Being Afraid Of Seeing A Dentist Can Lead To Major Expenses.

Posted on Sep 17, 2018 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

If you are afraid of going to a dentist, you’re one of over 70% of American adults with the same issue. Some people suffer from such fear that it keeps them from having a healthy, confident smile.

While it’s important for people to feel good about smiling (which motivates them to smile more often), research also shows that smiling can improve mood, self-esteem, and self-confidence.

Yet, having a fear of dentistry can interfere with one’s ability to achieve and maintain a smile they feel good about. As a periodontal specialist, I frequently see patients who have developed periodontal (gum) disease or lost natural teeth because dental fears prevented them from receiving regular care.

It’s a vicious cycle. Delaying or avoiding regular dental care allows tartar (or calculus) to build up on teeth. This can lead to problems such as cavities and gum disease. When treatment for these problems is postponed, the complexity of the treatment needed increases. And thus, so do the costs.

Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate the unique concerns that people have when it comes to dental care. While many adults suffer from dental fear because of an unpleasant experience in their past, some can’t recall what originally caused their fears. Others have unexplained reactions to certain smells or sounds often encountered in a dental office.

Regardless of the source of one’s fear of dentistry, we understand that these fears are essentially uncontrollable. People can’t just ‘let them go.’ And, for many individuals, perceived pain can be just as real as actual pain. This is why we offer a number of comfort options, including oral and I.V. Sedation (also known as ‘twilight sleep’).

These sedatives are helpful for patients before and throughout treatment. While helping the patient to relax, both erase most (if not all) memory of the procedure afterward. For those who are facing lengthy procedures, sedation also enables patients to easily combine several appointments so treatment can be completed in just one or two visits. Our advanced technology also helps to reduce treatment time while providing an exceptional level of comfort.

Keep in mind that it’s not just your smile that suffers when your oral health doesn’t receive adequate upkeep. Research has shown that your overall health is intricately connected to your oral health. This is because the potent bacteria of gum disease can enter the bloodstream through tears in gum tissues. Once bloodborne, it can trigger inflammatory reactions that have been associated with a long list of serious health problems. These include heart disease, preterm babies, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, some cancers (including pancreatic cancer), and impotency.

When dental care is administered with a gentle touch and skilled hands, pain should never be part of the experience. In our office, my entire team takes much pride in the words of praise that come from patients who once had an intense fear of dentistry, yet are now comfortable and relaxed throughout their appointments.

If you’ve avoided dental care due to fear, call 828-274-9440 to schedule an examination. And remember – a problem with your oral health now will only become more severe over time without treatment. Let’s help you form new, positive impressions when it comes to dental care!

Why You May Have A Metallic Taste In Your Mouth.

Posted on Sep 12, 2018 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Occasionally, a patient will mention that they have been having a metallic taste in their mouth. After several questions, I’m usually able to determine that the condition is related to a prescription they’re taking. As a matter of fact, the majority of people who notice a metallic taste experience this due to a medication’s side effect.

The most common medications to cause a metallic taste in the mouth are antibiotics, antihistamines, some OTC supplements, and medications that treat blood pressure, neurologic and cardiac conditions.

Pharmacy Times states that “more than 300 drugs are associated with metallic taste” and that “as many as 11 percent of elderly patients who take multiple medications experience taste problems.” (https://www.pharmacytimes.com/publications/issue/2015/july2015/drug-induced-metallic-taste-no-irony)

This occurs when the body ingests and absorbs medications with iron, chromium, calcium, and zinc, which all cause a metallic taste in the mouth. The body absorbs these substances, which are released and excreted in the saliva, often resulting in a metallic taste. In addition to causing this taste, another common medication side effect is dry mouth, which can also cause a foul or metallic taste.

Dysgeusia is the medical term used to describe an abnormal or impaired sense of taste.

An excess of zinc in the body – or even lack of – can also cause taste changes. Malnutrition can lead to a zinc deficiency, slowing cell renewal that alters taste. Taking too much zinc (typically through supplements) can trigger dysgeusia that causes a metallic taste.

