It is our goal to ensure your smile is a positive part of your health, in all aspects. A survey commissioned by the Academy of General Dentistry revealed 63% of ages 45 to 65 with an oral symptom found it was linked to a more serious health condition. It seems key symptoms in the mouth were warning signs of adult onset diseases.

For instance, the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and heart disease increases with age. Researchers believe that these diseases often manifest themselves in the mouth.

According to the American Diabetes Association, the majority of diabetics suffer from Type 2 diabetes, which usually begins after age 45. Initial indicators of this disease are bad breath and bleeding gums. However, only 29% of the baby boomers surveyed were aware of this connection.

After the age of 45, the risk for developing heart disease triples. Although heart disease is the leading killer of Americans, a sore and painful jaw is often overlooked as a warning signal. As a matter of fact, 60% of those surveyed were unaware these symptoms could be signs of a potential heart attack.

Research continually reveals links between oral and overall health. While the health of your smile is our emphasis, your overall well-being is also important. Please mention any unusual symptoms you are experiencing and keep us updated on all medications you take, including the dosage.

To clean something, to get it really clean, we often think about using ‘elbow grease’ to give a good scrubbing, often with the help of an abrasive substance such as Comet Cleanser. Yet, when it comes to your teeth, such rigorous action can damage gum tissue. When you use baking soda or other abrasive substitutes for toothpaste, the damage can be severe over time. Those good intentions to have a ‘well-scrubbed’ mouth can backfire, leading to exposed tooth roots, gum disease and even tooth loss.

It is recommended that you use a soft bristle toothbrush and a standard toothpaste with fluoride. Rigorous scrubbing is not necessary. Use a circular and swiping motion on all teeth, on all sides. However, blood in the sink when you spit doesn’t mean you did a good job. As a matter of fact, this can be a warning sign of gum disease.

If you see blood, lighten up on the pressure you are using. Flossing carefully so you are not ‘popping’ the floss into between teeth, which can cut gum tissue. If you still see blood after a week, you may have gum disease. Periodontal (gum) disease will only worsen without treatment and you should be seen by a periodontal specialist as soon as possible. Because gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the U.S., early treatment may save your teeth.

Signs of periodontal disease include:

• Gums that bleed easily, or are red and tender;
• Gums that recede from teeth, exposing tooth root portions;
• Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth;
• Teeth that become loose;
• A change in the alignment of teeth or fit of your dentures or partials.

If you have noticed any of these signs, call (828) 274-9440 for an examination.

Contrary to what most believe, bad breath is not caused by certain foods we eat. It typically results from sulfur compounds, which are released during the digestive process. These sulfur compounds are released from the back of the tongue and throat, giving off an unpleasant odor.

While some companies now promote products to conquer bad breath, some merely mask the problem or even cause more harm. Home remedies are also risky, as many can actually make the problem worse. The following contributors to bad breath may surprise you:

• Breath mints – Long-lasting sugar candies create acid attacks in the mouth, increasing cavity risk.

• Tongue piercing – Tongue jewelry tends to harbor more bacteria on your tongue, adding to the potential for bad breath.

• Alcoholic beverages – Saliva helps to remove oral bacteria. Alcohol is drying to oral tissues and reduces the amount of saliva in your mouth.

• Mint chew tobacco – Smokeless tobacco causes gums to recede. This increases the chance of losing the bone and fibers that hold teeth in position. The mint does nothing to conceal odor that originates from gum problems.

The best way to eliminate bad breath is thorough dental care. Factors other than food can be causing breath odor, such as gum disease, dry mouth, or certain medical conditions. If you have persistent bad breath (or suspect you do), call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation appointment.

Inflammation in the body is a naturally-occurring process that creates beneficial responses. It’s a reaction of your immune system that sends T-cells to combat disease and destructive cell invaders.

However, it is also inflammation that stokes the fire of cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, memory loss, and even erectile dysfuntion (ED). While some folks are genetically pre-dispositioned for high levels of inflammation, excess fat, stress, a diet high in sugar and fat, age, and gum disease can accelerate inflammation to risky levels.

Gum disease begins as gingivitis, which is an overload of bacteria that ‘feeds” on oral tissues. As the bacteria multiply, the initial phase of periodontal (gum) disease begins as the body becomes unable to tackle the bacterial build-up. The result is infection that penetrates the oral tissues and eventually bones supporting natural teeth.

This infection causes the bloodstream to be bombarded with inflammation. In turn, this distorts how the body processes blood sugar, freeing up plaque in the arteries that can lead to blood clots or heart attacks. It can also warp cells that form cancer and damage pathways in the brain and brain cells, increasing the risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

Some drugs help to lower inflammation, although it’s wisest to control levels through proper diet, sufficient exercise, not smoking, and keeping the gums in good health. If you don’t floss, this daily habit is tremendously beneficial to the prevention of bacteria build-up. If you have sore, tender gums or have bleeding when you brush, schedule a periodontal exam by calling 828-274-9440. These are signs of gum disease and will only worsen without treatment.

The sooner you restore your mouth to a healthy state, the less time and expense you’ll incur from treatment. Plus, a healthy mouth can contribute to maintaining good, overall health. Be committed to excellent oral health and know your smile is not the only thing that gains the benefits!