Tips For Arthritis Sufferers To Protect Oral Health

Posted on May 14, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

If you are an arthritis sufferer, you are twice as likely to develop periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease is the country’s number one cause of tooth loss and has been linked to serious health problems. These include coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes, and memory loss. Findings published by the Journal of Periodontology stated that patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) had an average tooth loss of 11.6 teeth compared to 6.7 teeth of other participants in the study.

RA is the nation’s leading cause of disability and limits the daily activities of over 7 million Americans. Because we understand the physical limitations RA can cause, the following tips are provided to make your oral hygiene at home easier.

• Water irrigators can remove food particles and plaque between teeth.

• Electric toothbrushes and floss holders can reduce the amount of effort required by the hands.

• Wrap toothbrush handles with a sponge hair roller to create a more comfortable, thicker grip.

• Replace knob-type faucets with levers, which are easier to turn on and off.

• Insufficient saliva in the mouth increases the risk of bacterial growth. Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist. If you are taking medications that are drying, oral rinses are available to help maintain oral moisture. Minimize caffeine, alcohol, and smoking, all which are drying to oral tissues.

With a good oral care commitment, RA sufferers can maintain a healthy smile and prevent tooth loss. If you suffer with arthritis, overcoming the physical limitations to protect your smile will result in a constant reminder that YOU are in charge of your health!

Best Gift EVER!

Posted on May 09, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

If someone special in your life has a ‘gummy smile,’ you probably have noticed they tend to hold back on a really full smile. They may put their hand in front of their mouth when smiling or look down when laughing. In photos, they tend to resist a full smile.

This is a shame for so many people who are precious to us. Perhaps it is a mother or wife. Maybe it is a bride who knows all eyes (and photographs) will be on her. Maybe it’s a child preparing for college and feels uneasy about making new friends.

Repairing a gummy smile is, quite frankly, a fairly simple procedure. Often, excess gum tissue is removed in a single procedure. The gum line is evened out so the smile has a more balanced and appealing appearance. The patient is very comfortable throughout the procedure and healing time is quick.

If you have, or know someone who has, a gummy smile and would like to feel more confident smiling, laughing and enjoying social gatherings, begin with a consultation appointment to discuss the procedure. Your smile should reflect YOU at your very best! Call (828) 274-9440 to learn more.

More & More Adults Choosing Dental Implants

Posted on May 06, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

We are seeing an ever-increasing number of adults who opt for a dental implant or implants over other tooth replacement options. For most patients, the one and only ‘disadvantage’ of an implant is the initial cost, which is typically higher than other options in tooth replacement. However, the long-term benefits of an implant greatly outweigh the additional upfront expense. Over time, the health advantages alone make implants a better investment. Also, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. No crown-&-bridge combination, partial or denture can outdo the longevity of an implant.

From a Periodontist’s point of view, implants are especially superior in how they function BELOW the gums. Although you cannot see how implants are held in the bone, this foundation gives implants the same stability as that of natural tooth roots. Additionally, the presence of an implant keeps the bone from ‘resorbing,’ or shrinking. When tooth roots are no longer present in the bone, implants recreate the stimulation needed to maintain its mass.

Another bonus is the ability of an implant to hold one, two or more teeth without needing the support of adjacent teeth. Unlike a crown-&-bridge combination or some partials, a dental implant supports teeth on its own. With dental implants, there is no need to crown neighboring, otherwise healthy teeth merely to support replacement teeth.

Interested in learning more? Call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation to discuss your needs and have your questions answered.

Seeing Red When You Brush? NOT Normal!

Posted on May 02, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

To clean something, to get it really clean, we often think about using ‘elbow grease’ to give a good scrubbing, often with the help of an abrasive substance such as Comet Cleanser. Yet, when it comes to your teeth, such rigorous action can damage gum tissue. When you use baking soda or other abrasive substitutes for toothpaste, the damage can be severe over time. Those good intentions to have a ‘well-scrubbed’ mouth can backfire, leading to exposed tooth roots, gum disease and even tooth loss.

It is recommended that you use a soft bristle toothbrush and a standard toothpaste with fluoride. Rigorous scrubbing is not necessary. Use a circular and swiping motion on all teeth, on all sides. However, blood in the sink when you spit doesn’t mean you did a good job. As a matter of fact, this can be a warning sign of gum disease.

If you see blood, lighten up on the pressure you are using. Flossing carefully so you are not ‘popping’ the floss into between teeth, which can cut gum tissue. If you still see blood after a week, you may have gum disease. Periodontal (gum) disease will only worsen without treatment and you should be seen by a periodontal specialist as soon as possible. Because gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the U.S., early treatment may save your teeth.

Signs of periodontal disease include:

• Gums that bleed easily, or are red and tender;
• Gums that recede from teeth, exposing tooth root portions;
• Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth;
• Teeth that become loose;
• A change in the alignment of teeth or fit of your dentures or partials.

If you have noticed any of these signs, call (828) 274-9440 for an examination.