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NOVEMBER 2022
*NEW ADDRESS! TYLER
LONGVIEW
3665 N US Highway 259 Longview, TX 75605
1520 Rice Road Suite 100 Tyler, TX 75703
903-758-5551
903-597-2201
www.texassedationdental.com
DRAWING A PARALLEL:
Diabetes and Your Oral Health
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 37 million individuals nationwide are living with diabetes. Of those 37 million, 1 in 5 have no idea they even have it! Moreover, roughly 96 million adults across the nation (about a third of the U.S. population) have prediabetes; of this number, 8 in 10 are unaware they have it. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of loss of life in the nation. About eight years ago, I lost my mother to the awful disease. There are two different types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes is when the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas and is genetic. Type 2 diabetes is lifestyle-related and develops over time. In the case of Type 2 diabetes, it’s all about what you eat and how you live your life. November is National Diabetes Month, a time to come together to raise awareness for the disease and the ways it affects our bodies. While it may come as a surprise,
white blood cell count, your body then has a more difficult time fighting common bacterial infections that may present themselves within your mouth. Thus, those who have diabetes may be more prone to oral health complications than those who do not have diabetes. Some of the most common oral health issues linked to people with diabetes include dry mouth, ulcers, periodontitis, gingivitis, and thrush. Let’s look a little deeper: When diabetes is not controlled or monitored in the human body, the amount of saliva produced by the mouth is reduced. This results in a condition known as dry mouth. Infections, ulcers, soreness, and even tooth decay may occur when dry mouth is present. If a diabetic smokes, they are immediately at an increased risk of developing certain oral health conditions such as thrush and periodontal (gum) disease. Also, for those who smoke with diabetes, simple infections
because those with diabetes tend to experience
the thickening of blood vessels throughout their body.
This condition ultimately slows down the flow of necessary nutrients and waste from the body tissues, making it extremely tough for the body to defend itself from infections such as gum disease. Because people with diabetes tend to be a bit more exposed to infections than others, they take medications and antibiotics more frequently than the average person. Because of this, they become prone to a fungal infection in the mouth and on the tongue, known as thrush, which thrives on increased levels of glucose in the saliva. Thrush can be a bit painful — those with this condition experience a burning sensation in their mouth and tongue. If you or a loved one has diabetes, keep a close watch on oral health. With frequent visits to the office and close monitoring, optimal oral health is possible. Here at Texas Sedation Dental & Implant Center, we’ve got you covered! -Dr. Travis Kendall
there is a connection between diabetes and your oral health. According to the CDC, when your blood sugar levels elevate, your white blood cell count becomes compromised and weakened. With a lower
in the mouth that would usually heal themselves on their own may take longer to resolve. Periodontitis and gingivitis (gum disease) are more common among those with diabetes. This occurs
NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL DIABETES MONTH, A TIME TO COME TOGETHER TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR THE DISEASE AND THE WAYS IT AFFECTS OUR BODIES.
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THANKSGIVING IS ABOUT MORE THAN FOOD IT’S ABOUT SHOWING GRATITUDE
As we prepare for our Thanksgiving feasts, Thursday night football games, and Black Friday shopping, take some time to show gratitude for those around you and for what you have. Here are a few ways to practice gratitude this month. APPRECIATE EVERYTHING. Get into the habit of being grateful for the little things in your life. It can be easy to acknowledge the “big” things, but nothing is too small to be thankful for. You can be grateful the weather is nice and sunny, that you received the package you’ve been waiting for, or that you got out of bed today. Don’t leave out anything when practicing gratitude. PRACTICE MINDFULNESS. Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present and aware of what’s happening around you. So, instead of being overwhelmed by what you need to do tomorrow or next week, focus on the
present moment and enjoy the time you spend solo or with your loved ones. Live in the moment and take one day at a time. Tomorrow will surely come, and you only have a limited amount of time in the present. CELEBRATE YOUR CHALLENGES. Sometimes struggles and battles in our lives can weigh us down. But when you persevere and continue to push forward, you will find success. Challenges help you improve your abilities and resilience, so celebrate the progress you’ve made. Showing gratitude for challenges and negative experiences allows us to acknowledge humility and appreciate growth in our lives. KEEP A JOURNAL. Writing down the things you’re grateful for will remind you of all the great things you have when other things aren’t going so well. So, keep a journal
about what you’re grateful for each day or week — even if it’s just small things at first. Your perspective on life will change, and it will get easier to see the good things and to feel grateful for things you were likely overlooking. Showing gratitude is something we should do every day, all throughout the year — not just during the holidays. So, try to practice mindfulness and gratitude using these tips! Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Are You Brushing Too Hard?
