 3,800 of those cases are expected in Texas.

Estimated New Oral Cancer Cases, 2018

What are my chances of developing oral cancer?

The chances of developing oral cancer increase as you age. People 70 years and older are at the greatest risk of developing oral cancer.

Probability of Developing Oral Cancer, 2012-2014

Lifetime risk or risk for those who are cancer free at the beginning of selected age interval.

Your gender could be linked to you chances of developing oral cancer as well. Oral cancer rates are higher in men than women. The American Cancer Society notes this difference may be linked to higher rates or both tobacco use and drinking in men.

Oral Cancer Incidence Rates, 2010-2014

Average annual rate per 100,000, age adjusted to the 2000 US standard population.

What can I do to protect myself?

As with all cancers, the key to fighting oral cancer is early detection. Dr. Korous screens for oral cancer at her Frisco dental office as part of routine dental exams. Call our office today to schedule your twice-a-year cleaning and dental exam.

Source: American Cancer Society. Cancer Statistics Center. http://cancerstatisticscenter.cancer.org. Accessed April 17, 2018.

Oral Cancer Symptoms: What You Need to Know

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As with all cancers, early detection or oral cancer is critical for its treatment. Dr. Dunia Korous performs an oral cancer screenings on all her Frisco and Little Elm patients during routine exams.

Dr. Korous will look for signs and symptoms and refer you to a specialist when needed, but what symptoms should be on the lookout for? Learning these common symptoms of oral cancer could save your or a loved one’s life.

What are common symptoms of oral cancer?

The American Dental Association advises patients to be alert for the following symptoms:

  • Sore throat
  • Pain, tenderness or numbness in your mouth or lips
  • Patches of red and white
  • Difficulty when swallowing, speaking, chewing or in moving your jaw or tongue
  • Lumps, thickenings, or rough spots in your mouth

Some patients also have reported feeling like something was caught in the back of their throat or noticed changes in their voice.

If you notice any of these symptoms and they last for two weeks or longer, call our office today to schedule an appointment.

I have one of these symptoms, should I be worried?

There are lots of reasons you could experience any of these symptoms and most of them are not cancer. If Dr. Korous sees something suspicious, she may refer you for additional testing. She also might have you return to the office in a week or two to check the spot again before determining if additional screening is needed.

Why is early detection so important?

Identifying and beginning treatment for cancer as early as possible greatly increases your chances of survival. When oral cancer is found before it spreads, the 5-year survival rate is 83 percent, compared to 36 percent after it has metastasized, according to the American Dental Association.

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above or have not had a recent dental exam, call us today to schedule your appointment at Millennium Smiles.

Oral Cancer: What Are the Risk Factors?

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When you come to Millennium Smiles for a dental exam, Dr. Korous is checking for more than just cavities. Your dental exam also includes a screening for oral cancer.

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. More than 51,000 new cases of oral and oropharyngeal cancers will be diagnosed in the United States this year, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation.

Dr. Korous screens for oral cancer in all her patients because she knows how important it is to catch this type of cancer early. When the cancer is found before it spreads, the 5-year survival rate is 83%, compared to 36% after it has metastasized, according to the American Dental Association.

Who is at greatest risk of oral cancer?

Men are twice as likely to be diagnosed with oral cancer than women. The American Cancer Society reports this may be linked to higher tobacco and alcohol use among men.

Oral cancer is also more common in patients who are 55 and older. These types of cancers are less common in younger people because they typically take many years to develop.

What are the other risk factors for oral cancer?

While men who are 55 and older may be at the greatest risk for oral cancer, women and younger people can be impacted by this disease. The following factors could increase your chances of developing oral cancer.

Tobacco Use

Tobacco use significantly increases your risk of developing an oral or oropharyngeal cancer. In fact, most people who develop oral cancer either smoke or chew, according to the American Cancer Society.

Alcohol Consumption

About 70 percent of oral cancer patients are heavy drinkers, according American Cancer Society statistics. The combination of drinking and tobacco use greatly increases your risk.

Human Papilloma Virus

The Centers for Disease Control estimates HPV is associated with about 9,000 cases of head and neck cancer each year in the United States. HPV-related cancers are found more often in younger patients who do not smoke.

Sunlight

Greater UV exposure puts people who work outside at greater risk for developing lip cancer.

Poor Diet

Eating right is good for more than just your waistline. People with diets low in fruits and vegetables are at greater risk of developing these types of cancer.

As with all cancers, the key to fighting oral cancer is early detection. If you’ve been avoiding your twice-a-year cleaning and dental exam, schedule your appointment today.