Another common source for a metallic taste are respiratory infections, including colds, sinus infections, and middle-ear infections. Anything that causes congestion and mucus may lead to having a foul or metallic taste in the mouth.

Pregnancy can also alter your sense of taste due to hormonal changes. Tasting metal in the mouth is not unusual. This usually occurs in the first trimester and subsides in the second.

Some people are surprised to learn that poor oral hygiene can cause a metallic taste in the mouth. When oral bacteria accumulate to the point of causing inflammation, a metallic taste may be detected in the mouth. This is why it is important to have dental check-ups every six months and be committed to a thorough, daily oral hygiene routine at home.

While chemotherapy is known to cause nausea, another common complaint of patients undergoing chemotherapy is having a metallic taste in the mouth. Just as certain components of oral medications can emerge in saliva, drugs administered intravenously can also emerge in the saliva, causing “metal mouth.”

Allergic reactions that trigger sinus reactions can lead to a metallic taste as well. Allergens most often associated with causing a metallic taste include tree pollen, tree nuts, and shellfish, according to Medical News Today. (https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/313744.php) Some people may have a metallic taste in their mouths for up to 2 days after eating pine nuts, which are commonly used in salads and pesto.

Too, a side effect of mercury poisoning is a metallic taste in the mouth. Although the neurological issues associated with mercury poisoning are more concerning, tasting metal in the mouth may serve as an early warning sign. By recognizing this as one of the indications of mercury toxicity, it may hopefully motivate people to seek medical evaluation.

Finally, liver or kidney disease can cause a metallic taste in the mouth. These conditions create a buildup of chemicals in the body, which are released into the saliva. For patients with severe kidney disease, the excess production of ammonia shows up in the saliva, causing a metallic taste in the mouth.

It’s amazing at how intricately and integrally connected each part of the body is to all other parts. Just as a skin rash may indicate an allergic reaction to something eaten, the mouth can be an indication point of things off-kilter in other areas.

If you suspect that your “metal mouth” is the result of a medication, it may subside (or lessen) after a few weeks. If not, it may be wise to have other areas checked. Your zinc levels, hormones, oral health, and other items may need to be evaluated to ensure all parts of your body are in proper balance.

School’s In! Does That Mean More Sugar (And Cavities)?

Posted on Aug 27, 2018 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

With school back in, the conversation surrounding soft drink machines in schools has been a more frequent one of late. While some schools know that easy access to these sugar-laden beverages is not wise, many of the major players in the cola industry are big-time sponsors of high school activities. It’s been a controversial trade-off for years.

While the sugar content of colas is seldom seen as healthy (the acidity is also harmful, likened to battery acid), soft drinks aren’t the only culprit when it comes to too much sugar in our diets (in both adults and adolescents).

Colas have largely been targeted because their sugar content is so high. A 20oz soft drink can contain 17 teaspoons of sugar. When it comes to the mouth, the harm is two-fold.

Sugar triggers a particularly challenging reaction in the mouth. When we consume sugar (whether granule or in the form of high fructose corn syrup), it super-charges oral bacteria. When these micro-organisms in the mouth mix with sugar, it produces acid that leads to a particularly higher risk for cavities.

Are your children getting lots of cavities? Don’t just look at their brushing routines. Look at what they’re eating and drinking.

A common pattern when it comes to soft drinks is to sip the beverage over an extended period of time. In addition to the harmful effects of sugar, here’s why this pace of consumption is so harmful to teeth…

Every time you eat or drink, an oral acid flows into the mouth to help break the contents down. This is the initial prep for digestion.

This acid is potent stuff – strong enough to soften tooth enamel. It lasts for 20-30 minutes after consumption, which means a cola sipped over the course of an hour keeps the acid attack going for an hour and 20 minutes.