5 SIGNS YOU’RE BRUSHING YOUR TEETH TOO HARD
The harder you brush, the more plaque, bacteria, food particles, and debris you remove, right? ... WRONG! Brushing your teeth and gums too hard can lead to significant tooth damage and sensitivity. Sometimes, it can be challenging to know the correct brushing technique to use when brushing, which leads to brushing too rigorously. Here are some signs to watch out for that may indicate you are being too rough on your teeth during brushings: YOUR GUMS ARE RECEDING. When you brush too rigorously, over time, you may literally brush away your gum tissue, causing it to pull away from your teeth.
When this happens, the root is exposed, eventually leading to possible infection, gum disease, and tooth sensitivity. YOUR TEETH ARE SENSITIVE. If your teeth are sensitive to hot and cold foods and sensations, this may result from brushing away your tooth enamel from brushing too hard. When the enamel is gone, inner layers of your teeth, such as the dentin layer, are exposed, leading to sensitivity. YOUR TOOTHBRUSH IS DAMAGED. Are the bristles on your toothbrush worn? This could signify that you are using too much force while brushing. Ideally, your toothbrush should be switched out every three months. If your toothbrush appears
damaged before then, it’s time to be more gentle while brushing!
YOUR TEETH APPEAR DULL. If your teeth are beginning to lack luster and shine and look dark or yellow, this may be the dentin layer showing through after your enamel is brushed away. TOOTH DECAY. While cavities and decay can happen for many reasons, brushing too hard is one of them; it can brush away the protective enamel, leaving your teeth exposed to plaque and bacteria. If you’re showing one or a few of these signs, it may be time you brush a little lighter! Sometimes a little less is actually more!
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LONGVIEW - 903-758-5551
ROASTED PORK LOIN WITH APPLES
Inspired by MomFoodie.com
Plaque, a sticky substance, is the leading culprit of oral complications and damaging effects. When plaque is present on your teeth, it traps food particles that bacteria feed on, leading to cavities and decay. But what exactly is plaque? Here are five quick facts on this arch-nemesis to a healthy mouth. IT’S CHOCK-FULL OF BACTERIA. When this bacteria is present, it produces acids after you eat or drink, which wreak havoc on your tooth enamel and can lead to gum disease or cavities. Did you know plaque can also get under your gums and attack your teeth’s roots? EVERYONE HAS PLAQUE. Plaque is colorless and odorless. Even if you can’t see it, it is present and only removable by proper flossing, brushing, and dental care. But it’s a vicious cycle, as it will always come back! That’s why proper and regular oral hygiene is crucial. THE SUGAR YOU EAT PLAYS A ROLE. Growing up, you were likely told sugar is terrible for your teeth. Bacteria feed on the sugars present in your food. Then, that bacteria forms acids which lead to tooth decay, cavities, and other oral complications. IT TURNS INTO TARTAR. If plaque is not correctly removed from the surface of your teeth after 48 hours, it will begin to calcify and turn into tartar, which is extremely difficult to remove and collects along your gums, leading to gum disease. PLAQUE CAN BE PREVENTED. Plaque and its adverse effects can be combatted! Brush twice a day for the recommended two minutes with fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day. Be sure to visit our office regularly for scheduled cleanings and follow a balanced diet, limiting snacks between meals. If your teeth are exposed to sugar, remember to brush afterward! Plaque: An Inevitable, Yet Combatable Evil
• 4 lbs pork loin • 2 tsp garlic powder • 2 tsp salt, divided • 1 tsp black pepper • 8 apples • 2 red onions INGREDIENTS
• 3 garlic cloves • 1 tbsp brown sugar • 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 tsp cinnamon • 3 tbsp butter, softened
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large bowl, season pork loin with garlic powder, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and pepper, then cover and place in refrigerator for 30 minutes. 2. Preheat oven to 425 F. 3. Slice apples and onions, then chop garlic cloves. Season with brown sugar, olive oil, remaining salt, and cinnamon. 4. In a 9x13-inch baking dish, place a layer of apples and onions in the pan, put pork loin on top, then place remaining apples and onions around it. 5. Break butter into small pieces and place them on the pork loin and apples. Place dish in oven and let it bake for 15 minutes. 6. Reduce the heat to 350 F, then continue to bake for 60 minutes. 7. Remove dish and stir apples and onions. 8. Increase heat to 450 F, put dish in oven, and roast for an additional 8–10 minutes.
