Is Gum Health Related To Mental Sharpness?

Posted on Dec 03, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Mental alertness seems to decline as people age. But, could this have more to do with tooth loss and inflamed gums than the aging process? The findings of a study indicate a possible association between oral health and cognitive function (the mental process of knowing, awareness, perception, reasoning, and judgment) in middle aged adults. As part of the national Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study, researchers investigated whether tooth loss and the presence of periodontal (gum) disease relate to reduced mental function.

Participants included over 11,000 late middle–aged adults who were studied from 1996 through 1998. Researchers measured delayed word recall, digit-symbol substitution and word fluency accompanied by a dental screening. Of the 8,554 participants who had natural teeth remaining, nearly 6,000 were given oral exams to measure dental condition, number of natural teeth and presence of inflammation from gum disease. Adjustments were made for factors including smoking, alcohol use and diabetes.

Approximately 13% of the study’s participants were totally without teeth. Of the participants with remaining natural teeth, over 27% had less than 20 teeth. Over 12% of those showed some level of periodontal (gum) disease.

Compared with participants who had natural teeth remaining, those without any natural teeth had lower scores for all cognitive tests. For participants who had fewer teeth and bleeding gums, they had lower digit-symbol substitution and word fluency scores.

The researchers feel the findings show that the absence of natural teeth relates to having less mental sharpness. Tooth loss and bleeding gums (a sign of periodontal bacteria) also seems to indicate reduced mental function among middle age people who still have some or all natural teeth.

Does being without teeth and having gum disease mean you are at risk for cognitive decline? Or, can gum inflammation negatively effect an adult’s mental sharpness as early as middle age? As research continues, we will keep you updated on the findings.

In the meantime, remember that prior research has already established that the health of your mouth effects your overall health. The bacteria of gum disease can become bloodborne through inflamed tissues and cause adverse reactions elsewhere in the body. This bacteria has been associated with coronary artery disease, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies, and memory loss.

Be  committed to your oral health and your entire body will thank you!

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.

Tackle Gum Disease Sooner Than Later

Posted on Nov 26, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

While regular dental check-ups and cleanings are designed to help you maintain a healthy mouth and catch problems at the earliest stage possible, these visits are not structured to treat a mouth that shows signs of gum disease.

Like many diseases that form in our bodies, there are no obvious signs as gum disease is first forming. For example, by the time many women discover a lump in their breast, it is because it has grown to a sizable mass. This is why mammograms are recommended at regular intervals, so a growth can be remedied when treatment requirements are (hopefully) still minimal.

The initial stages of gum disease are silent. Once symptoms emerge, such as gums that bleed when brushing or persistent bad breath, a more intensive form of “cleaning” is required. This can be successfully and comfortably completed by a Periodontal Specialist, who is specifically trained to treat even late-stage periodontal disease.

By seeking this specialized care, you can hopefully avoid tooth loss. Gum disease is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss, often due to delay in treatment. Once the mouth is restored to good oral health, resuming a committed home care regimen and regular dental cleanings can help keep it that way.

Maintaining good oral health is also necessary to support overall health. The bacteria of gum disease has been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies and impotency. Research has continually shown just how devastating oral bacteria can be once it enters the bloodstream through diseased gum tissue.

Without treatment, gum disease will continue to worsen. The gums become sore and tender and pus pockets form around teeth. Eventually, teeth will loosen and have to be removed. Tooth loss creates an entirely new set of problems.

If you suspect you have gum disease, take proactive measures now by getting periodontal disease effectively treated. Call (828) 274-9440 for an appointment.

Link Between Arthritis And Gum Disease

Posted on Nov 20, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disabling condition that can lead to long-term joint damage, persistent pain and loss of function. Studies now show that adults with RA have a higher incidence of periodontal (gum) disease.

Although RA symptoms can affect manual dexterity, which can make tending to oral hygiene more difficult, research shows that other factors may play a role as well.
An extensive study concluded that RA patients are nearly 8 times more likely to have periodontal disease.

While the results showed that oral hygiene played a significant role, a recent study’s results suggest that rheumatoid arthritis is associated with periodontal disease. Because RA and gum disease are both systemic inflammatory disorders, inflammation seems to be the internal trigger that links the two diseases.

If you have RA or know someone who does, or if RA runs in your family, it’s important to achieve and maintain good oral health. Call (828) 274-9440 for an appointment. New patients are always welcome with patient comfort a priority at all times.