Gum Disease and Your Heart

Last time, we talked about periodontal disease, the negative effects it can have on your body, and ways for Dr. Gilbert Lopez was able to help treat the issue. Now, it is important to look into what periodontal disease can do to important organs of the body, such as the heart. Your heart, along with your brain, is the driving forces in keeping you alive. Because of the significance of your heart, you want to make sure it is as healthy as possible in order to live a long and vigorous life. By looking into how periodontal disease can affect your heart, raising awareness about the issue has the potential to save lives.

One of the ways periodontal disease can affect your heart is through bacteria and place. Your mouth is the gateway to your entire body, it being the way we nourish ourselves, take medicine to heal ourselves, etcetera. When harmful bacteria are in your mouth, it can enter the blood stream, making a straight shot to your heart. This bacterium can be found in your arteries, all the while slowly clogging them and decreasing the amount of healthy blood is pumped into your heart. Because your body has natural defense mechanisms like swelling, the harmful bacterium in your mouth has the potential to make your blood cells swell, narrowing your arteries and increasing your odds of getting a blood clot.

One of the ways this can be prevented is by getting a dental checkup every six months with Dr. Lopez. During the checkup, he will be able to see what condition your teeth and gums are in, and addressing any signs of periodontal disease as quickly as possible. Also, brushing and flossing every day is an excellent way of deterring the dangerous bacteria from being in your mouth. If you think you are living with periodontal disease, contact our office immediately, and we would love to help you achieve a happier, healthier smile.

At New Smile Dental, we focus on enhancing and restoring the beauty of your smile with help from the latest dental technology. Dr. Gilbert Lopez treats patients from Fort Smith and Van Buren, AR and surrounding areas. Call us today to schedule your next appointment.

Gum Disease Therapy with Dr. Lopez

Every year, thousands of people are diagnosed with periodontal (gum) disease. Although the gums are often not paid enough attention to, your gums play a crucial role in making sure that your smile is as healthy as it can be. Some people may be aware of the fact that they have periodontal disease, but there are also those who have no idea, leaving their mouths to constant deterioration and decay. It is important to make sure that your gums are just as healthy as your teeth, and Dr. Gilbert Lopez is able to do that for you with periodontal disease therapy.

Knowing that you have periodontal disease early on is very important in making sure that it does not spread and harm more areas of your mouth. If you are unsure of whether or not you have periodontal disease, some of the symptoms are swollen gums, gums that bleed when you brush or floss, gums that recede, etcetera. Untreated periodontal disease has the potential to lead to many harmful effects on the body, such as bone loss, tooth loss, heart disease, stroke, and dementia. If you have any of these symptoms, it is very important that you make an appointment to see Dr. Lopez immediately.

One of the ways Dr. Lopez treats periodontal disease is by doing a few cleaning sessions for those in the early stages. For people with more advanced stages of periodontal disease, that may require scaling and root planing by one of our talented hygienists. She will remove the bacteria, plaque, and tartar from below the gum line, delivering a healthier smile. A few cleanings may be required after that to make sure your periodontal disease is taken care of, but you are sure to have a healthier, glowing smile at the end. If you feel as though you are suffering from periodontal disease, contact our office today and we’ll be glad to help.

At New Smile Dental, we focus on enhancing and restoring the beauty of your smile with help from the latest dental technology. Dr. Gilbert Lopez treats patients from Fort Smith and Van Buren, AR and surrounding areas. Call us today to schedule your next appointment.

How Chewing Gum Is Actually Good For Your Smile!

There are many habits that people have that they perform without even thinking about it. Biting nails, playing with hair- both of these are examples of habits people do unconsciously. Another habit may be chewing gum. Chewing gum is a simple yet effective habit that can ease your stress, keep you occupied, or simply cure a simple sweet tooth. What you may not know, however, is that chewing gum could be good for your teeth!

Since ancient times, the Greeks, Mayans, and Native Americans all enjoyed in some form of gum chewing, and today in the 21^st century, we are no different. With so many options of chewable delights to choose from, sometimes the options can be overwhelming, but they all work to deliver a healthier smile. Chewing gum increases the production of saliva in your mouth, and that increase can neutralize and eliminate the acids and leftover food particles in your mouth after you eat. This also leads to a lower risk of plaque and tartar buildup, as the bacteria will not have enough time to stay in your mouth and attach themselves to your teeth.

Also, chewing gum, along with the increased saliva production, carries more calcium and phosphate, both of which help build stronger tooth enamel, meaning a healthier smile. Studies have shown that chewing gum for at least twenty minutes after eating a meal helps prevent tooth decay, which can really make a difference down the road in regards to your smile.

So the next time you put a piece of gum in your mouth, you will be able to relish in the fact that it is doing wonders for your smile!

At New Smile Dental, we focus on enhancing and restoring the beauty of your smile with help from the latest dental technology. Dr. Gilbert Lopez treats patients from Fort Smith and Van Buren, AR and surrounding areas. Call us today to schedule your next appointment.

Have A Perfect Smile For Summer With Porcelain Veneers!

Now that summer is rapidly approaching, people are doing everything in their power to look their absolute best. Whether it is getting their swimsuit body in shape or getting their hair done, people make a point to look as good as possible in order to fully enjoy the summer the way they want to. What people may not think about enhancing, however, is their smiles. Wanting your smile to shine and be as bright and perfect as the summer sun is something many people want, and Dr. Gilbert Lopez is able to deliver that smile to his patients by using porcelain veneers.