TAKE A BREAK
Casserole Election Gratitude
Harvest Raking Remembrance Saints Squash Thanksgiving Topaz Turkey Veteran
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
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3665 N US HIGHWAY 259 LONGVIEW, TX 75605
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
2 How Diabetes Affects Your Oral Health It’s National Gratitude Month! Signs You’re Brushing Too Vigorously Plaque 101 Roasted Pork Loin With Apples Thanksgiving Denture Do’s and Don’ts DENTURE-FRIENDLY THANKSGIVING FOODS 3 4
Plus Tips for Eating Them!
If you’re hosting or preparing food for Thanksgiving this year, keeping your loved ones who wear dentures in mind is important. Here are some denture-approved foods to whip up this Thanksgiving for both new and experienced wearers, plus a few tips for making it through the meals without worry! FOODS FOR NEW DENTURE WEARERS If you’re new to wearing dentures, don’t worry! You can still have a fabulous Thanksgiving meal with your loved ones. It is essential to choose foods that won’t irritate your gums, as your mouth is still adapting to the dentures. Until your gums are ready, follow a “mechanical soft diet,” which means eating foods that are already smooth and easy to swallow.
Meats are common at the Thanksgiving table, but you can still have them! Slow-roasted meats are the safest, so turkey, chicken, and ham are perfect options. Other “safe” Thanksgiving foods for denture wearers past their first 30 days include stuffing, roasted vegetables, soups, salads, potatoes (any kind), and pies!
THE DO’S AND DON’TS Do: •
Test food temperature against your lips before tasting them; dentures can sometimes make it harder to gauge temperatures, and you could burn yourself. • Take it slow; make sure to bite carefully and chew all your foods before swallowing. Don’t: • Hold hot liquid in your mouth; this can loosen your dentures. • Eat sticky or tough foods; this can move your dentures and allow food particles near your gums.
“Safe” Thanksgiving foods for new wearers include mashed potatoes, jellied cranberry, and soft rolls.
FOODS FOR LONG-TERM DENTURE WEARERS If you’ve been wearing your dentures longer than a month, you will be ready to eat solid foods this Thanksgiving. Still, some foods on the menu will always be better options than others.
Don’t let dentures overwhelm you this Thanksgiving. Follow these tips and tricks to eat with confidence!
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This Fall, Don’t leaf Money on the Table Remember to Use Your Dental Benefits Before They Expire …
As the holidays draw closer, we know you have a lot on your mind. During this busy time you may start to wonder, “Am I forgetting something?” We’re here to tell you YES! Every year, we have clients who don’t take full advantage of the dental benefits that they pay for all year long. These benefits don’t roll over, so if you don’t use them by the end of the year, they’re gone forever. We’d hate to see that happen to you … Don’t let your smile FALL into disrepair. Take advantage of your dental benefits before it’s too late! Appointments are filling up fast, so don’t wait — give us a call today!
903.758.5551 (Longview) | 903.597.2201 (Tyler) www.TexasSedationDental.com
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