Avoid Bad Breath

Posted on Sep 11, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Whether at work, home with family members or mingling at social gatherings, knowing our breath is fresh makes us feel more confident. Naturally, we can’t always count on having fresh breath. A morning of coffee or a hot dog lunch, for example, can leave us sensing that being in close proximity can raise an eyebrow. Even worse, bad breath can leave an impression – a lasting one, at that.

Occasional bad breath is a nuisance and can generally be controlled with good oral hygiene, keeping our mouth moist and limiting sugar. However, frequent bad breath is not only embarrassing, it is a warning sign.

Persistent bad breath is one of the symptoms of periodontal (gum) disease. You may also notice tender gums that bleed easily when brushing or have swollen areas around some teeth.

However, gum disease can begin without obvious warning signs. By the time symptoms emerge, it is often at a level known as gingivitis. If not resolved promptly, subsequent stages will require prompt treatment.

As gum disease advances, symptoms include gums that turn red in color and become sore, swollen and bleed easily. You’ll have persistent bad breath and may develop pus-filled pockets near the base of some teeth. Eventually, teeth loosen and require removal.

The majority of bad breath (known clinically as ‘halitosis’) comes from the accumulation of oral bacteria in the mouth. Oral bacteria coat the teeth, gums, tongue, inside of cheeks and roof of the mouth.

Good saliva flow helps to keep this bacteria moving out of the mouth. However, when brushing is infrequent or insufficient or the mouth becomes dry, saliva becomes unable to manage the bacteria levels in the mouth.

Another contributor to oral bacteria in the mouth is wearing a denture. The ‘gum’ portion of a denture is made from a porous material. Bacteria are able to live and breed in these tiny hideouts. Food that is caught between teeth and not removed by brushing or flossing also contributes to bacteria growth that saliva can’t always keep up with.

As bacteria thrive and reproduce, they coat the inside of the mouth and form a sticky film. This film is known as ‘plaque.’ Plaque that remains for more than a day or so can harden into ‘tartar,’ or ‘calculus.’ This attaches to teeth and is resistant to being brushed or flossed away. These bacterial masses attack tooth enamel and gum tissues if not removed by a dental professional.

Keeping a moist mouth is very important to oral hygiene. Drinking plenty of water during the day is advised. Colas, sweet tea, and energy drinks actually make dryness worse. You should also monitor the medications you take (both prescription and over-the-counter) and look for side effects that include oral dryness. And, smoking is one of the worst contributors of all to oral dryness.

Proper brushing and flossing is necessary. Brush for at least two minutes twice daily and rinse thoroughly. Use a circular motion rather than scrub teeth back and forth to avoid damaging tender gum tissues. Never use a hard bristle tooth brush or brush with harsh substances such as baking soda!

After brushing, use a tongue scraper to uproot oral bacteria embedded in the grooves of the tongue. This will significantly lower bacteria levels. As a matter of fact, Dentistry IQ states that “A study at the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine found that 80 to 90% of bad breath comes from bacteria on the tongue” and is “the largest niche for microorganisms in the oral cavity.” (http://www.dentistryiq.com/articles/2014/04/a-deeper-look-into-tongue-cleaning.html)

 

An advantage of achieving and maintaining a clean, healthy mouth is having confidence when close to others. Plus, you’ll be contributing to the health and well-being of your entire body. Research has shown that a healthy mouth is a supportive component of a healthy you!

If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease or are concerned your breath is frequently bad, call 828.274.9440. Let’s help you establish a healthy smile and feel confident in closeness!

Correcting A Gummy Smile With Beautiful Results!

Posted on Sep 06, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

A smile says a lot. A warm, genuine smile sends a message to others of acceptance and joy. A beautiful smile also complements appearance and can relay an impression of confidence, happiness and openness.

As a Periodontist, I treat the soft tissues of the mouth in addition to placing dental implants and treating gum disease. As an expert in oral gum tissues, I have advanced training that enables me to create gum tissue contours to give a natural appearance and provide healthy seals around teeth.

