Heart Disease

Dr. Locke needs to know if you’ve been diagnosed with heart disease. The American Academy of Periodontology reports that patients with periodontal disease are twice as likely to have heart disease. The harmful bacteria can travel through your bloodstream and spread to other areas. Studies show that the bacteria that cause gum disease are often found clumped in artery plaques. It works the other way around, as well. You can’t feel your arteries hardening, but you will likely notice bleeding gums. In other words, if you haven’t been diagnosed with heart disease, evaluating your gum condition could help prevent any problems to save both your smile and your heart.

Heart Attack

Dr. Locke also needs to know if you have a history of heart attacks or strokes. Harmful oral bacteria cause your gums to swell up. When this bacteria travels through your bloodstream, it can inflame and infect other tissues. When other cells swell up, passageways may become blocked and your arteries may become clogged, increasing your risk of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke. A professional dental cleaning can reduce the harmful bacteria in your mouth, thereby decreasing your risk of heart infections.

Healthy Heart

Your behavior patterns also affect your heart. Dr. Locke may ask you about your regular diet and exercise habits. People who practice good dental hygiene are more likely to have healthier hearts because they practice healthier activities. If they pay attention to their oral health, they probably pay more attention to their overall health by eating right and exercising regularly.

Heartbreak

You should also tell Dr. Locke if you’re suffering from a heartbreak or emotional distress. Stress can cause you to change your behaviors and neglect the health of your mouth. Furthermore, stress increases the amount of cortisol in your bloodstream. This hormone influences your blood pressure, weight, gum health, and mood.

Feel free to discuss any of your heart conditions with Dr. Locke and our team. Treating your mouth can help save your smile and your body. Contact Dr. Locke at our dentist office in Waco, Texas, at (254) 776-4888 to request an appointment. We welcome patients from Waco, Woodway, McGregor, Hewitt, and surrounding communities.

Now Hiring!

If you want to help other people keep their hearts and mouths healthy, our Waco dentist office now has an open position for a front desk administrator to help patients schedule appointments and handle insurance paperwork. The ideal candidate will be upbeat and customer service oriented. No clinical experience required, but must love working with people and being part of of a team. Anyone interested should email a resume and cover letter to info@corbettlockedds.com.

• Painkillers: Aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and other over-the-counter painkillers can help sooth inflammation and pain.
• Clove oil: Clove oil has anesthetic and antibacterial properties to help numb the affected area and kill the bacteria that are causing your ache.
• Ice pack: Hold a cold ice pack to the outside of your cheek to help relieve the pain and reduce swelling.
• Elevation of your head: Keeping your head elevated will decrease the pressure on your teeth and reduce the throbbing pain.
• Hygiene: If food is trapped between your teeth, it could cause or aggravate the pain. Brush, floss, and rinse your mouth to remove food particles. A warm saltwater solution can also help relieve pain and swelling.
• Gauze: If your tooth feels sensitive or painful to the air, cover it with a piece of gauze or cotton to block it from the breeze.
• Cough drops: Lozenges contain menthol and benzocaine, two anesthetic agents, to help relieve your sore throat. These anesthetic compounds can also soothe tooth pain.
• Soft foods: If chewy or crunchy foods worsen the pain, switch to a diet of softer foods. This will reduce the pressure you put on your teeth and give your teeth time to rest and recover. You should also be careful of hot, cold, or spicy foods that can aggravate your tooth’s pulp and make the pain worse.

The best cure for a toothache is a visit to Dr. Locke’s family dentist office. A toothache is often caused by a cavity and other dental problems, and these problems need to be addressed by a professional to prevent further damage to your mouth. Contact Dr. Locke at our dentist office in Waco, Texas, at (254) 776-4888 to schedule an appointment. We welcome patients from Waco, Woodway, McGregor, Hewitt, and surrounding communities.

How Valentine’s Day Can Dry Out Your Lips

Valentine’s Day habits are more inclined to dry out your lips. The colder weather outside makes the air drier, and the lack of moisture in the air can parch your skin and cause it to peel. Furthermore, kissing your loved one stimulates extra saliva production. For your mouth, the extra saliva is useful to help rinse away bacteria. To your lips, however, saliva can be damaging. As saliva dries, it damages the outer protective layer and dehydrates your lips.

Keep Your Lips Kissable

Moist lips will help make your Valentine kisses more enjoyable. Here are a few tips to help protect your mouth.

• Exfoliate your lips to remove dead, dry skin. Facial exfoliators can help keep your lips smooth, but so can your toothbrush. After you’re done brushing your teeth, rub the brush gently along your lips to help exfoliate the skin.
• Apply a moisturizing oil-based lip balm or cream to help prevent drying. Ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, and petroleum jelly are best for trapping moisture in your lips.
• Drink plenty of water to keep your body and skin hydrated. Water is a natural way to keep your skin feeling smooth and fresh.
• As you prepare for your Valentine’s Day date, consider skipping the lipstick. Matte lipsticks can dry out your lips. It’s best to use lip products with vitamin E or glycerin to avoid drying and cracking. And don’t worry about the lack of lip color, ladies—about 70 percent of men believe a woman is more beautiful when she smiles than when she wears makeup.
• Using a humidifier indoors can help moisten the dry indoor air to keep your skin hydrated. When you leave the house and enter the dry outdoor air, apply a sunblock lip ointment to prevent sunburn and further dryness.

Healthy, beautiful lips accompanied by fresh breath and a beautiful smile will leave your mouth ready for romantic kisses. Dr. Locke’s tips can keep your mouth kissable and desirable all year long. Contact our dentist office in Waco, Texas, at (254) 776-4888 to request a consultation. We welcome patients from Waco, Woodway, McGregor, Hewitt, and surrounding communities.

1. Patient Relationships – Our team is committed to building relationships with our patients built on trust and respect. We are devoted to helping you understand your mouth and encourage you to ask us any questions or address any concerns.
2. Patient Comfort – We want you to feel comfortable and confident about your mouth and your visit. If you express fear, embarrassment, anxiety, or any other situation that prevents total relief in the dental chair, ask Dr. Locke about his sedation and relaxation techniques. Sedation dentistry can help relax your body and ease your nerves so you won’t have to panic about your treatments.
3. Trained Dentist – You need to make sure your dentist has the training, credentials, and qualifications to treat your mouth. Dr. Locke has over 25 years as a general dentist and is a firm believer in prevention and early diagnosis. He also stays up-to-date with current innovations. His trainings come from the Pankey Institute and the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. He also maintains an involved membership with the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Texas Dental Association, and other industry organizations.
4. Cosmetic Options – In addition to keeping your smile healthy, Dr. Locke is devoted to keeping your smile beautiful. His cosmetic services can alter and improve the appearance of your smile. Porcelain veneers, composite resin fillings, dental implants, bonding, and tooth whitening can all change and beautify your grin.
5. TMJ Therapy – Dr. Locke has advanced studies in treating TMJ disorder to help relieve pain and realign your bite. He is one of the few dentists in the country to practice both Centric Relation and Neuromuscular Dentistry to keep your jaw joints in their proper positions. He will customize his TMJ therapy techniques to fit your needs.
6. Comprehensive Exam – At your appointment, Dr. Locke will take a comprehensive exam to help diagnose any problems. He will also evaluate your full medical health history. Your dental health is connected to your overall health, so your medical history will help us determine your risk of certain conditions.
7. Technology – Our office uses current advanced technology systems to help fully diagnose and treat your mouth. Our dental X-rays and intraoral photos can help detect problems early on, preventing the need for painful, complicated procedures in the future.
8. Online Presence – We believe that dental education needs to be available to our patients at all times and in as many ways as possible. Our blog, website, and YouTube channel provide our patients with news, updates, and information.
9. Payment Options – Don’t let budget concerns prevent you from getting the dental care you need. Our front office staff can help you handle your insurance policies. We also accept cash, checks, credit cards, and monthly financing payments to assist anyone with their dental costs.
10. Customized Treatments – Dr. Locke doesn’t just offer a general treatment. Our team will sit down with you and discuss your dental needs, preferences, and concerns. We will present all your options so we can help you choose the treatment that works best with your situation.

To experience our dental services for yourself, contact Dr. Locke at our dentist office in Waco, Texas, at (254) 776-4888 to request a consultation. We welcome patients from Waco, Woodway, McGregor, Hewitt, and surrounding communities.

Spa Day

Help your honey relax with her favorite spa treatments. You could arrange a couple’s massage to spend the day together. If you prefer a romantic, quiet evening at home, consider giving her an aroma therapy gift basket so she can take a relaxing bubble bath. Be sure to include the popular romance scents, like jasmine, lavender, rose, and vanilla.

Bouquet

Roses are always nice, but if you’re concerned that they’ll die too quickly, consider a delicious red fruit bouquet. Apples, strawberries, grapes, and grapefruit are all fruits that express the color of love. As a bonus, they will give your girl the healthy nutrients she needs to protect her smile. You could also include chocolate-dipped fruits to add a taste of sweetness. If you want to include a romantic bottle of red wine, be careful that it doesn’t stain her teeth.

