Men’s Prostrate Health Improved By Healthy Gums

Posted on Aug 04, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

You may have read warnings about internal inflammation. Inflammation is actually the body’s reaction to protect against a harmful presence. It’s a good thing. An example would be the redness and slight swelling around a cut. The body is trying to heal itself by sending its guardian force of white blood cells to combat bacteria during the process.

However, medical research has found that sometimes this inflammation is unable to turn itself off. This is known as chronic inflammation, which has now been linked to serious health problems, including cancer, heart disease, allergies, diabetes and depression.

With chronic inflammation, white blood cells are called to respond to an infection even though no infection exists. This confused immune reaction then causes the white blood cells go rogue. They begin to attack internal organs and even other cells.

Like other infections in the body, the root cause of periodontal (gum) disease is bacteria. When an overload of oral bacteria gather, white blood cells are signaled to begin the healing process. Like other diseases, gum disease can worsen beyond what a troop of white blood cells can handle. This creates oral bacteria that can enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammatory reactions elsewhere.

Prior research has linked the inflammation of gum disease bacteria to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies and impotency. Now, a recent study at Case Western University shows a potential correlation between prostatitis (an infection of the prostate) to gum disease bacteria.

Prostatitis causes difficulty urinating and a frequent urge to urinate. In the study, participants were all males showing periodontal disease symptoms as well as elevated PSA levels (prostrate specific antigen). Notable improvement in PSA levels was shown within one month after they received treatment for gum disease. This improvement occurred just as notably in those who received no prostrate treatment during this time.

Because of prior research, many cardiologists urge their patients to have screening and treatment, if needed, for periodontal disease prior to surgery. These latest findings related to prostrate health may cause urologists to encourage patients with prostrate problems to achieve and maintain good oral health as well.

If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, the condition will only worsen without treatment. Gum disease is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss. Common symptoms of gum disease, in early stages, include tender gums that bleed while brushing, persistent bad breath, swollen gums around teeth and gums that turn from a healthy pink to red. As periodontal disease advances, pus pockets will form on gum tissue and teeth will begin to loosen.

A Periodontist has advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease. Through this care, your mouth can be restored to a healthy state, giving you the foundation needed to maintain good oral health for a lifetime. Call (828) 274-9440 for an examination or visit the web site of the American Academy of Periodontology: www.perio.org.

Pace Brushing After Mealtime

Posted on Jul 23, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

In an effort to protect our teeth from accumulating bacteria that causes cavities, bad breath and gum disease, brushing after each meal is wise advice. Right?

Well, right — but there is a proper ‘time delay’ for brushing to avoid damage to tooth enamel. This is because anytime you eat or drink, your mouth endures an ‘acid attack.’ These acids weaken tooth enamel, and brushing too soon can cause damage to the enamel. Naturally, consuming highly-acidic edibles such as tomatoes or orange juice ramp up the acidity level of these attacks.

When eating stops, it takes about 20 minutes for an acid attack to subside. To avoid wearing away tooth enamel, avoid brushing for at least 30 minutes after eating or drinking. If you know you’re going to consume something high in acid ahead of time, brush your teeth first and then swish with water afterwards.

Oral bacteria are able to penetrate a tooth easily without its protective shell of enamel or enamel that is worn thin. This can result in cavities and weakened teeth that can lead to cracks or fractures. If a fractured tooth breaks below the gum line, the only recourse is to remove it. Then, an entirely new set of challenges begin.

Obvious high-acid consumables are citrus, coffee, wine, tomatoes (including sauces and catsup) and colas. However, foods and beverages that may have a higher acid content than you realize include corn, olives, blueberries, dairy products, white rice, white bread, bagels, eggs, peanuts and beer.

Our goal is to help you AVOID problems that could lead to any oral disease as well as tooth loss. Timing your brushing just right can help!

Dry Mouth = Oral Bacteria = Bad Breath

Posted on Jul 08, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Occasionally, we all have breath that is unpleasant. After waking in the morning or drinking a cup of coffee,  our breath is stale.

