Pregnant? Your Oral Health Is More Important Than Ever.

Posted on Jun 16, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

If your gums bleed when brushing or are tender, you probably have gum disease. This bacteria has been associated with heart disease and increased risk of cancer. However, for pregnant women the effects can be severe for their unborn child.

Scientists have linked preterm and low birth weight babies to gum disease bacteria. Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should ensure their oral health is at an optimal level by having a thorough periodontal exam.

Expecting fathers should also maintain good oral health, especially during this time. Even those with gingivitis (an early stage of gum disease) can spread bacteria to the mother by kissing or sharing food and drinks.

Be proactive about the health of your mouth, for you and your baby! Regular dental checkups and cleanings are always important, particularly during pregnancy.  Contact us promptly if you have not had a dental checkup in the past 6 months. Call (828) 274-9440 for an appointment.

Fresher Breath This Summer!

Posted on Jun 11, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Want some simple tips for fresh breath this Summer (and beyond)? Here are a few things to help with more confident closeness:

• Drink lots of water! Colas, sweet tea, and ‘power ades’ don’t count. Pure, clean water cleanses the mouth and adds to saliva’s ability to wash bacteria from the mouth. Bottled water, tap water or even water from a garden hose are all welcome!

• Rid oral bacteria from your tongue! The tongue is a perfect haven for bacteria to embed and reproduce. Ideally, use a tongue scrapper each day. If you don’t have one (in the oral care section of most drug stores), brush your tongue with your tooth brush. When your mouth has fewer bacteria, your breath will have a ‘cleaner’ scent.

• Relish summer fruits and skip sugary treats! Oral bacteria thrives BEST on acid attacks that occur every time you eat or drink when sugar is present. Natural sugar in fresh fruits doesn’t have the same impact.

• Rely on a cuke! When your mouth is dry and a slice of cucumber is nearby, hold it against the roof of your mouth for a couple of minutes. This activates more saliva production, which helps to cleanse the mouth of particles and bacteria.

Enjoy your Summer with a smile and feel confident in closeness!

Is Your Mouth In Need Of ‘Servicing?’

Posted on Jun 05, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Let’s say your home’s heating and air-conditioning system is getting quite old and hasn’t been regularly serviced. Inevitably, it will require repairs, which you know deep down. Some will need major repairs or even total replacement. Getting the estimate to get the system back in order may be a shock, however, life without heat and air conditioning would be rather challenging.

Life without healthy teeth would be terribly challenging as well. In addition to the regular maintenance of your daily oral home care regimen, your 6-month cleanings are designed to help you avoid problems or treat those that are still small.

If you have avoided dental care, you are likely experiencing symptoms associated with periodontal (gum) disease. You may have noticed your gums bleed when you brush or seem tender. You may also have bad breath on a persistent basis or have swollen gums at the base of teeth.

Periodontal disease does not improve without treatment. If untreated, it will result in eventual tooth loss. The bacteria of gum disease has also been associated with heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, preterm babies, memory loss, stroke and more.

Our office offers several payment options so dental treatment is manageable to most budgets. So why miss out on a healthy, confident smile? Call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation appointment. We’ll discuss ways we can restore a healthy smile for you while you make monthly payments that fit your budget.

Dread Dental Cleanings? Here’s An Easy Fix.

Posted on May 30, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Being in the dental field, it’s not unusual to hear, “I hate going to the dentist,” or “I’d rather (insert various phrases) than go to the dentist.” Yet, there ARE those who actually enjoy having their teeth cleaned and their smile brightened every six months!

If you dread dental cleanings, it’s likely because it’s uncomfortable. The reason it’s not comfortable is probably because (drum roll) you don’t floss on a daily basis.

Daily flossers remove bits and particles between teeth before they begin to breed bacteria. As these particles rot, bacteria accumulate and form a sticky substance known as plaque. When plaque is not sufficiently removed on a daily basis, it hardens into tartar that the Hygienist has to scrape away during your cleaning.

Oral bacteria not only eat away at tooth surfaces (causing cavities), they attack gum tissues, which causes inflammation. This makes your gums tender and sore. When the hygienist scrapes tartar off teeth that are surrounded by inflammed gum tissue, it’s not going to be without sensations.

The good news is – you can prevent all of this in just two minutes a day! Commit to daily flossing for two weeks, which should be enough to get you comfortable and in the habit. Most daily flossers feel uneasy when they DON’T floss because a flossed mouth is a cleaner mouth.

If you need help, ask your Hygienist to work with you so flossing is easy and to ensure you are doing it effectively. Be sure to brush at least twice daily (for a minimum of 2 minutes each time) and use a tongue scraper to remove embedded bacteria from the tongue.

Your breath will be fresher, you’ll save time and money by avoiding dental repairs, and you will hopefully change your dread of dental visits to actually looking forward to 6-month cleanings!

If you are experiencing tender gums that bleed when you brush, you are in the initial stages of periodontal disease. This will only worsen without treatment. Call us at (704) 274-9440 for an appointment.