If a cola is consumed only with meals, when an acid attack is already underway, the challenges wouldn’t be so severe. However, both kids and adults are prone to ‘pop a top’ and sip these drinks between meals and over long periods of time.

As the acidity of oral acids combines with the acidity of soft drinks, tooth enamel becomes much more vulnerable to the penetration of decay. So, then you add the onslaught of sugar to this, the potential for harm goes much higher.

Although sugary soft drinks can be a source for cause tooth rot and upping the risk for gum disease, they are but one source. I don’t want it to seems as if I’m ‘picking on’ colas, since sugar can have a greater presence in more of what Americans consume than is often realized.

For example, in a 2015 Washington Post article, it was reported that 25 percent of catsup is sugar. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/do-you-know-how-much-sugar-is-in-your-ketchup/2015/06/02/9496b77e-fe5f-11e4-833c-a2de05b6b2a4_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.67cb41e9706b)

Interestingly, the article’s author (Casey Seidenberg is co-founder of Nourish Schools, a D.C.-based nutrition education company, and author of “The Super Food Cards”) shares, “A tablespoon-size serving has four grams of sugar, which is more sugar than a typical chocolate chip cookie. And how many kids actually limit their serving size to one tablespoon?”

I agree. When I dip french fries into catsup, I often sop up a tablespoon with 3 fries.

Other hidden sources of sugar lie in salad dressings, fruit juices, sports and energy drinks, many breakfast cereals, and things like canned baked beans. I was shocked to see that my favorite brand of lemon pepper even contains sugar!

While we all need to get into the habit of reading labels before we buy, my role as a periodontist is primarily to help you understand what occurs in your mouth from these sugary edibles. And, I believe once you’re more aware of the risks (and the resulting potential for costly repairs to teeth and gums), you should also know how to lessen the potential for cavities and gum disease.

Let’s start with a simple way to lower the severity of an acid attack in the mouth. If you’ve just consumed a food or beverage that contains sugar or has a high acid level, sneak off to the bathroom to swish with water several times. Easy!

If you’re sipping a can of cola and intend to drink it over an extended period, have a glass or bottle of plain water nearby and take a few large gulps every 20 or 30 minutes. Allow each gulp to wash over the teeth and gums before swallowing. This will help to dilute the existing acids and move some of the bacteria out of the mouth.

Also, delay brushing your teeth until the acid has waned. It is best to wait to brush for 30 minutes after eating or drinking since tooth enamel remains in a softened state for about this long. The abrasiveness of a toothpaste or toothbrush bristles can wear down precious tooth enamel while it is in a less-protective mode when used too soon after consumption.

Make sure your at-home care is thorough. Brush twice a day for at least 2 minutes per time. Use a soft to medium bristle toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. Floss daily to remove food particles caught between teeth. Brush your tongue or use a tongue scrapper. And, swish several times to send the dislodged and swept away bacteria down the drain!

Also, be aware of the signs and symptoms of gum disease. Sore, tender, bleeding, swollen or red gums are all warning signs. With prompt measures, we can greatly minimize treatment needs to rid your mouth of this dangerous bacteria that has been associated with a number of serious health problems (including stroke and some cancers).

Have regular dental check-ups and cleanings also. If you haven’t been regular at your general dentist, call 828-274-9440 our Asheville periodontal office and schedule an appointment. We can help to restore your mouth to a healthy state with the most conservative, yet effective, treatment possible.

Remember, gum disease only worsens without treatment. It is also the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss.

Watch what you eat and how often you eat it and your smile will thank you!

How Gum Disease Begins, And How To Prevent It!

Posted on Jun 27, 2018 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

When we wake up in the morning, we all have a bit of a coating in our mouths that makes us feel ‘not-so-fresh.’ Morning breath occurs because, during the night, oral bacteria accumulate and form a film that coats the teeth, tongue and gum tissues.

For people who are diligent about twice-daily brushing and flossing before bedtime, this helps to minimize the amount of bacteria that accumulate throughout the night. However, during sleep, saliva flow is at a minimum.

