Gum Disease & Breast Cancer Link

Posted on Feb 26, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Research continues to show how a healthy mouth relates to your overall health. For example, a recent study of 3,000 individuals in Sweden showed those with gum disease and missing teeth had greater than 11 times the risk for breast cancer. Past studies have already associated gum disease with heart disease, stroke, pancreatic cancer, and premature babies.

Gum disease begins with the formation of plaque, a bacterial film on the teeth and gums. As gum disease progresses, it can lead to bad breath, tender and bleeding gums, and eventual tooth loss. Gum disease is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss.

Although poor oral hygiene or failure to have regular dental cleanings are frequently blamed for gum disease, other factors can contribute. These include genetics, certain health problems that affect the immune system (leukemia, diabetes, AIDS, etc.), medical conditions or treatments that deplete saliva, smoking, stress, and diet.

To combat gum disease, your level of gum disease is first established. Naturally, the sooner it is treated, the less time and expense is required. Treatment may involve deep cleaning below the gum line, gum surgery, bone grafts and antibiotics.

If you suspect you have gum disease, it will only worsen without treatment. Call (828) 274-9440 promptly for a complete examination and treatment recommendations. Restoring your mouth to a healthy state is a positive way to avoid the risk for more serious health issues.

Vitamin C & The Heart-Gum Connection

Posted on Feb 24, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

The Heart Attack Connection: According to the American Academy of Periodontology, people who have periodontal (gum) disease are twice as likely to get heart disease. Research has also shown that the more dental problems one has (missing teeth, cavities), the higher their risk of having heart disease.

The Stroke Connection:  A study published by the American Heart Association shows that people with higher blood levels of oral bacteria had greater risks of getting atherosclerosis in the neck’s carotid artery, which increases one’s potential for stroke.

Although it has not been determined how gum disease affects stroke and heart attack risk, it is known that oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream through diseased tissues in the mouth. Once bloodborne, this bacteria causes a plaque clogging artery, leading to a higher risk for major – even deadly – consequences. As a Periodontist, this is further proof that the link to your oral health and your overall health should be taken seriously.

Some helpful news was recently released in the Journal of Periodontology, however. Apparently, people who consume at least 180 mg of Vitamin C per day give gums and teeth a healthy boost. Vitamin C is an anti-inflammatory that binds cells to build connective tissue with collagen. It also increases bone regrowth, which helps to restore healthy gums and teeth.

Recommended sources of vitamin C include coconut water, citrus fruits, red peppers, brussels sprouts, broccoli and oranges. Because chewable vitamin C is highly acidic, it can erode tooth enamel and should be avoided. A non-acidic vitamin C can be purchased in a white powder form if your diet falls short of vitamin C rich foods. Another option is vitamin C chewing gum.

Healthy teeth and gums create a more attractive smile, help you avoid bad breath and help you avoid tooth loss. While foods and vitamins are beneficial in maintaining a healthy mouth, starting with a ‘clean slate’ is to your advantage. If you haven’t seen your dentist on a regular basis and do not floss daily, arrange a periodontal examination by calling (828) 274-9440.

When you also consider that a healthy mouth can help you avoid heart attack and stroke, that’s a significant reason to be committed to your oral health.

Trying To Quit Smoking? Good Move For Oral Health!

Posted on Jan 17, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

If one of your New Year’s Resolutions is to quit smoking, here are some added reasons to stick to your commitment. Your smile — teeth, gums, throat, lips, all soft tissues in the mouth — will thank you as much as your lungs!

Publicity campaigns have helped to make the American population more aware of the deadly and debilitating effects of smoking. Lung cancer is widely associated with cigarette smoking. However, oral cancer takes the life of one person every hour. Oral cancer also has one of the worst survival rates, but is curable if detected in early stages.

Smoking doesn’t just cause bad breath and stained teeth, other problems include a higher risk for gum disease, tooth loss, cavities, breakdown in dental work, and slower healing after dental procedures.

You may already know that plaque is cause of dental decay, however, smoking boosts plaque buildup on teeth, leading to decay. The tar and nicotine in cigarettes stick to gums, teeth and other places in the mouth. This is one reason that smokers often have bad breath.

Smoking also has a drying effect to the mouth, decreasing the flow of saliva. This creates an environment where bacteria breed and thrive. Smoking also causes many challenges to the gums. The results of tobacco use cause a decrease in blood flow, throughout the body as well as to oral tissues. This can cause serious problems to the gum tissue as well as the bones of the mouth’s structure.

Gums can become severely inflamed and send bacteria into the bloodstream through tears in oral tissues. Once this inflammation penetrates areas below the gum line, it becomes a difficult process to treat and eliminate. Gum disease is the nation’s leading cause of tooth loss.

Every dentist wants their patient to enjoy a successful outcome for dental treatments. For smokers, we discourage smoking during healing times since they risk a lower rate of success and higher risk for complications than non-smokers.

The good news is, once you quit smoking, the health of your gums will increase tremendously, which you should notice in a year or less after quitting.

Remember, your gums and teeth are vital parts of your body. They deserve just as much respect and care as other parts of the body. Enjoy your resolution by knowing your smile will improve greatly along with the rest of you!

Your Mouth May Be Telling You Something!

Posted on Jan 02, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

The mouth is like a door to the entire body. So, it’s not surprising that occasional symptoms are indications of some common problems, such as:

•Bad Breath: This typically occurs from an overload of bacteria in the mouth.
The bacteria that break down food in your mouth excrete odor-producing materials. If not thoroughly cleansed away, the build-up becomes obvious in your breath odor. What to do? Naturally, brush and floss twice daily and use a tongue scraper to clear embedded bacteria in the tongue. Chew sugarless gum after meals to aid saliva flow, which washes away germs. And, drink plenty of water.

•Canker Sores: These painful mouth sores often occur during times of fatigue or stress.
When your immune system is vulnerable, an added helping of stress can trigger a canker sore. While over-the-counter medications help to numb the pain, swishing with warm, salty water may help just as well. Generally, canker sores last a week to ten days. Ask Dr. Claiborne about medications that will speed healing.

•Very Sensitive Teeth: This often indicates too-rigorous brushing or using a hard bristle toothbrush.
While you want to be thorough when brushing your teeth, overdoing it can damage enamel and gum tissue. When the gum tissue surrounding teeth is damaged, tooth roots become exposed to heat and cold. Use a light hand and toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Damaged enamel and worn gum tissue doesn’t heal itself. During an examination, we can assess if your damage needs to be repaired by gum therapy.

•Sores, Red or White Patches, Etc.: When an unusual oral problem does not go away in 10 days to 2 weeks, make arrangements to be seen promptly!
Some unusual spots or soreness in the mouth may be a sign of oral cancer. Although some are painless, it doesn’t mean they are harmless. Oral cancer is one of the deadliest of all cancers and has the worst survival rate if not caught in earliest stages. Schedule an appointment immediately!

For problem that involves the tissues in the mouth (including the tongue and soft palate), call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation.