Wow – we are nearing the end of another year already. As is common for many Americans, new year’s resolutions are being considered as the holiday season is upon us. For smokers, cutting back or quitting altogether is a common resolution, for good reasons.

When you quit, NOT smoking can cut your risk for heart attack in half. If you quit before age 40, you can also reduce excess mortality that’s attributed to smoking by 90%. Quit before you turn 30 and you’ll reduce this by more than 97%. However, it’s not just YOU who benefits when you quit. Second-hand smoke contains at least 50 known carcinogens and other harmful chemicals.

Smokers shorten their life expectancy by 10–15 years on average. It is responsible for an estimated 30% of all cancer diseases and deaths and 90% of all lung cancers and increases the risk of lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, cervical cancer, cancer of the  kidneys, liver cancer, bladder cancer, stomach cancer and leukemia. Smoking or chewing of tobacco causes 80 – 90% of oral cancers (mouth, lips, throat).  Smokers who are also alcohol drinkers have a risk of oral cancer greater than the combined risk of those who only smoke and those who only drink alcohol. Smoking is also a cause for emphysema and other respiratory diseases, heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Pregnant women who smoke create heightened risks of first trimester spontaneous abortions, placenta abruption, preterm births, low birth weight babies and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Women are also at risk for early menopause. Men who smoke have a higher risk for sperm abnormalities and impotency.

Tobacco contains chemicals that are known to be harmful to the body. Smokers also have an increased risk of periodontal (gum) disease, bad breath, stained teeth, an increase in dental plaque, and slow healing after extractions, gum therapy or oral surgery.

Smoking dries out the oral tissues, creating a vulnerable environment for the rapid growth of oral bacteria. Once gum disease begins, you can expect persistent bad breath, sore gums, gums that bleed easily when you brush and gums that turn red in color. As the disease progresses, pus pockets will form at the base of teeth. The teeth will become loose as the bacteria destroys bone and tissues that support tooth roots. Eventually, these teeth will require removal.

If you ever needed a reason to quit, look at the loved ones around you who not only breathe in the deadly smoke you exhale. Then, consider the health problems they’ll likely see you endure. Finally, imagine losing your smile and having to wear dentures or partials to replace the teeth you lost due to the effects of smoking.

There are a number of online support sources for those who wish to quit. Begin there, and be committed to keeping this resolution. Your life, literally, depends on it.

As a periodontal specialist, I’m acutely aware of the factors that contribute to oral bacteria. Oral bacteria is the reason for gum disease, cavities, leading cause of tooth loss and an inflammatory trigger for health problems elsewhere in the body. Obviously, oral bacteria is no small issue.

One of the biggest factors when I see a new patient with gum disease is typically dry mouth. Even though poor oral hygiene is a major contributor when it comes to bacteria in the mouth, dry mouth is so common because it has many causes.

Saliva is necessary for a number of reasons. It helps to move food around in the mouth as you chew and delivers an acid that aids in the digestion. It also serves as a constant rinse that removes food particles from the mouth. This helps to keep bacteria under control.

When saliva flow is compromised, the reproduction of oral bacteria runs rampant. Some factors, such as smoking, alcohol, caffeine (coffee, colas, chocolate), and some medications are known to be drying to oral tissues.

When saliva flow is insufficient to overcome these agents, bacteria reproduce at an alarmingly rapid rate. Once saliva becomes unable to efficiently rinse these elements from the mouth, oral bacteria can quickly multiply. This is why you may feel a film on teeth before brushing at night. This film is a buildup of bacteria that has accumulated in just the short amount of time since you brushed that morning.

While some causes of dry mouth are obvious, others are not. Mouth breathing is one. Some illnesses or health conditions, such as snoring or sinus conditions, can lead to frequent mouth breathing.

People who have Sjogren’s Syndrome or are undergoing certain HIV or cancer treatments are more susceptible to dry mouth. And, with the aging process comes less oral moisture.

Obviously, good saliva flow is necessary to help in the prevention of gum disease, cavities and even tooth loss. It’s important to drink plenty of water during the day or use oral rinses that replenish moisture. Certain prescription types may be advised for individual needs. However, it is important that you are proactive when dry mouth becomes an ongoing or even temporary condition.

Consider this – if oral bacteria can form a sticky film of bacteria between brushing in the morning and at night, imagine the damage they are capable of without the continual cleansing action of saliva. As a Periodontist, I know this is a common cause for problems that can be expensive and time consuming to treat. And, with the right measures, we can help you prevent them.

Let’s work together to avoid the problems that come from dry mouth. If you feel your mouth is occasionally dry during the day or are aware of the factors that contribute to dry mouth, call us at 828-274-9440 to schedule an exam. Preventing problems in the first place is the best way to save both time and money!

If you like history, you’ll find the following information both interesting and potentially useful, especially if you ever lose a natural tooth.

Dental implants actually date back to ancient Egyptian times. Archeological digs have discovered seashells and stones that were carved into tooth shapes. These were found positioned into jaw bones to serve as replacements for missing teeth.

