Research Closely Ties RA To Gum Disease

Posted on Feb 10, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As a Periodontist, I treat all stages of periodontal (gum) disease. In early stages, the condition causes gums to bleed when brushing, bad breath and gum tenderness. As gum disease progresses, gums become red in color and pus pockets form at the base of teeth. Eventually, teeth loosen and may require removal. Gum disease, to no surprise, is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss.

Over the years, research has found a correlation between the bacteria of periodontal disease and a number of serious health problems. Due to the inflammatory triggers associated with the oral bacteria of gum disease, it has been linked to heart disease, stroke, memory loss, preterm babies, diabetes and impotency.

For people who have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the condition’s association with gum disease seems unlikely. Yet, research is showing a remarkably close connection.

It’s not only been determined that both gum disease and RA share a genetic likeness, their clinical makeup shows similar structures, primarily in pathogens. A pathogen is an agent in the body that causes disease or illness. The pathological processes that occurs in both gum disease and RA are almost identical.

While it is apparent that both conditions cause chronic inflammation in tissues that connect to bone, researchers have found that both diseases also have a similar inflammatory trigger. Also alike is the particular species of bacteria found in periodontally-diseased oral tissues and tissues that surround joints in those who suffer with RA.

RA is a debilitating disease that destroys joints. It is disabling and painful. In most cases, RA emerges gradually, often beginning with morning stiffness along with weak and aching muscles. Joint pain follows, with joints feeling sore and stiff. RA is typically found in the fingers, wrists, elbows, hips, knees, ankles, toes, shoulder and neck.

As inflammation from RA increases, joints become swollen with symptoms including fever, disfiguring of hands and feet, numbness and tingling. There is no cure for RA and lifelong treatment is required. Treatment may consist of medications, physical therapy, or even surgery.

Like RA, periodontal disease causes pain, swelling, and tenderness. As it worsens, the associatedinflammation can lead to destruction of the bone that supports teeth along with surrounding tissues.

In one study, a particular pathogen associated with periodontal disease was found to activate the same destructive process of rheumatoid arthritis. It has also been shown that, by treating periodontal disease in RA patients, RA symptoms often improve. This is likely due to the system’s reduced burden of oral inflammation.

What’s exciting about the findings of these research findings is how oral health correlates so closely to one’s overall health. Yet, it’s a bit scary at the same time. When you realize that the presence of gum disease can so greatly increase your risk for serious health conditions, it should send up alarms. However, even in this advanced age of modern medicine, nearly 75% of the U.S. adult population have some level of periodontal disease.

Help spread the word about the link between your oral health and a healthy body, especially to those you love. Emphasize the need for a thorough oral hygiene regimen at home as well as a commitment to 6-month dental check-ups and exams. If you have signs of gum disease (as mentioned above), seek treatment at your earliest convenience. Gum disease will only worsen and will require more treatment time and expense as it progresses.

Call 828-274-9440 to learn more.

Think ‘Vaping’ Is Safer For Smile Than Cigarettes?

Posted on Jan 28, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

The popularity of ‘vaping,’ particularly with younger E-cigarette smokers, has sparked a growing health concern since hitting the market in 2004. This concern has motivated the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research to implement a study on the effects of vaping’s aerosol mix to tissues in the mouth, lungs and airway structures.

The study, slated to begin in February 2016, will not focus on the effects of nicotine but of the impact of vaporized chemical delivery to tissues. Studying the effects of long-term chemical exposure to tissues through this means will hopefully provide a more accurate assessment of their safety.

Unlike traditional cigarettes, E-cigarettes use a moist vapor to deliver a mix of nicotine, formaldehyde and other chemicals.  Because oral tissues are moist by nature, the water vapor that is inhaled is readily absorbed by soft tissues in the mouth.

Prior research has shown that nicotine is harmful to oral health, regardless of how it arrives — cigarettes, snuff, chew and now vaping. Nicotine is known to have a drying effect on oral tissues, which decreases saliva that helps rid food particles and bacteria from the mouth. When drying agents deplete saliva, oral bacteria reproduce more rapidly. This increases the risk for tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease.

Because nicotine also constricts blood vessels in the mouth, it compromises the ability of oral tissues to heal. This is why we advise patients to stop smoking following extractions or implant placement so healing is not slowed. ‘Vapers’ should also be concerned about the bad breath associated with dry mouth, if nothing else.