Smile

Perhaps the greatest gift you can give her is your smile. Smiling makes other people feel good, and it will tell her that you enjoy being with her. If you want to show her how much her smile means to you, give her a gift certificate to Dr. Locke’s dentist office. His cosmetic treatments can help enhance and beautify her smile. A healthy smile will also help keep her mouth fresh and kissable for any surprising moments.

Visit Dr. Locke to make sure you and your sweetie are smiling healthy together for life. Contact our dentist office in Waco, Texas, at (254) 776-4888 to request an appointment. We welcome patients from Waco, Woodway, McGregor, Hewitt, and surrounding communities.

Red Hearts

We’re not talking about the red Valentine’s Day hearts. Your dental health affects your overall body health, including your heart. Heart disease and heart attacks are often linked to periodontal disease. Your oral bacteria can spread throughout your bloodstream and clog your arteries or inflame your tissues. Keeping your mouth clean of harmful bacteria will help protect your heart health.

Red Gums

Your gums should naturally be a pinkish color. Red or bleeding gums are generally one of the first signs of gum disease. If your gums are swollen or sore, visit Dr. Locke immediately to address any gum infection concerns.

Red Food

Strawberries may be one of the few red foods that can actually brighten your smile. Many colored foods, like red wine, tomato sauce, and cherries, can leave a mark on your smile. Your teeth will soak in the red color from these foods and begin to show signs of discoloration. Also beware of dark-colored brown or black foods.

Red Hair

Studies show that redheads have a more difficult time at the dentist due to their sensitivity to pain. The gene that affects hair color also determines your pain tolerance.  Fortunately Dr. Locke’s sedation techniques can ease nerves and panic for redheads, blondes, brunettes, and all other hair colors.

It’s not necessary to wear red only on February 3, because you do it every day in your mouth and body! A red color tells you that your heart and blood are healthy. Furthermore, your tongue and palate are light reddish shades, and any altered coloring should be reported to Dr. Locke. To make sure all the reds in your mouth are supposed to be there, contact Dr. Locke at our dentist office in Waco, Texas, at (254) 776-4888.

Increasing Saliva Production

When you chew gum, you are constantly moving your jaw muscles and opening and closing your mouth. This action helps stimulate your salivary glands. Saliva helps wash away extra food particles in your mouth and keep your mouth moist to prevent bacteria from sticking to your teeth. Dr. Locke recommends chewing sugarless gum after eating.

Reducing Stress

When you’re stressed, you may want to clench your jaw and press your teeth together. Chewing gum puts the tension on your jaw, but blocks your teeth from smacking each other. Furthermore, studies show that cinnamon and mint, two popular gum flavors, can help reduce feelings of anxiety and frustration. As a bonus, cinnamon has compounds that can help fight bad odors to destroy the bacteria that cause bad breath, and mint is a strong scent to cover bad oral odors.

Fighting Cavities

Many sugarless gums have sugar substitutes, like xylitol, that are added to the product for the sugar taste. Your body naturally produces up to 15 grams of xylitol per day. Studies show that chewing about seven pieces of xylitol gum per day can reduce your risk of cavities. How does it work? Xylitol comes from plants and does not break down like natural sugar. It neutralizes the natural pH level in your mouth to help prevent bacteria from sticking to your teeth. Bacteria are not able to digest xylitol like they can the other sugars in your mouth, so they don’t have anything to feed off, thereby reducing their growth.

Be careful, though, because although sugarless gums are beneficial, chewing gum makes your facial muscles tight, and chewing on one side of your mouth can create a muscle imbalance that requires TMJ therapy treatment.

As you stock up on gum for Bubble Gum Day on February 3, be careful to chew carefully. Visit Dr. Locke to check if your gum addiction is hurting or helping your smile. Contact our dentist office in Waco, Texas, at (254) 776-4888 to schedule an appointment.

Poor Hygiene

Busy schedules may shift your focus away from your everyday hygiene routine. When we say you need to brush and floss daily, that means literally, every single day of your life. As you get older, you may also develop arthritis and limited mobility that makes it difficult to clean your mouth. Electric toothbrushes, floss holders, and other dental tools can make hygiene easier.

Tooth Defects

Your teeth soak in what you eat, so after a lifetime of consuming dark-colored foods and beverages, your teeth may become discolored. Fortunately, Dr. Locke can whiten your smile with in-office or at-home whitening treatments. Additionally, acids can wear away the outer layer of enamel on your teeth. As you age, your teeth may weaken, resulting in chips, fractures, and increased sensitivity. Dr. Locke can cover your imperfections with bonding, crowns, or veneers.

 Gum Problems

Many elderly people have receding gums. When your gums grow away from your teeth, your roots are exposed to bacteria, decay, and infection. Furthermore, plaque builds up over time and forms along your gum line. If not treated, gum disease causes your gums to become red, swollen, and bleeding. Periodontal disease is also the leading cause of adult tooth loss. Dr. Locke can look for signs of developing gum health issues and treat the problems immediately.

Missing Teeth

As periodontal disease worsens with older age, it can deteriorate the bones that support your teeth, resulting in tooth loss. Ask Dr. Locke if you would benefit from dental implants to help restore your smile.

Discomfort

Medications and illnesses often related to the elderly can decrease your saliva flow, resulting in dry mouth, bad breath, and dental problems. Also, weakened tissues can increase your sensitivity and mouth irritation. If you develop body aches and pains as you age, tell Dr. Locke how you’re feeling so we can make comfortable arrangements for you in the dental chair.

If your smile shows the signs of aging, visit Dr. Locke to keep it looking young, fresh, and healthy. Contact our dentist office in Waco, Texas, at (254) 776-4888 to schedule an appointment.

What Causes Morning Breath?

“Morning breath” is caused by a lack of moisture in your mouth. When you sleep, your salivary glands slow down and produce less saliva. Breathing through your mouth also dries out the back of your throat. Additionally, more than half the bacteria in your mouth live on the surface of your tongue. When you sleep, your tongue naturally makes contact with your throat, spreading the bacteria all over your mouth. Saliva is necessary to keep your mouth moist and wash away bacteria. Overnight, oral bacteria thrive in the dry environment and produce a bad odor when you wake up.

Reduce Your Risk

Your mouth will naturally dry out while you sleep, but there are some factors you can control to help reduce your risk of bad morning breath.

• Brush and floss before you go to sleep. This will help clean your mouth and remove food particles, providing the bacteria in your mouth less to feed on.
• Try to avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes. Alcohol further dries out your mouth, so if you’re using an oral antiseptic rinse, make sure it has little or no alcohol content.
• Drink lots of water before going to bed. It will help keep your mouth moist. As a bonus, it may make you wake up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, which is a great time to drink some more water to help stay hydrated throughout the night.
• Studies have shown that cinnamon has ingredients that help decrease the amount of odor-causing bacteria in your mouth. Chew a piece of sugarless cinnamon gum or brush with cinnamon toothpaste before going to bed.
• Don’t eat less than 3 hours before going to bed. You want to allow enough time for your food particles to dissolve and clear your mouth.

While “morning breath” is normal, constant halitosis is not. If you experience bad breath or dry mouth all the time, visit Dr. Locke for an assessment and treatment. Contact our dentist office in Waco, Texas, at (254) 776-4888 to schedule an appointment.

1. True or False? A dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s.

2. Which is the best way to store your toothbrush to prevent bacterial growth?

(a) Upright and air-dry
(b) In a closed container
(c) On its side next to the sink

3. What is the best way to keep your mouth safe from outside germs?

(a) Using hand sanitizer
(b) Sharing personal items
(c) Proper oral hygiene

4. Which of the following surfaces can germs live on?

(a) Money
(b) Hands
(c) Countertops
(d) All of the above

5. Which of the following is NOT passed through kissing and sharing saliva?

(a) S. mutans or tooth decay
(b) Tooth stains
(c) Cold sores

6. True or False? If you pick up food off the floor within five seconds, it’s safe to eat.

Answers:

1. FALSE. It’s a common myth that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s, but animal mouths are also filled with tons of bad bacteria. The catch is that pet saliva is healthier for you than human saliva, because most of the bacteria in your pet’s mouth won’t cause much damage if they’re transferred to you.
2. A. It may seem that covering your brush will block out bacteria, but microbes thrive in moist, enclosed environments. Keep your toothbrush open to natural air to kill any bacteria living on it.
3. C. Keeping your mouth clean will decrease your risk of oral infections. While hand sanitizer can kill the bacteria on your hands before you put them in your mouth, brushing and flossing thoroughly and daily is the safest method.
4. D. You can’t see them, but germs are still there. Throughout the day, you come in contact with money and tables that other people have probably touched before you. The bacteria living on these surfaces will crawl onto your hands, and therefore likely into your mouth and body.
5. B. Tooth stains are caused by dark-colored foods and beverages and poor dental care. They are not contagious. On the other hand, tooth decay and cold sores can be passed from another person.
6. FALSE. As soon as food hits the floor, it becomes contaminated with germs and bacteria.

Visit Dr. Locke to keep your mouth free of harmful germs that could destroy your smile. Contact our dentist office in Waco, Texas, at (254) 776-4888 to request an appointment.