Don’t Live with Tooth Loss – Think About Dental Implants

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Did you know that over 70 percent of adults over the age of 35 have lost one more of their permanent teeth? It’s true. Tooth loss is a widespread problem in Frisco, Little Elm, and the rest of the United States and happens due to a variety of factors, including tooth decay, gum disease, and injury. If you’ve lost a tooth for whatever reason, you should consider a dental implant from Millennium Smiles.

Why Do I Need a Dental Implant?

If you’re missing a tooth, it does more than changing the appearance of your smile; it also changes the physical makeup of your mouth and can also leave you at risk of losing more teeth. This is because when you bite down or chew, the pressure of these activities stimulates nerves and blood flow to the opposite jaw, and increased blood flow helps to keep teeth healthy. If there is nothing in the space, the tooth across from the gap does not get the blood flow and oxygen needed for survival. Without the oxygen, blood and other nutrients, the tooth can loosen and fall out.

Losing a tooth can also cause the teeth around that space to shift, which also means changes to your bite. When your bite changes, the stress on your temporomandibular joints (TMJs) increases, which can lead to pain, loss of function, and TMJD.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Not only do dental implants play a role in filling the space of a missing tooth to keep your bite intact and your teeth healthy, but dental implants are also made of high-quality, durable porcelain that is very similar to tooth enamel. This means you can brush, floss, bite and chew just like you would with a natural tooth.

Dental implants are long-lasting, which means you may not ever need to have them replaced. This gives dental implants a significant advantage over other tooth replacement options such like bridges, partials, and dentures. Dental bridges also require that the teeth on either side of the gap be shaved down to make room for the restoration – implants do not. Dentures and partials can fill the space but can be uncomfortable, make chewing and speaking difficult, and wear out over time, which means you may need several replacements.

Lastly, dental implants provide the aesthetic and emotional benefits of restoring your smile. Dr. Korous is an expert in smile restoration and can help give you a smile you deserve.

Are you thinking about a dental implant or smile restoration? We would love to talk to you. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Korous today by calling Millennium Smiles at 972-987-4899.

Time to Say Goodbye to Silver Fillings?

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For decades, the most common material used to fill cavities was a material known as dental amalgam. You might know amalgam as silver fillings. In the last few years, however, many dentists, including Dr. Korous, have made a shift away from using dental amalgam material to using resin or composite fillings. Why the change?

What Is Dental Amalgam?

Dental amalgam is a material that is made up of a combination of several types of metal including silver, tin, mercury, and copper.

Why Are Dentists Shifting Away from Dental Amalgam?

There are several reasons why some dentists are shifting away from using dental amalgam or silver fillings, such as:

Aesthetics. Dental amalgam is silver in color, which makes it very detectable in the mouth. Some individuals are very self-conscious about their dental fillings being so noticeable, and as a result, hide their smile or their mouth when they talk. Instead of using noticeable silver amalgam, Millennium Smiles uses tooth-colored resins or composite materials for fillings that blend with the tooth enamel, making fillings virtually undetectable in the mouth and smile.

Function. Another reason that dentists are choosing to move away from amalgam fillings is that amalgam does not form a tight bond with tooth enamel. Without a tight bond, decay-causing bacteria can get under the filling, and over time, leads to further damage below the restoration. This leaves you at risk for more cavities, pain, root canals and even tooth loss.

In contrast, more modern restoration materials like those used by Millennium Smiles can bond tightly to the tooth enamel, sealing out bacteria and protecting your oral and overall health.

Potential Health Risks. From the very beginning of their use, there has been a concern over the using dental amalgam material to fill the cavities. This concern is because they contain mercury, a toxic substance that has connections to the development of chronic and acute illnesses that affect the nervous, digestive and immune systems, lungs, and kidneys. The concern is so significant that many countries are banning the use of mercury in dental restorations.

Should I Replace My Dental Amalgam Fillings?

Replacing your dental amalgam fillings is a very personal decision, but the first thing Dr. Korous suggests is that you have your fillings checked to determine if they are broken, fractured, leaking or have any other defect. If you have dental fillings that are not in good condition, we do suggest that you have them removed and replaced with more modern restoration materials. Some studies suggest that having eight or more amalgam fillings is detrimental to your health.

Want to learn more about modern dentistry, our superior technology and 3D imaging, modern filling materials, or to have your silver amalgam fillings replaced? Call Millennium Smiles today at 972-87-4899 to schedule your appointment.

Mind Your Mouthguard

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April is National Facial Protection Month, and this means that March is a great time to talk about not only making sure you or your child wear a mouthguard for sports, but it is also time to talk about cleaning your mouthguard.

Why Is Wearing a Mouthguard Important?

