A recent study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine has revealed that men in their 30s with severe gum disease are 3 times more likely to have erection problems. This comes after past research has shown that periodontal disease may be linked to heart disease, which is a common cause of erectile dysfunction. Although there are no claims that one disease causes the other, the association is thought to be related to inflammation brought on by gum disease bacteria.

These are all valid reasons that men should take an active role in the health of their teeth and gums before other areas of the body are affected. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention estimate that almost half of U.S. adults have periodontal disease. Of that, 56% of men have periodontal disease, compared to over 38% of women.

Other areas where periodontal health has been associated with the status of men’s health, in particular, include prostate health, heart disease, impotence and cancer. For example, research has found that men with a history of gum disease are 14% more likely to develop cancer than men with healthy gums. Additionally, 49% of men are more likely to develop kidney cancer, 59% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer and 30% more likely to develop blood cancer.

Men need to do a better job of protecting their overall health by keeping their periodontal health at an excellent level. Symptoms of gum disease include gums that bleed when brushing, sore or swollen spots on gums, persistent bad breath, and gums that are red rather than a healthy pink color. If you have any of these symptoms, call (828) 274-9440 for an examination appointment as soon as possible. Gum disease will not improve without treatment.

When children lose their ‘baby’ teeth and smile at you, it’s cute. When an adult smile has gaps from missing teeth, it’s anything but. Visible gaps ruin the appearance of an adult smile and cause many people to feel less confident. Yet, even when teeth that are not visible in a smile are lost, there are additional consequences.

Missing teeth are attributed to creating an aged appearance far beyond one’s actual years. Because missing teeth cause the supportive jaw bones to shrink, jowls can form from the detachment of facial muscles. Bone loss also causes deep wrinkles around the mouth with the corners of the mouth turning downward, even in a smile. Also, missing teeth make it more difficult to chew properly and can affect the way you speak.

If you are missing any of your teeth, consider replacing them with dental implants. Dental implants have a look and feel just like natural teeth. During a consultation appointment, I can answer your questions and discuss the type of implant that may be best for your needs. Call (828) 274-9440 to schedule yours!

It seems the most common reason I hear why people stick with a denture rather than have dental implants is the cost of implant treatment. Yet, I’ve never once heard a patient say their dental implants weren’t worth every cent.

Think of dental implants as a third set of teeth. This is because they look, feel and function just like the natural teeth you once had. They allow you to eat a healthy diet of foods you love, laugh and smile confidently, and wake up with a smile (in your mouth, not in a glass).

I’ve had some people tell me about their new car, but then say they can’t afford dental implants. Yet, others on fixed incomes work very hard to find the means to achieve a “new smile” so they can live a healthier, more active life with greater social confidence.

Let’s make the coming year your ‘Lucky ’13!’ Think about the things that are of true value to your life. Then, call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation appointment so we can discuss how you CAN chew in comfort and smile with confidence!

We all make New Year’s resolutions — exercise more, eat less sugar and more veggies, etc., etc. But, like many American adults, by mid-February we’re losing steam with our commitment. By the first of April, many of us have raised the proverbial white flag.

It’s not unusual for adults to have periodontal disease because dental fears have prevented them from receiving the dental care they need. So, here is a Resolution you can keep: Overcome your fear of dentistry! That’s right! You CAN do it and we’re here to help you! Here’s how …

• First, call us at (828) 274-9440. A friendly staff member will answer the phone and answer your questions. She can set up a consultation appointment for you if you’d like to meet personally with me.

• We’ll begin by conversing in our quiet consultation room, which is removed from the clinical side of the practice. We’ll sit in comfy arm chairs and I’ll explain the options we have available for patients with high fear or anxiety.

• After this visit, it’s up to you to decide how you wish to proceed. I can walk you to the clinical area and show you around. Or, I can introduce you to a few of our staff members who are experienced in caring for patients with dental fear.

Remember, the first step is in your hands. Let us help you with a New Year’s resolution you CAN keep!