The start to getting your porcelain veneers begins with a consultation with Dr Lopez. There, he will be able to fully assess your smile in its current state, as well as ask you about your future goals regarding your smile. This will also give you the chance to address any questions or concerns you may have, as we want you to be fully informed throughout the entire procedure. Once it is determined that you are a candidate, that is where the real fun begins!

Your natural tooth is prepared for your porcelain veneers by removing a small bit of enamel. This way, we are sure your mouth has enough space for your new smile! Your custom made porcelain veneers are then added, and are made permanent with dental resin cement. A simple procedure, but at the end, you are left with a completely new smile that anyone would be proud of showing off! If you are curious as to how Dr. Lopez can help give your smile the makeover you deserve just in time for summer with porcelain veneers, make an appointment today, and the entire New Smile Dental team will be glad to help!

At New Smile Dental, we focus on enhancing and restoring the beauty of your smile with help from the latest dental technology. Dr. Gilbert Lopez treats patients from Fort Smith and Van Buren, AR and surrounding areas. Call us today to schedule your next appointment.

Let Lumineers and Dr. Lopez Change Your Smile!

If your teeth are misshapen, cracked, chipped, or misaligned, your may find it difficult to be confident in it. Many people consider smiles to be a first impression, and when you are unsure of whether or not you are making a good first impression, it can really have a negative effect on you.  Luckily, Dr. Gilbert Lopez is able to transform your smile with the help of Lumineers!

Your journey to getting Lumineers begins with a consultation with Dr. Lopez. There, he will be able to assess the current state of your smile and ask you what your long term goals are regarding your smile. You will also be able to ask him any questions or address any concerns you may have prior to the procedure. Lumineers are thin sheets of porcelain that are made to look like natural teeth. The good thing about Lumineers is that no tooth preparation is needed. We will simply apply the Lumineer, make it permanent with a dental resin, and your smile is transformed! Another benefit to Lumineers is that they are stain resistant, so you are sure to have a perfect white smile at all times!

Lumineers have the capacity to bring back the confidence you may have lost while being less than confident in your smile. After the procedure, you will be able to eat, drink, and speak normally, but you will also be secure in the fact that your smile is perfect at all times!

At New Smile Dental, we focus on enhancing and restoring the beauty of your smile with help from the latest dental technology. Dr. Gilbert Lopez treats patients from Fort Smith and Van Buren, AR and surrounding areas. Call us today to schedule your next appointment.

The Importance of Toothbrush Maintenance

Making sure that you have excellent oral care is very important, not just for your mouth, but for your body as a whole. Many people do not realize that the how you care for your mouth is indicative to how the rest of your body functions, as [your mouth] is a portal to your other important functions and organs. Brushing and flossing your teeth every day are an excellent way in making sure your smile stays healthy, but making sure you have the right tools to take proper care of your smile is equally as important. In regards to your toothbrush, you may be surprised to find out just how important such a small tool is to the overall care of your person.

One of the most important things to remember when taking care of your toothbrush is to not share it with anyone. Sharing your toothbrush is the opportunity for saliva and other microorganisms to make your body their new home, increasing the risk of infections. Another important aspect in toothbrush maintenance is to rinse your toothbrush after brushing your teeth. That way, any remaining debris or toothpaste is down the drain and not in your mouth for the next time you brush your teeth. Do not make a habit of covering the toothbrush in any sort of closed container, as this is a way for microorganisms to breed and infect your toothbrush.

Replacing your toothbrush every three to four months is a very important aspect in taking care of your mouth. Over time, the bristles on your toothbrush will become worn, and lose its effectiveness in removing plaque and food particles. Be sure to check your toothbrush for wear and tear, and if you find it could use replacing, do so immediately. All of these tips will help you in having a beautiful, healthy smile. Remember, taking care of your toothbrush results in taking better care of your body!

At New Smile Dental, we focus on enhancing and restoring the beauty of your smile with help from the latest dental technology. Dr. Gilbert Lopez treats patients from Fort Smith and Van Buren, AR and surrounding areas. Call us today to schedule your next appointment.

Root Canal Therapy Can Save Your Smile

Throughout the years, root canals have gotten a pretty bad reputation, and we cannot understand why! Often associated with pain and discomfort, people fear the term root canal, automatically assuming they are in for a world hurt. Well, everyone at New Smile Dental is here to tell you nothing could be further from the truth! By taking advantage of our root canal therapy, you will be able to experience a world of relief and healthy smiling!

There are many reasons why someone would need to get a root canal; pesky fillings, a large cavity, tooth injury, etcetera can all be means of getting a root canal. The process of getting a root canal begins with our experienced Dr. Gilbert Lopez taking a good look at your smile. He will be able to see where the infected tooth is, and begin working on it before it gets any worse. The Dr. Lopez begins with accessing the unhealthy tooth, and removing the decaying pulp. He will then fill the tooth, and put a crown on the tooth to prevent it from further damage and to keep bothersome bacteria out. In the end, you’re left feeling relieved and pain free!

Even though root canal therapy has been cast in a negative light throughout the years, many patients say the entire process is either pain free, or feels like a normal filling does. Plus, your smile will be a lot healthier at the end of the procedure, leading to a healthier you! So please, don’t let negative rumors keep you from taking care of your dental needs. Make an appointment at our office today, and we’ll be happy to give you five star treatment!

At New Smile Dental, we focus on enhancing and restoring the beauty of your smile with help from the latest dental technology. Dr. Gilbert Lopez treats patients from Fort Smith and Van Buren, AR and surrounding areas. Call us today to schedule your next appointment.