The misconceptions about vaping’s safety may be to the detriment of your smile. Hopefully, the findings of this research will reveal the true level of risk so users can adjust their oral care commitment accordingly.

In the meantime, if you smoke, vape, chew or dip, pay particular attention to your oral health. Be especially committed to your oral hygiene at home as well as your 6-month dental check-ups. These visits can help you maintain a healthy mouth and avoid problems – or catch those that occur at their earliest stages.

If you feel your oral health has been neglected or compromised due to smoking, chewing, or vaping, call 828-274-9440 to schedule an appointment. And relax, we’re a ‘lecture-free’ zone!

Post-Menopausal Women At Higher Risk For Gum Disease

Posted on Jan 26, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Menopause is typically accompanied by hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue and moodiness. Once a female enters the post-menopausal phase, these symptoms may subside while a new problem emerges. Research has shown that being post-menopausal heightens the risk of tooth loss.

Studies have revealed that bone loss in postmenopausal women can be accompanied by a greater risk for periodontal (gum) disease. A study published by the National Institutes of Health cited that post-menopausal females with signs of osteoporosis had an increased liklihood of gum disease when compared to post-menopausal women with no signs of osteoporosis.

It has long been known that a reduction in estrogen levels contributes to bone loss. Post-menopausal women may also experience a reduction of saliva, which increases the potential for cavities.

The estrogen drops of menopause also increase the risk for heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease. While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can alleviate symptoms associated with estrogen deficiency, replacing estrogen may also prevent some of the chronic illnesses common to postmenopausal women.

Our goal is to provide care to each patient that takes their overall health into consideration. This is why we ask you to keep your health history and medication list up to date. This information enables us to customize your care to your unique needs. This can also help you avoid problems or minimize those that do emerge.

If you are post-menopausal, be especially aware of the signs of gum disease. These include gums that bleed when brushing, sore or tender gums, receded gums that expose darker tooth root sections, gums that darken in color, persistent bad breath or pus pockets that form at the base of some teeth. Call 828-274-9440 to schedule an examination at your earliest convenience.

Replacing Teeth – Weighing Your Choices

Posted on Dec 29, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

While today’s dentistry offers a number of excellent methods for replacing teeth, there are advantages and disadvantages to each option. It is my goal to help patients understand why we recommend Dental Implants so they can determine what is best for their needs.

Missing teeth can be replaced with crown-&-bridge combinations, partial or full dentures, or dental implants. Crown-&-bridge is only possible when natural teeth border both sides of the area of missing teeth since crowned, natural teeth are the bridge’s support.

A partial denture does not require teeth on each side for support. However, it does need teeth on one side to provide support for clasps or framework that attach to adjacent, natural teeth.

A full denture replaces a teeth for those who have lost all of their upper and/or lower teeth. These teeth are held by a base that mimics gums, which is contoured to the shape and size of your ridge. The ridge, which is actually the jaw bone covered by gum tissue, is the raised arch that once supported natural tooth roots.

In these options, the absence of natural tooth roots leaves the gum ridge without the stimulation that once kept it healthy. Thus, the bone will eventually begin to shrink in height and mass.

The pressure of wearing dentures or partials accelerates the pace of bone loss. For those who sleep in their denture or partials, the 24/7 pressure speeds up the rate of bone loss even more.

As the bone declines, the fit of the denture or partial changes. Slips become common when eating, often rubbing sore spots on gum tissues. Although a crown-&-bridge will not slip, bone loss will be apparent when an open space develops below the bridge.

Because Dental Implants are placed in the jaw bone, they recreate the stimulation of tooth roots. This halts bone loss and preserves the stability of your bite as well as a healthy facial structure.

Dental Implants are also designed to last your lifetime. With proper care, they will never need removal or replacement. They do not need the support of adjacent teeth and actually help preserve the integrity of other teeth.

The downside? The cost is higher than other tooth replacement options. However, over time, they are a far better investment. With the upfront cost being the ONLY problem associated with Dental Implants, the fact that it is a ‘one and done’ expense (with a lifetime of benefits) really makes them a better choice compared to other tooth replacement options.

If you are missing natural teeth and would like to discuss replacement with Dental Implants, call 828-274-9440 to schedule a consultation. During this time, we’ll discuss how Dental Implants may be the perfect choice!