As a Periodontal Specialist, I am often referred patients who have developed gum disease or are missing teeth. Although periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss, you may be surprised to know how often this is a result of bite misalignment. While crooked or crowded teeth don’t always require bite realignment, they typically indicate problems that will occur, if they don’t already exist.

A bite that is not properly aligned can cause strain on jaw joints and facial muscles, which can lead to joint pain, headaches and migraines. Additionally, crowded and crooked teeth are more difficult to keep clean. This creates nooks and crevices where bacterial buildup can easily occur, leading to gingivitis and eventually gum disease.

In some cases, orthodontic treatment is necessary. Although wires and brackets have a less-than-fun reputation, today’s materials are more comfortable and can be barely visible. Some Orthodontists also offer clear molds that are removable for eating and brushing. However, these are typically recommended when minimal movement is needed.

Ideally, your smile should be a combination of healthy gums with a bite that works in harmony with head muscles and jaw joints. This provides you with a foundation that minimizes the risk for future problems.

Begin with an evaluation to ensure your gums are healthy so, if bite realignment is necessary, you’ll have minimal risks for complications during treatment. Also, ask about financial plans that can help you achieve a healthy mouth while making monthly payments that fit your budget. Call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation.

More aging adults are keeping their natural teeth, which is great news. According to the Coalition for the Oral Health for the Aging, the number of older adults with no natural teeth has declined — from 41% in 1986 to 21% in 2004. The importance of proper oral health for the U.S. population will become even more important over the next 20 years as the age group over 65 is expected to grow, from 12% in 2000 to 20% in 2030.

Keeping natural teeth is not the only component for a healthy mouth. Teeth rely on healthy gums and soft tissues of the mouth for a sound foundation. Periodontal (gum) disease, the nation’s leading cause of tooth loss among older adults, is treatable at any age.

The well-being of an aging mouth also correlates to your overall health. There’s evidence of an association between gum inflammation and serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Older adults with periodontal disease even face a 25% higher risk of death from pneumonia.

React quickly to symptoms of gum disease, including sore gums that bleed when brushing, receded gums, persistent bad breath, and gums that are dark red in color rather than a healthy pink. Gum disease does not improve without treatment and the earlier your mouth is restored to a healthy state, the less treatment will be required.

Call (828) 274-9440 to request an examination if you are experiencing any signs of gum disease.

Denture wearers often endure embarrassing slips, difficulty chewing and sore gums. While dentures do “replace” the appearance of teeth, their ability to restore stable chewing and security when speaking or laughing is inadequate for many.

Because Dental Implants can be more costly than wearing a denture, denture wearers often feel they cannot afford them. However, in many cases, we are able to attach a full denture to several strategically-placed Dental Implants. Since implant fees are based on the number of implants placed, this typically provides a significant savings. Plus, depending on the condition of the patient’s existing denture, we can occasionally use it, providing a further savings.

When dentures are supported by Dental Implants, biting and chewing stability is restored. This is because implants are anchored in the jaw bone, providing the same foundation as your natural teeth once had. They eliminate embarrassing slips or having to forgo the foods you love.

Another benefit of Dental Implants is their ability to halt bone resorption. Once natural tooth roots are no longer present in the jaw bone, the bone begins to shrink, or ‘resorb.’ The pressure of dentures on the boney ridge beneath the gums adds to this resorption. For those who sleep in their denture, this rate of bone resorption occurs on a 24/7 basis. Dental Implants help to halt bone resorption while restoring a natural look, feel and function.

To discuss implant-supported dentures, call (828) 274-9440 for a Consultation appointment. We hope to have you eating crisp apples and chewing thick steak again soon!

When I see a patient who requires time-consuming and expensive treatment for gum disease, I can’t help but think to myself, “This could have been easily prevented.” Daily flossing is one of the most effective means of avoiding periodontal disease, or greatly lessening its destruction.

Gum disease is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss. It begins with the formation of plaque, which is the accumulation of oral bacteria. As more and more bacteria form without removal, the plaque accumulates and hardens onto tooth surfaces. Plaque is a destructive component of tooth enamel and tender gum tissues.

As plaque continues to build, the bacteria ‘eat’ at gum tissue, leaving them sore, swollen and a deep red rather than a healthy pink. Eventually, tooth enamel is damaged and the bacteria works its way down tooth roots into supporting bone and tissues. Pus pockets form in gums around teeth and persistent bad breath can’t be brushed away.

The 2 minutes required for a thorough daily flossing can help to prevent gum disease since it decreases the amount of oral bacteria in the mouth. This small devotion of time can save you greatly in expenses required for repairs and restoration of a healthy mouth.

For flossing instructions or for a thorough examination of your mouth to determine the presence of gum disease, call (828) 274-9440 to arrange an appointment.