Long Teeth & Receded Gums

Posted on Dec 01, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Does your smile make you look older than you really are (or want to look)?

Gum recession causes the dark portions of tooth roots to be exposed and makes teeth look long. Gum recession can occur as a result of periodontal disease, aging, aggressive brushing, smoking (which dries oral tissues), clenching and/or grinding teeth, or having crooked teeth.

Exposed roots are unappealing and heighten your risk for developing cavities. Several procedures are available to cover exposed roots, reduce further gum recession and protect vulnerable roots from decay.

To discuss options best for your particular situation, call us at (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation appointment.

How To Spend Less On Dental Care

Posted on Nov 18, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As a Periodontal Specialist, I see the insides of many, many mouths. Occasionally, I see a patient who wants to improve the appearance of their smile, such as through crown lengthening or repairing a ‘gummy smile.’ In most cases, however, the mouths I see are in dire need of care.

Whether an adult is at my office for dental implant placement due to lost teeth or needs their gum health restored due to periodontal disease, most of these situations are avoidable. And, their condition is not always one of neglect as much as from a lack of knowledge.

While commercials promote denture creams, tooth paste and whitening strips, there has been little public awareness of how to adequately care for one’s teeth and gum health. A dental hygienist may urge you to floss, but do you really know how? Or, do you know why you should and what can happen if you don’t?

A vast amount of research is showing how your oral health can impact your overall health and even contribute to the onset of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis and preterm babies. Yet, the American population still lacks the understanding of how easy it is to prevent problems from occurring in the mouth in the first place.

This year, be determined to save your money on dentistry and spend mere minutes per day tending to your oral health. The key is to:

Floss daily – Ask for a ‘flossing lesson’ if you’re having difficulty

Brush thoroughly (at least twice a day) using a soft bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste

Swish after meals when you cannot brush and drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist

Use a tongue scrapper daily to remove bacteria embedded in the tongue

Maintain your 6-month dental check-ups and cleanings

Keep between-meal snacking to a minimum and avoid sugar whenever possible

If you have soft enamel, ask your dentist for sealants. When teeth are cracked or fractured, have them crowned as soon as possible.

If you are missing teeth, replace them – preferably with dental implants.

We tend to spend many hundreds of dollars on the upkeep of our automobiles, yet, balk at investing in our oral health and appearance. Your smile is worth the attention you can give it each day to keep your smile in good working order and looking great! Be as committed to your smile as your vehicle and you’ll save time, money and enjoy overall health benefits all day, every day!

 

Keep Your Breath Close-Up Fresh For Holiday Gatherings

Posted on Nov 13, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Being in close conversations with family, friends or co-workers can quickly become an uneasy situation if bad breath comes between you. For those of us who’ve encountered someone who had bad breath, we tend to associate them with their breath odor from then on. While chewing gum in social settings doesn’t make for a polished impression, bad breath makes a worse one. Fortunately, you can have breath fresh without needing gum as a crutch.

For positive impressions as you celebrate this holiday season, keep your mouth as bacteria-free as possible. This requires a daily regimen of brushing (at least twice – in the morning and before bedtime) and flossing between teeth. Also, a tremendous amount of bacteria are embedded in the grooves of the tongue. When brushing, finish up by brushing the tongue or use a tongue scraper.

Be committed to your six-month dental check-ups and cleanings, which rid your mouth of bacteria accumulation since your last visit. If you are not maintaining those visits regularly, see a periodontal specialist for a thorough exam. A Periodontist specializes in care of the gums and helps you achieve a ‘clean slate,’ so having fresh breath and a healthy smile are easier to maintain.

It is also helpful to limit beverages containing alcohol, which is drying to the mouth. Certain medications, age, or particular foods and beverages can also cause dry mouth. Drink plenty of water. If you take medications that are drying, ask your doctor if there are alternatives. Decrease your intake of alcohol, caffeine and spicy foods as well. Smoking is horribly drying to oral tissues. If you smoke, this is yet another reason to give it up.

Enjoy the holidays with close conversations and hugs with those you love, leaving an impression that makes them smile! Call (828) 274-9440 if you would like to schedule a consultation or an exam appointment. We’ll be happy to help you begin your holiday on a “fresh” start!

 

Sources of Bad Breath

Posted on Oct 15, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

We’ve all run into people who have “morning breath,” (the result of not brushing after the mouth has been closed all night while bacteria accumulates, developing a sticky film known as plaque). “Coffee breath” is another odor that can be offensive, which is the result of coffee’s drying tendency to oral tissues. Without sufficient saliva flow to give the mouth a natural cleansing, bacteria build and mix with the coffee scent to create a strong, unpleasant scent.

Dry mouth may also be a result of smoking or drinking alcohol. Other culprits are some medications, a problem with the salivary glands, or continual breathing through the mouth. Some diseases and illnesses can contribute to bad breath as well, including pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, diabetes, acid reflux, and liver or kidney problems.

Morning breath, coffee breath and odors from eating foods like onions and garlic are temporary. Once you brush and rinse thoroughly, you can expect your breath to become more pleasant. Persistent bad breath, however, may be the a side effect of medication, an illness, or periodontal (gum) disease.

As a periodontal specialist, I’m very much aware of the distinct odor produced by gum disease. Although it varies slightly from person to person, it has a different scent than that of typical bad breath. The best way to determine gum disease as the true source is through a periodontal exam.

In addition to persistent bad breath, periodontal disease symptoms include gum tenderness, gums that bleed when brushing, and gums that are red in color rather than a healthy pink.

It’s not unusual for adults to avoid much-needed dental care because of dental fears. Many adults carry with them traumatic dental experiences from the past all of their lives. Although new techniques and technology now create more comfortable procedures, a relationship of trust between the patient and his or her dentist is needed.

Oral sedation is one option that can help fearful patients have the dental treatment they need. This places the patient in a totally relaxed state and erases most memory of the procedure afterward.

Regardless of the source of unpleasant breath odor, it is imperative to one’s overall health to have and maintain good oral health. The bacteria of gum disease has been linked to serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, memory loss, diabetes, impotency and others.

If you’re past due for dental care, call us at (828) 274-7440. You can begin with a Consultation to discuss your symptoms and have all your questions answered.