A Fit Body Gives Oral Health A Boost, Too!

Posted on Jan 22, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

If your New Year’s Resolution to get in shape has you dragging about now, don’t give up! Your oral health could benefit, too! A study has shown that over 63% of American adults are either overweight or obese.

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine found that the risk of gum disease lowers when fat cells decrease. The study measured obese adults, some of whom were having bariatric surgery. All were given periodontal treatment and oral hygiene home care instructions. While both groups showed improvement, the surgery group showed the most favorable results.

Apparently, an overabundance of fat cells secrete more cytokines. This makes insulin more resistant to proper function, allowing more sugar in the blood. By reducing fat cells, insulin becomes less resistant and actually aids the body’s response to periodontal treatment.

Along with cytokines, the leptin hormone has been linked to inflammation. Because leptin helps to regulate metabolism, its production was reduced after bariatric surgery. This tends to boost the effectiveness of periodontal treatment.

Inflammation from gum disease can erode bone and cause tooth loss. It also enables harmful oral bacteria to enter the blood stream. This bacteria has been linked to preterm birth, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and more.

The study, too, is another example of how intricately oral health and overall health are connected. Keeping your gums and teeth in good condition prevent harmful bacteria from causing inflammation in the body. By the same token, a healthy body seems to create a better foundation for the gums. So, stick to your resolve to get in shape and remember to smile on that treadmill! It’s worth it!

Replacing Teeth Protects Other Teeth, And More!

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

Every tooth in an adult mouth has an important role, which goes far beyond esthetics.

When a tooth is lost, so is its ability to help the teeth on each side maintain proper position. A gap allows neighboring teeth to shift, allowing other teeth to move, also. It is a fact that when a natural tooth is lost, an adjacent tooth is statistically the next to be lost.

The tooth above or below are also compromised. When a tooth has no tooth to meet in a bite relationship, it grows longer. This traditionally conflicts with the neighboring teeth, top and bottom. Not only can this alter the bite, it typically leads to chips, fractures or breaks.

An issue many people are unaware of is bone resorption. This occurs when the jaw bone is no longer supporting the tooth root. Without this stimulation, the jaw begins to shrink, or resorb, affecting the stability of adjacent teeth. When several teeth in one area are lost, over time, facial changes can result from the shrinking bone. This is what gives long-time denture wearers a ‘sunken in’ mouth and a ‘granny look’ that ages them far beyond their actual years.

When a tooth is lost, replacing it promptly is the best option to preserve bone and protect the health of other teeth. Because Dental Implants recreate the presence of tooth roots in the jaw bone, this is the preferred method of tooth replacement. Dental Implants are also becoming the preferred tooth replacement choice for adults, regardless of how many teeth are missing, often because they are designed to last a lifetime.

Of course, a flattering smile is always a positive reflection. Having a gap in one’s smile or noticeable when laughing can send a message that is a ‘step down’ from who they really are.

To discuss Dental Implants, call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation.

Different Treatment Needed For Different Levels Of Gum Disease

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

The most appropriate treatment for periodontal (gum) disease depends on its level at the time of treatment. A Periodontist is trained to treat all types of gum disease in the manner that is least invasive. This can often be accomplished non-surgically.

For many types of gum disease, a non-surgical Scaling & Root Planing may be sufficient. This procedure is a careful cleaning of tooth root surfaces that removes plaque and calculus (tartar). It also smooths tooth roots, which removes bacterial toxins. Scaling & Root Planing is typically followed by application of anti-bacterial medications.

Although Scaling & Root Planing is an effective process for many patients, non-surgical periodontal treatment has limitations. When the level of periodontal disease requires more-intensive therapy, surgery may be needed to fully restore good oral health that can be maintained with the help of regular oral hygiene visits.

The stages of gum disease that require Scaling & Root Planing are those more extensive than Gingivitis, which is the mildest form of periodontal disease. Gingivitis causes red, swollen gums that bleed easily. With professional treatment and rigorous oral home care, Gingivitis is normally reversible. Although the most common cause of Gingivitis is poor oral hygiene, other contributing causes are diabetes, stress, hormonal changes, pregnancy, substance abuse, certain medications, smoking, age, genetics, and some other diseases or conditions in the body.

As untreated Gingivitis progresses, Periodontitis begins. This occurs when plaque forms below the gum line. Because plaque is a hardened mass of bacteria, this bacterial onslaught produces toxins that inflame gum tissue.

Once toxins activate chronic inflammation, the body’s defense systems can no longer overcome the damage. Tissues and bone that support teeth are destroyed and gums begin to separate from the teeth. Bacterial pockets form between the teeth and become infected.

As Periodontitis progresses, the bacteria-filled pockets deepen and destroy more levels of gum tissue and bone. Amazingly, this damage can occur in many patients who experience only mild symptoms. This is why gum disease is often referred to as a ‘silent’ disease.

Periodontal surgical treatment, however, is deemed a surgical procedure because the Periodontist must make incisions in gum tissues to reach all areas where periodontal bacteria has penetrated. To ensure patients are relaxed and comfortable, they are typically sedated throughout the procedure.

This is why people who experience ANY symptoms of gum disease, or are told by their Dentist or Hygienist that it exists, should have immediate treatment. When caught early, treatment requires less time with less expense than surgical treatment needed for more advanced levels.

A Healthy Mouth Keeps Inflammation In The Body Under Control

Posted on Jan 10, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Inflammation in the body is a naturally-occurring process that creates beneficial responses. It’s a reaction of your immune system that sends T-cells to combat disease and destructive cell invaders.

However, it is also inflammation that stokes the fire of cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, memory loss, and even erectile dysfuntion (ED). While some folks are genetically pre-dispositioned for high levels of inflammation, excess fat, stress, a diet high in sugar and fat, age, and gum disease can accelerate inflammation to risky levels.

Gum disease begins as gingivitis, which is an overload of bacteria that ‘feeds” on oral tissues. As the bacteria multiply, the initial phase of periodontal (gum) disease begins as the body becomes unable to tackle the bacterial build-up. The result is infection that penetrates the oral tissues and eventually bones supporting natural teeth.

This infection causes the bloodstream to be bombarded with inflammation. In turn, this distorts how the body processes blood sugar, freeing up plaque in the arteries that can lead to blood clots or heart attacks. It can also warp cells that form cancer and damage pathways in the brain and brain cells, increasing the risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

Some drugs help to lower inflammation, although it’s wisest to control levels through proper diet, sufficient exercise, not smoking, and keeping the gums in good health. If you don’t floss, this daily habit is tremendously beneficial to the prevention of bacteria build-up. If you have sore, tender gums or have bleeding when you brush, schedule a periodontal exam by calling 828-274-9440. These are signs of gum disease and will only worsen without treatment.

The sooner you restore your mouth to a healthy state, the less time and expense you’ll incur from treatment. Plus, a healthy mouth can contribute to maintaining good, overall health. Be committed to excellent oral health and know your smile is not the only thing that gains the benefits!