Over the years, metal and other dental implant versions (including gold) have been found to exist in ancient cultures in North and South America as well as Middle Asia and the Mediterranean. One exciting find occurred in Honduras during the 1930’s. An excavation revealed the Mayan civilization of 600 AD had examples of dental implants. This was determined when a fragment of a lower human jaw bone was discovered with three carved shells in tooth shapes that had been placed in the sockets of three missing teeth.

In the Middle Ages, dental implantation was performed by attempting certain grafting techniques. However, these proved minimally successful due to infections that were not uncommon, some of which resulted in deaths.

Advancements in dental implants took a major jump during World War II when Dr. Norman Goldberg was serving in the Army. Realizing that some metals had been used successfully to replace other parts of the body, he began to apply this to dental implants. After the war, he and Dr. Aaron Gershkoff created the first successful implant type in modern times, the sub-periosteal implant.

Their success became the foundation of implant dentistry, inspiring more research. In 1957, Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark, a Swedish orthopedic surgeon, discovered that living bone could grow around a new metal developed by NASA, called titanium. He found this metal would integrate successfully with bone without being rejected. This process became known as ‘osseo-integration’ and was the beginning of numerous studies.

In 1965, Dr. Branemark placed the first titanium implants in a mid-30’s patient, inserting four implants into the patient’s lower jaw. After allowing the bone to secure the implanted portions for several months, he attached a set of replacement teeth. The dental implants were fully functional for the patient for over 40 years throughout the life of the patient.

Dr. Brånemark’s success marked a turning point in implant dentistry with advanced techniques that are used still today. The Food & Drug Administration approved titanium dental implants in 1982. This furthered the development of fine-tuning implant systems and techniques, including computerized implant treatment planning.

In addition to the dependable function and longevity of today’s implants, modern ceramics has been incorporated into the restoration process. Teeth attached to the implants can be designed to provide the look and feel of natural teeth. Today’s Dental Implant patient can enjoy the best of all worlds!

The average age of today’s dental implant patient is 53, most who are replacing a single tooth or several. It is estimated that over 450,000 dental implants are placed every year with a success rate of 95% with minimum risks or complications.

Now that your history lesson is complete, the lingering question may be, “Why do so many people choose dental implants today?” That’s easy. Just ask someone who has had a dental implant to replace a partial, crown-&-bridge combination or full arch of dentures. Dental implants give them a lifetime solution for their missing teeth with dependable function and stability. And, their smile shows no signs of ‘false’ teeth.

If you’ve thought about dental implants, learn the type that’s best for your needs after an examination. We can then discuss recommended implant options, costs and treatment time. Call 828-274-9440 to schedule.

Our bodies are full of bacteria. Certain bacteria are good, such as bacteria in the gut. This is why some people take a probiotic supplement to ensure they have a sufficient level so digestion functions efficiently.

While bacteria in our bodies is a fact of life, it is our job to control the levels. By eating a proper diet, keeping our bodies clean and tending to cuts and illnesses, we support our health with bacteria levels under control.

Too much bacteria sends signals to us. For example, if you don’t take a shower for several days, the bacteria buildup on skin creates an odor. An excess of bacteria in the mouth sends signals, also.

Saliva in the mouth is designed to help wash away some of the oral bacteria that occurs from food particles left behind. Our job is to remove this debris on a daily basis before oral bacteria begin a come-one-come-all feast. Brushing and flossing help accomplish this.

Bacteria are living organisms. They eat, reproduce and excrete waste. As they multiply, they form colonies that attack anything that can be consumed. This includes tooth enamel and gum tissues.

Saliva can only do so much. It’s ability to work efficiently can easily be hampered by factors that decrease saliva production. These include smoking, some medications, mouth breathing, drinking alcoholic beverages and some illnesses.

Your mouth will send signals when too much bacteria has accumulated. Your breath will smell bad and your gums may become sore and bleed when brushing. When prompt action is not taken to conquer the overload of bacteria, the destruction continues and becomes more severe.

As oral bacteria eat away at tooth enamel and gum tissues, cavities occur and gum disease penetrates tissues at a deeper level. Pus pockets form at the base of teeth, gums turn a darker color and teeth eventually begin to loosen. Periodontal (gum) disease is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss.

Yet, oral bacteria from gum disease can cause problems far beyond the mouth. They can become bloodborne through tears in diseased gum tissues. Research has found that oral bacteria can trigger inflammatory reactions that put your overall health at risk. Oral bacteria has been linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, arthritis, diabetes, preterm babies and impotency.

The health problems that originate with oral bacteria can so easily be avoided. Twice daily brushing, flossing daily, drinking plenty of water and seeing a general dentist twice a year can help keep oral bacteria levels under control. These simple measures are so minimal when considering the broad spectrum of problems they can help you avoid.

If your mouth is sending you warning signs – persistent bad breath and sore and bleeding gums – act promptly to avoid much in time and expense while protecting your overall health.

As a dental specialist with advanced training and skills to treat gum disease, a Periodontist is your partner in helping you restore a healthy mouth and maintaining it.

Call 828-274-9440 to schedule an examination. And, the sooner the better. Gum disease will only worsen without treatment.