Wearing a mouthguard in sports is important because it can protect your teeth from damaging impacts. Each year, dentists across the country see patients in pain from taking a blow, hit or ball to the face. Dr. Korous does not want to see this happen to you. So, pack your mouthguard along with the rest of your gear and be sure to put it on before heading into the game.

Now, Let’s Talk About Cleaning Your Mouthguard

Wearing a mouthguard can protect your teeth and mouth from damage, but cleaning your mouthguard helps to protect your teeth and mouth in another way: from bacteria. Think about it, you eat a snack before the game and don’t a chance to brush your teeth (which decay-causing bacteria love), then you put in your mouthguard.

Those decay-causing bacteria transfer to your mouthguard. After the game, when you toss your mouthguard into its case or your locker, the bacteria get a chance to grow in a dark environment. Then, the next time you put your mouthguard in, you’re exposed to more bacteria.

Sounds yucky, right? That’s because it is!

Take the time to brush your teeth whenever possible before wearing your mouthguard and spend a few minutes after your game or practice sanitizing your mouthguard to protect from illness or tooth decay.

Dr. Korous recommends that you:

  • Rinse your mouthguard immediately after wearing with warm water
  • Brush your mouthguard with a toothbrush to remove bacteria, saliva and food particles
  • Let your mouthguard dry thoroughly on a clean surface
  • Once your mouthguard is completely dry, store it in a case
  • Deep clean your mouthguard regularly by soaking it in over-the-counter denture cleaner or a hydrogen peroxide and vinegar mix for 30 minutes. Let dry completely after deep cleaning

Dr. Korous also recommends cleaning your mouthguard case regularly, too.

Finally, NEVER share your mouthguard with anyone else!

Learn more about taking care of your mouthguard and your teeth by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Korous today by calling 972-987-4899.

Eight Tips to Reduce Dental Fear

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Are you putting off a trip to the dentist because you suffer from dental anxiety or dental phobia? You’re not alone. Dental anxiety and fear are very common, and it is estimated that between 9-15 percent of Americans avoid going to the dentist out of fear. At Millennium Smiles, we understand dental anxiety and work hard to put our patients at ease.

Why Do People Avoid the Dentist?

No one is born hating going to the dentist. Many people develop dental anxiety or dental fear because of a bad experience as an adult or child. Some individuals are also very sensitive to the sounds, smells, and textures of a dental office. Others are just afraid the procedures are going to hurt (no one wants to ever think about a drill or needle coming at them!). Still, others are merely embarrassed at the state of their dental health.

What Ever Your Reason

No matter what your reason is for avoiding your checkup, it is important to remember that regular checkups and cleanings are essential because it allows Dr. Korous the opportunity to check the health of your teeth, gums and mouth. In some instances, if caught early, tooth decay and gum disease can be treated and even reversed.

Checkups also give you the chance to have your teeth cleaned thoroughly to remove built-up dental plaque that your brush cannot remove.

Regular visits to the dentist keep your teeth healthy.

Eight Tips from Millennium Smiles to Reduce Your Dental Anxiety or Dental Fear

1. Let us know. If you know you have dental fear or anxiety, we can be prepared to treat you with these considerations in mind. We will be more than happy to sit and talk about your previous experience, explain what to expect when you come in, and find out anything that we can do to make you more comfortable.

2. Take a tour. Get to know Millennium Smiles, our staff and how we practice by taking a trip to the office for a tour before your appointment. You will find that we practice very modern dentistry, which means gentler treatments in a comfortable environment. Our office is designed to soothe patients, and we feature amenities like snacks, coffee, massage chairs, hot towels and much more to make you feel at home.

3. Get some sleep. Before you come in for your first appointment, get a good night’s sleep. Avoid caffeinated beverages, as they may make you edgier and keep you away.

4. Schedule your appointment early. If you can, schedule your appointment first thing in the morning, so you do not stress out all day worrying about your visit or change your mind about coming in. You can do this!

5. Work out a signal. Talk to Dr. Korous about a signal that she can recognize if you need a break during your cleaning or dental procedure. Most patients simply raise their left hand, signaling Dr. Korous that they need a breather.

6. Speaking of breathing. Practice relaxation techniques of controlled breathing in through the nose and out through the nose. Taking a big breath, holding, and slowly releasing it can also help.

7. Still stressed? Ask about sedation methods. If you’re still having trouble relaxing during your visit, ask Dr. Korous about available sedation methods such as nitrous oxide. We also offers a warm, relaxing environment with music, LED lighting, and warm towel treatment after each treatment.

8. Stay on schedule. We recognize that you may not love going to the dentist, but we strive to make your experience comfortable and pleasant. Scheduling regular appointments can help you become more comfortable with cleanings and procedures.

Do you suffer from dental fear or dental anxiety? We can help. Call us today at 972-987-4899.

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