For people who have a ‘gummy smile,’ too much gum line is visible above the upper teeth in a full smile. While this trait does not interfere with the ability to have and maintain a healthy smile, for many, it causes them to ‘hold back’ rather than smile fully. Some people cover their smiles with a hand or try to smile with lips only.

For many with a gummy smile, the deterrents to having it repaired are (1) cost; (2) treatment discomfort; and (3) treatment time. However, in consultations with patients, I explain how modern techniques ensure exceptional comfort and reduce healing time. Often, once the patient is better informed as to what to expect, they are receptive to proceeding.

Gum re-contouring is the procedure to correct a gummy smile, referred to as a ‘gingivectomy.’ It is performed to remove the excess gum tissue that arches over the teeth most visible in a smile.

To begin, we numb the gum tissues and carefully trim the excess. As a Periodontist, I take specific measures to ensure a natural looking arch remains over the teeth while preserving the natural points that ‘dip’ between each tooth.

It’s normal to experience some tenderness or swelling after the procedure, however, most patients do fine by applying an ice pack off and on for the first day. In most cases, over-the-counter pain medications are sufficient, however, we make prescription strength options available to ensure comfort during the healing process.

Healing time depends on each individual and can vary from a few days to a few weeks. For patients who smoke, healing times are longer due to smoking’s drying effect on gum tissues.

Most gingivectomies are followed by crown lengthening procedures that enhance the appearance of the teeth most visible in a smile. Crown lengthening uses porcelain veneers or crowns to give a beautiful, even smile line.

Treatment fees depend on the extent of the condition and whether crowns or veneers will be applied following treatment. In either case, beautiful results can occur, helping the individual who once ‘held back’ to smile confidently and reveal a more outgoing, vibrant personality!

A healthy smile is a benefit to our overall health. An attractive, confident smile is beneficial to our self-image, helping us to feel good from the inside out! Call 828-274-9440 for a consultation to discuss a gingivectomy and what is recommended for your specific need.

Dementia Adds To Periodontal Disease Risk For Aging Population

Posted on Aug 08, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Our population is getting older, and not just that of the U.S.  Globally, nations are looking at an aging population and how to address the diminished physical and cognitive abilities facing them.

In Stockholm, Sweden, for example, researchers from the Karolinska Institute examined the data of over 58,000 persons between 2007 and 2015, including dental health data. Common problems associated with aging include xerostomia (dry mouth), root and tooth decay, and periodontal disease along with increased sensitivity to local anesthetics.

Researchers found that a reduction in the utilization of dental health services was more predominant in patients with neuro-degenerative diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s, a particular form of dementia. Those who experienced diminished cognitive function were at higher risk of developing several oral conditions, including periodontal disease. (http://www.dental-tribune.com/articles/news/europe/35704_frequency_of_dental_visits_dramatically_decreases_after_dementia_diagnosis.html)

Although forgetting twice-daily brushing and flossing and having regular dental visits may seem less urgent than tending to other health care issues, research is continually linking serious, and even deadly, diseases and conditions to the oral bacteria of periodontal disease. These include heart attack, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, preterm babies, impotency, some cancers, and erectile dysfunction (ED).

The massive Swedish study is a reminder that older adults may need added assistance when it comes to making their oral health a priority. This applies to at-home oral care routines and having periodic dental check-ups. For those in the U.S., the need is now and only becoming more dire with each passing year.

According to the U.S. Census (https://www.census.gov/newsroom/facts-for-features/2017/cb17-ff08.html), “By 2060, people age 65 and older will comprise nearly one in four U.S. residents. Of this number, 19.7 million will be age 85 or older.”

And, the Centers For Disease Control & Prevention adds that life expectancy is nearing the age 100 mark with both sexes at 65 years having an average of another 19.3 years to live. While men at 65 years are looking at another 18 years (on average), age 65 women have an average of an additional 20.5 years.

These figures are especially alarming since studies show a dramatic decrease in the number of dental visits before and after a dementia diagnosis. The first step, obviously, is better organization to detect these patients and ensure they attend to their dental health.