Saliva helps to move bacteria out of the mouth on a continual basis. This means that the rinsing action you get from saliva during the day is less helpful during sleep. Thus, oral bacteria build up over the course of 8 or so hours.

For those who do not have a thorough brushing and flossing routine, oral bacteria amass at a much faster rate, of course. The level of bacteria vary tremendously from an individual who has a thorough oral hygiene regimen versus someone who is less frequent and/or less thorough.

Keep in mind that oral bacteria are living organisms. Bacteria thrive in an environment that is warm, moist and dark. In the mouth, they subsist on gum tissues and food particles (the reason why you should floss to dislodge that bit of pork chop caught between teeth). And, bacteria breed – in your mouth. The more there are, the faster they reproduce in number.

As oral bacteria grow, they form a film that coats the teeth and gums, known as plaque. Plaque forms quickly, so quickly it can be felt just by running your tongue over teeth at the end of the day before brushing.

If plaque is not removed on a daily basis, it can harden into a substance known as tartar, or calculus. This cement-hard mass of bacteria attaches to teeth. It can no longer be brushed or flossed away and is only removable by dental caregivers using special tools.

Once tartar is attached to teeth, bacterial growth continues, attacking tooth enamel and gum tissues. When the bacteria levels accumulate to more than the immune system can manage, the gum tissues become tender and swollen. This is gingivitis, the beginning of gum disease.

As a normal part of the digestive process, an acid attack begins in the mouth, which helps to break foods down as we chew. This occurs every time you eat or drink. For those who snack often or consume food and beverages slowly (such as sipping a cola or sucking on a piece of hard candy over an extended period of time), these acids are a continual bombardment of acid to tooth enamel. You may be surprised to learn that these acids are so potent they can actually soften tooth enamel.

As the growth of bacteria penetrate beneath the gum line, they are able to attack the structures that support teeth. As bacterial growth continues, the inflammation spreads and the gums become sore and bleed easily when brushing teeth.

As it progresses, bad breath becomes a frequent problem with inflamed gums and the gums will turn red. At this point, the infection in your gums can no longer be overcome with at home care.

As the infectious bacteria spread further, it can cause pus pockets to form. The damage to gum tissues and bone structures that support teeth will cause some teeth to loosen, requiring eventual removal.

Decades ago, it was found that this potent bacteria is able to penetrate gum tissues and enter the bloodstream. Once bloodborne, oral bacteria are able to travel throughout the body and trigger inflammatory reactions far beyond the mouth. This is known as systemic inflammation and is now known to cause a number of health problems.

Research has shown links between oral bacteria and heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies, some cancers, high blood pressure, impotency and even Alzheimer’s disease. As a matter of fact, the make-up of tissues from oral bacteria and that of affected arthritis joints are nearly identical — both being inflammatory diseases.

Yet, this destructive process can be easily avoided. By devoting 2-3 minutes twice a day to proper brushing (at least two minutes each time) and daily flossing (which requires a minute, typically), you can prevent this barrage of inflammatory bacteria growth, risk of tooth loss, and risk for serious health problems.

Gum disease is the nation’s number one cause of adult tooth loss even though it is one of the most preventable of all diseases. Even so, nearly half of American adults have some level of gum disease. Are you one of them?

Make a commitment to take charge of your smile and your overall health through a thorough oral hygiene regimen of brushing, flossing, and having 6-month dental checkups. Know the signs and symptoms of gum disease and react quickly to have treatment.

If you’re behind on dental checkups and are experiencing any of the symptoms of gum disease mentioned earlier, don’t wait until “something hurts” to schedule a periodontal exam. A periodontist is a dental specialist who has advanced training in treating all stages of gum disease and in the placement of dental implants. He or she is your surest way to a healthy, confident smile.

We’ll begin by restoring your mouth to a healthy state so it’s easy to maintain. Call 828-274-9440 to schedule an initial exam.