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!

As a Periodontal Specialist, I see a great many adults who have developed gum disease, and lost teeth as a result, because of dental fear. Although modern techniques and advanced technology in dentistry greatly enhance comfort with less time required for treatment, these advancements do nothing to help fearful patients overcome dental fears.

Sadly, dental fear prevents many adults from having regular dental care or receiving treatment when problems are small. Many will wait until there is an urgent need that ‘forces’ them into a dental office. In our office, most fearful patients begin with a Consultation appointment.

In the Consultation, we discuss their current situation, goals and concerns. I find many perceive a sense of lost control while in a reclined position in a narrow chair, which makes them feel vulnerable. Because the mouth is a very sensitive area, fearful patients actually anticipate pain. These patients often need time to gain confidence in my commitment to their comfort.

While dental fear is not uncommon among adults, it can be overcome. Most fearful patients begin with Oral Sedation, which is taken prior to your arrival so you are relaxed from the very start. Once you are in the treatment chair, a staff member is continually by your side to monitor you with sophisticated equipment.

Numbing medications are provided once you are totally relaxed, so this part of the process causes no anxiety. You’ll be relaxed throughout your visit and likely won’t remember any part of treatment. Yet, afterwards, recovery is quick and you’ll feel refreshed.

If dental fears prevent you from a healthy, confident smile, remember that every journey begins with a first step. Call (828) 274-9440 for a Consultation appointment. We’ll meet and discuss your options so you can decide how you wish to proceed.

Recent statistics on Americans who floss on a daily basis are just slightly more than 50%. With only half of Americans flossing daily, it nearly parallels the averaged percentage of men and women who brush their teeth twice a day. Only 57% of women brush twice daily with only 49% of men brushing twice daily.

Tooth brushing should last for two minutes and done twice each day. Daily flossing takes around a minute once you are in the habit and comfortable with the technique. These measures help you to avoid cavities and the development of gingivitis.

Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal (gum) disease. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) shows that nearly 53% of American adults over the age of 20 have gingivitis.

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums. This begins when bacteria multiply and create a sticky film on oral surfaces, which hardens into plaque if not removed on a daily basis. Signs of gingivitis include gums that bleed easily, become tender and redden in color. If allowed to progress, gingivitis develops into periodontal disease, which is the nation’s leading cause of tooth loss.

Sadly, 24% of adult males in America between the ages of 65 – 74 have had all their natural teeth extracted with females at 27%. These are sad statistics in a country where dental care is plentiful. Yet, as statistics show, it’s not a priority for far too many. If you suspect any form of periodontal disease, call (828) 274-9440. We’ll help you avoid the pitfalls of gum disease.

After the completion of high school, dentists enter college to receive their undergraduate degree, perhaps in biology, which typically requires four years to achieve. Once this is completed, they enter a university that has a dental school and continue studies in the field of dentistry. This requires another four years for most.

After receiving their Doctorate in Dental Science (or Doctorate in Dental Medicine), those dentists wishing to specialize in a particular area of dentistry continue their education and training. For periodontists, this requires another two to three years of specialized training to focus on all issues pertaining to the health tissues in the mouth, dental implant placement, and esthetic treatment involving gum tissue.

Once specialty training is completed, some periodontists take the board-certification examination. This is offered by the American Board of Periodontology on an annual basis. Board certification in periodontology indicates the specialist has made significant achievements beyond the mandatory educational requirements of the specialty and demonstrated a comprehensive mastery of all phases of treating periodontal disease and in implant placement. Once Board Certified, he or she must go through a re-certification process every six years.

Although Board Certification is not required for a Periodontal Specialist to treat patients, it is added assurance that the specialist has perfected their skill level to the highest standards.

If you have questions regarding the specialty of Periodontics or Board Certification, feel free to contact us at (828) 274-9440. Or, you may wish to visit the web site of the American Academy of Periodontology at www.perio.org.