If you have an aging loved one in your care who may be showing signs of dementia, consider ways to help them keep their oral health in good condition. This applies to those who have their natural teeth as well as those who wear dentures or partials. Many people assume that not having natural teeth eliminates the risk of developing gum disease. To the contrary, dentures and partials can rub sore spots on tender gum tissues, making them more vulnerable to bacterial penetration.

Begin by having a periodontist conduct a thorough periodontal examination to determine if there is the presence of periodontal disease. If not, he or she can help establish an effective at-home program to follow and schedule more-frequent dental check-ups.

Through research, we’re learning that maintaining good overall health starts with a healthy smile. Staying healthy throughout our lifetimes is a goal we can all strive for and an easy, loving way to help our aging population.

Call 828-274-9440.

To Floss Or Not? Should It Really Be A Debate?

Posted on Aug 01, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

If you could see what I see.

Most of us see very little of the insides of our mouths. As a matter of fact, until the arrival of intra-oral cameras, it was sometimes challenging to convince patients that they needed treatment for certain things that didn’t hurt.

Intra-oral cameras are designed to give patients, while seated in the treatment chair, clear, enlarged views of specific areas in the mouth. When an individual can see red, receded gums or deep tooth fractures, the decision to treat often changes from IF to WHEN.

As a periodontal specialist, I treat all levels of periodontal disease. Over the years, I’ve helped patients go from nearly losing their natural teeth to saving them and having a healthy, confident smile. It’s impressive when a person goes from taking their oral health for granted to being highly committed.

Yet, I still find myself trying to convince some people that daily flossing is an advantage. It DOES make a difference! According to the Delta Dental Oral Health and Well-Being Survey (http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2014-archive/october/survey-finds-shortcomings-in-oral-health-habits):

“Only four of 10 Americans floss at least once a day, and 20 percent never floss.”

Perhaps this is one reason why over 47% of American adults have some level of gum disease, which is also the leading cause of tooth loss. While brushing twice daily helps to remove oral bacteria buildup (a sticky film known as plaque) from tooth surfaces, bits of food caught between teeth aren’t easily dislodged by the bristles of a tooth brush.

Over recent years, a few studies have shown minimal benefit from flossing. Yet, upon closer scrutiny, flaws in the studies were quickly argued. For example, one study followed children who were allowed to floss their own teeth.

It has been noted that the flossing technique can be what makes the action less effective, rather than the act of flossing itself. For example, the American Dental Association recommends curving the floss along the sides of each tooth and firmly, but carefully, motioning it up and down. This moves the floss gently down to reach slightly below where the tooth connects with the gum tissues, getting at the ‘hiding’ spot for much oral bacteria accumulation.

Like the intra-oral camera, having a firsthand, enlarged view of what’s going on in a mouth is a powerful image. If you looked at a stand of floss under a microscope AFTER flossing your teeth, you’d have a pretty frightening impression of exactly what you DO NOT want crawling around and breeding in your mouth.

Oral bacteria are micro-organisms. In other words, they’re bugs living and reproducing in the mouth. Saliva flow is designed to help rinse these out during the day. However, brushing thoroughly twice a day is what keeps them to manageable levels.

Flossing grabs those bits that are left behind. If not removed, these left-behind pieces begin to rot and add to bacteria levels in the mouth. Oral bacteria gets its strength in numbers. The more there are, the more rapidly they multiply.

Keeping oral bacteria levels under control takes a commitment, yet requires just minutes a day. The reason your mouth feels ‘fuzzy’ and you feel your breath is bad when it’s dry is because saliva has been depleted and oral bacteria is running rampant. Add sugary foods and beverages and acidic colas and you super-charge oral bacteria further.

As research shows on a continual basis, your overall health is intricately linked to your oral health. The bacteria of gum disease has shown correlations to a number of serious health problems, including everything from heart disease to preterm babies. Obviously, the small amount of time taken to floss daily – and to do it correctly – is worth the advantages of lowering the risk of developing cavities, gum disease and other diseases and conditions.

We are happy to help our patients develop an at-home care regimen that helps them to enjoy a healthy mouth and fresh breath between regular dental check-ups. Call 828-274-9440 to schedule a thorough examination.