15 Jun Maintain your Mouth “It is the gateway to the body” BY LISA JENKINS-MOORE
In our fast-paced, overscheduled, ninety-to-nothing lives, it’s easy to forget that our bodies require regular maintenance in order to perform at their best. Many consider a healthy diet and regular exercise key components to optimal fitness, but did you realize your mouth must also be kept in tip-top shape? Often our gums and teeth are only considered once they signal pain; in reality, prevention is much easier than cure and can save us many unnecessary health risks.
Dr. Melina Morrison of Forney Family Dentistry reminds us that, “The mouth is the gateway to the body.” Shockingly, periodontal disease is linked to Alzheimer’s and heart disease. The plaque that clogs arteries and leads to heart disease is the exact same plaque found in gum disease. The particles from our mouths make their way into our arteries. Now, the plaque that causes periodontal disease differs from that which causes cavities, but both can be avoided by daily maintenance and regular dentist visits every six months.
With daily maintenance and regular visits, the gums can be kept healthy and only require a regular cleaning. If however, the gums are not properly maintained, a deep cleaning is required. Once gum disease begins, treatment must be more frequent and intense to remove all the plaque lodged beneath the gum; instead of bi-annual visits, check-ups and cleanings may be required every six weeks to three months. One of the first signs of periodontal disease is bleeding gums. If your gums bleed when flossing or brushing, make an appointment with your dentist quickly—you don’t want gum disease to advance—you’re putting more than your mouth at risk!
Over 75% of the population has some form of periodontal disease and everyone is susceptible.
Smokers, those with poor oral hygiene, diabetics, and those experiencing hormonal changes or dealing with high stress are even more at risk. Age and heredity are also factors. Nevertheless, gum disease is preventable, so make it a priority to see your dentist and maintain your teeth through proper care.
Dr. Morrison recommends a three-step process:
- Begin with floss
- Use a Sonicare toothbrush (the vibrations do in two minutes what a manual brush takes a month to do!)
- Finish with a water pick (these can penetrate the gum up to 6 millimeters, cleaning deeper than either your toothbrush or your floss).
Though gum recession cannot be reversed, the damage gum disease causes can be. Gum that has detached due to the presence of plaque, will reattach over time once the plaque is removed. Keep in mind, however, once the plaque is there, only a deep cleaning by a dentist can remove it sufficiently to allow your gums a chance to heal.
Dr. Morrison is an expert in her field and would love to evaluate your teeth and gums and offer a customized treatment plan to ensure your mouth is healthy and not a gateway for disease. The team at Forney Family Dentistry was hand-picked by Dr. Morrison; they are dedicated and caring individuals who have worked together for years. She says,
“We don’t just work together; we do life together. It feels less like staff and more like family.”
They get to know the patients, not just as patients, but as people. Dr. Morrison says, “At our practice, you’re not just a chart, you’re a person with a story—a story we want to be a part of.” It’s because of this investment that the dental care of every patient is always consistent—count on seeing familiar faces who know not only your dental care, but your story.
Forney Family Dentistry has administrative staff that cares about their patients and is dedicated to filing and re-filing insurance claims if necessary in order to see that every patient receives maximum
benefits. They are in-network with most companies and also offer affordable financing plans for those without insurance. Dr. Morrison and her team welcome new patients and look forward to giving you exceptional, consistent, customized care in a friendly, welcoming, comfortable environment.
What Patients are Saying:
“I am so happy that I found Forney Family Dentistry. Everyone there is so nice and so dedicated to doing all they can to make you feel at ease with the procedure that is required to fix your problem. They gave me all the information I needed to make the right choices. I have great confidence in the entire team.”
“This is by far the best service and office I’ve visited EVER. The customer service is great; the facility is clean, organized, and up to date with technology. The patient chairs are massaging chairs and you can watch TV above you while you get your dental work done. Perfect for easing the dental process.”
Forney Family Dentistry
(972) 564-7575
108 E US Hwy 80, Suite 190
Forney, TX 75126
ForneyFamilyDentistry.com