When bad breath is persistent, it is likely a symptom of periodontal (gum) disease. If gum disease is the reason for your breath odor, you may also notice gum tenderness, seeing blood in the sink when brushing or gums that darken in color. Otherwise, the problem is likely related to dry mouth.

Your mouth is stale and sticky when you wake up because your oral tissues are dry, allowing bacteria to accumulate. As they multiply, bacteria form plaque, which is a smelly film you can feel on teeth.

Naturally, poor oral hygiene allows oral bacteria to accumulate in the mouth. Without regular brushing, bacteria reproduce – rapidly. Remember – bacteria are living creatures that have taken up residence in your mouth. All the while, they are eating, reproducing and emitting waste. Could there be a more motivating image to brush?!!!

Periodic dry mouth can be caused by alcoholic beverages or coffee. Although sugary drinks don’t necessarily dry oral tissues, they are an ideal food for bacteria reproduction.

Also drying are some medications, which can decrease saliva flow that works to move bacteria from the mouth. Many antihistamines and some medications for depression and urinary incontinence, among others, can cause dry mouth.

Medical conditions, such as acid reflux, sinus infections, diabetes and bronchitis can also contribute to dry mouth. A bad cold or just being in the habit of breathing through the mouth are drying as well.

And the worst reason of all for dry mouth? Smoking.

Once the reason for your breath odor has been determined, simple measures can often freshen it up!
 – Brush at least twice daily. Use a tongue scraper or brush your tongue with your toothbrush after brushing teeth.
 – Floss daily. If you find this action difficult, buy an electronic or water flosser.
 – Drink plenty of water! If you take medications that have a drying side effect, use an oral rinse that acts as saliva. There are many available over-the-counter.

Nothing assures you of fresh breath like a clean, healthy mouth. If you have symptoms of gum disease or feel you have persistent bad breath, call (828) 274-9440 to arrange an examination.

Tips For A Smile-Friendly Summer!

Posted on Jun 29, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Ahhhh…. summertime! We all look forward to an opportunity to spend time outdoors with friends and family. These outings are often surrounded by food. Here are some helpful tips to keep your mouth healthy.

Being ‘swim suit ready’ has some trying juice diets. Juices are high in sugar and an ideal food for oral bacteria. Sugar also creates an acid attack in your mouth, which can lead to cavities.

Around the grill, take note of the sauce that’s coating your chicken and ribs. That gooey, barbeque sauce is probably heavy on the sugar. Consider having your helping sans the sauce!

Some foods are high in acid, primarily tomatoes and citrus. Since these foods are ‘in season’ in the summer, we tend to consume them more often. In addition to acid’s challenges to enamel, keep in mind that citrus also contains sugar.

Having chips or pretzels and a cooler of drinks are often part of an outing to the pool or lake. Sugary drinks, including colas and sport beverages are most likely full of sugar and also sipped over a long period of time. An acid attack in your mouth will begin with the first drink and last for the duration it’s consumed. Add to that 20 or so more minutes for the acid attack to subside when you’re finished.

The next time you eat chips or other starchy snack, notice how it becomes sticky in your mouth. Bacteria go nuts on these foods because they convert into sugar, their favorite food. This sticky substance can become trapped between teeth, allowing bacteria to indulge even longer.

As you enjoy the warm weather and its fun outdoors, remember the well being of your smile. Here are some tips to help you:

– Drink lots of water! It’s good for you and helps in the production of saliva, which cleanses the mouth.

– Swish with water after drinking or eating.

– An acid attack occurs every time you eat or drink so limit between meal treats. If you want a cola, for example, have it with a meal since an acid attack will already be underway.

– Snack wisely and read the labels on sauces, dressings, etc. Sugar in high content appears in some surprising ways.

– Brush twice daily, however, don’t brush immediately after eating. Wait 30 minutes for the acid attack in your mouth to subside to keep abrasion off enamel.

You CAN prevent the need for dental repairs with simple steps. Also, be sure to maintain your dental exams every six months.