Easy Ways To Save On Dentistry

Posted on May 14, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As a Periodontal Specialist, I see many patients with various levels of periodontal (gum) disease, which is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss. Depending on the extent of their periodontal disease, the amount of time and expense to restore a healthy mouth is never a welcome expense. However, gum disease does not improve without treatment and, in addition to eventual tooth loss, can trigger an inflammatory reaction in the body. The bacteria of gum disease has been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, memory loss, preterm babies and impotency.

We have a ‘no lecture’ policy in our office, which means our patients are always treated with respect. Yet, when our treatment plan and fees are presented to periodontally-compromised patients, we often hear a little voice in the back of our subconscious whispering, “This could have been so easily prevented in the first place.”

While some people are simply more susceptible to the components of oral bacteria, there are simple, inexpensive ways to prevent the majority of problems that result in dental fees. And, the steps require mere minutes per day. They include:

– Brush with a medium or soft bristle toothbrush for at least 2 minutes twice a day. Use a fluoridated toothpaste.

– Use a tongue scrapper once a day to remove embedded bacteria in the tongue. Make several swipes starting at the back and moving forward, rinsing after each pass. These are inexpensive and available in most oral care sections of your nearest drug store. Until you purchase one, use your toothbrush to go over your tongue thoroughly after brushing. Swish with water several times.

– Floss your teeth daily. This seems such a difficult task for adults, yet, once in the habit, it’s easy, fast, and you’ll notice the ‘good feeling’ it provides so much that you’ll be able to tell when you’ve missed a day.

– If you take medications that are drying to the mouth, drink lots of water and purchase an oral rinse to supplement the moisture needed. Saliva is a natural cleanser to the mouth. Insufficient amounts, due to age or drying effects of medications, make you more susceptible to bacterial buildup.

– See your dentist for a cleaning and exam twice a year. People tend to delay these visits or assume they aren’t necessary. However, you wouldn’t wait for your automobile’s oil light to go on before you schedule an oil and filter change, would you? Of course not, because you know the risk and potential expense that this delay could mean for your vehicle. Your mouth is no different. As a matter of fact, gum disease begins silently. By the time symptoms are obvious (persistent bad breath, sore gums, gums that bleed when brushing), your mouth is in immediate need of treatment.

Periodontists WANT you to NOT need them by maintaining a healthy mouth and keeping your natural teeth for a lifetime. Think of the money you’ll save by being committed to these easy, simple steps! Additionally, you’ll be enhancing your overall health through lowered risk of serious problems that oral bacteria can trigger.

Need an appointment? Call us at (828) 274-9440.

Easy Fresh Breath Tip

Posted on Apr 21, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

It’s always unpleasant to have a conversation with someone who has bad breath. Once it occurs, the memory of it tends to stick in our minds. It becomes what we think of each time we encounter them thereafter, even if their breath is fine.

Persistent bad breath is a symptom of Periodontal Disease, along with tender gums that bleed when you brush. However, if you are worried about occasional bad breath, be sure to floss daily and brush at least twice a day. In addition, here is a tip many people are unaware of how greatly it helps remove oral bacteria (the cause of standard ‘halitosis’).

After brushing your teeth, take your toothbrush and go over the entire surface of your tongue, especially in the back. Although you may gag when far back, this action is well worth it. The tongue, with its many grooves, provides an excellent home for bacteria to embed. The back of the tongue tends to harbor these bacteria the best.

You can also purchase a tongue scrapper at the drug store in the toothbrush section. Run this over your tongue a few times (rinsing after each swipe) to remove a great deal of bacteria in 3-4 passes.

Finally, use your toothbrush to clean other parts of your mouth after brushing. Run it over the roof of your mouth, under the tongue and inside the cheeks and lips. Finish with several good swishes of water.

You don’t have to fear being “that person” who leaves a bad breath impression! Decrease the bacteria in your mouth and you’ll give your breath a leg up!

If, however, your bad breath is frequent and you are experiencing tenderness or bleeding of the gums, you have Periodontal Disease. This will only worsen without treatment. Call (828) 297-9440 for an appointment.

Pace Eating For Your Weight AND Smile’s Health

Posted on Apr 10, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

The human body is a miraculous creation. From the moment you put food in your mouth, a process begins to break the contents down. This initial stage of digestion is of tremendous benefit to your body’s ability to absorb protein, vitamins and minerals. However, what takes place in the mouth can also create challenges to your teeth and gums.

Every time you eat or drink (other than water), an acid attack begins in the mouth. This acid can erode tooth enamel and open the door for oral bacteria accumulation. And, the worst type of acid attacks occur from consuming sugary foods and beverages.

Perhaps you enjoy a candy bar and soda mid-afternoons as a snack. Because the acid attack will last as long as you’re consuming, if you sip on a soda over the course of an hour, the acid’s destruction will last that long. This is why you should eat sweets as dessert rather than between meals as a snack. Since your mouth is already enduring an acid attack from your meal, extending it with dessert is better than triggering a new one during the day.

Brushing your teeth will negate the ill-effects of this acid. However, we recommend waiting about 30 minutes after eating since tooth enamel is at its most vulnerable in the midst and just following the acid’s presence. Give your saliva a half hour to dilute it and then brush. When you can’t brush, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. If you experience dry mouth due to medications or age, we can recommend rinses to keep your mouth moist and provide oral cleansing benefits.

Snacks such as carrots, celery and apples actually help to clean your teeth and cause a less-severe acid attack as those brought on by sweets. Be conscious of how your body shape AND your smile can benefit from healthier, well-paced eating and you’ll achieve a healthier you from head to toe!

Gum Disease & Breast Cancer Link

Posted on Feb 26, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Research continues to show how a healthy mouth relates to your overall health. For example, a recent study of 3,000 individuals in Sweden showed those with gum disease and missing teeth had greater than 11 times the risk for breast cancer. Past studies have already associated gum disease with heart disease, stroke, pancreatic cancer, and premature babies.

Gum disease begins with the formation of plaque, a bacterial film on the teeth and gums. As gum disease progresses, it can lead to bad breath, tender and bleeding gums, and eventual tooth loss. Gum disease is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss.

Although poor oral hygiene or failure to have regular dental cleanings are frequently blamed for gum disease, other factors can contribute. These include genetics, certain health problems that affect the immune system (leukemia, diabetes, AIDS, etc.), medical conditions or treatments that deplete saliva, smoking, stress, and diet.

To combat gum disease, your level of gum disease is first established. Naturally, the sooner it is treated, the less time and expense is required. Treatment may involve deep cleaning below the gum line, gum surgery, bone grafts and antibiotics.

If you suspect you have gum disease, it will only worsen without treatment. Call (828) 274-9440 promptly for a complete examination and treatment recommendations. Restoring your mouth to a healthy state is a positive way to avoid the risk for more serious health issues.