Bad Breath & Remedies That Make It Worse

Posted on Jan 12, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Contrary to what many believe, bad breath is not caused by certain foods we eat. Food odor is the result of sulfur compounds, which are released during the digestive process. These sulfur compounds emerge from the back of the tongue and throat, giving off an unpleasant odor.

Factors other than food can be causing frequent bad breath, however, such as gum disease, dry mouth, or certain medical conditions. While some products are promoted to conquer bad breath, these can merely mask the problem or even cause more harm. Home remedies are also risky with some that actually make the problem worse. These include:

• Breath mints – Long-lasting sugar candies create acid attacks in the mouth, increasing bacteria production.
• Alcoholic beverages – Saliva helps to remove oral bacteria. Alcohol is drying to oral tissues and reduces the amount of saliva in your mouth.
• Mouth Wash – Certain oral rinses contain alcohol, which decreases saliva. Having less saliva ups the production of oral bacteria.

The best way to eliminate bad breath is having teeth and gums that are in a healthy state. If you do not have twice-a-year dental check-ups and cleanings, call us for an examination. Once your mouth is clean, your breath will show it! Call (828) 274-9440.

Alzheimer’s Disease And Oral Bacteria – New Findings

Posted on Jan 07, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

If you think that the bacterial build-up in your mouth from poor oral hygiene is just related to bad breath and cavities, be prepared for a jolt. According to researchers, the bacteria found in gum disease has been linked to brain tissue degeneration. Research has already found links between oral bacteria and heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, impotency, preterm babies and more. The correlation between oral bacteria and Alzheimer’s disease and dementia adds to a long, devastating list.

In one study, brain tissue samples from patients with and without dementia showed that a particular component of oral bacteria was found in 4 out of 10 Alzheimer’s disease tissue samples. This same bacteria component was not found in any of the brain tissue samples of people who did not have Alzheimer’s disease. This clearly showed an association between oral bacteria and Alzheimer’s disease, and not just a causal association.

Oral bacteria build-up can destroy healthy gum tissues, weakening them. The bacteria is able to enter the bloodstream through tears in diseased gum tissues, which can travel through the bloodstream to the brain. This can lead to degeneration in brain tissue that appears similar to Alzheimer’s disease.

This extensive research was conducted after a previous study on mice infected with specific periodontal bacteria. Researchers in this study found the bacteria traveled to the brain in mice, which prompted further studies involving humans.

An early-stage level of periodontal disease, gingivitis, exists in nearly 97% of the population. Gingivitis is one of the most common diseases found in humans and is more common than the common cold. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, nearly 64% of adults ages 65 and over have moderate or severe levels of periodontal disease.

The Alzheimer’s Association states that Alzheimer’s disease is the nation’s sixth leading cause of death. It affects over 5 million Americans, with one in three older adults dying from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. The World Health Organization cites that about 36 million people globally are affected by Alzheimer’s disease. This figure is predicted to increase to 115 million by the year 2050.

Researchers think these bacterial components found in the brain may trigger a response by the immune system along with pathological changes. It is this chain reaction that the study shows can lead to Alzheimer’s. While the findings do not prove that oral bacteria causes Alzheimer’s disease, the links shown through research thus far are sound reasons to maintain good oral health.

Periodontal disease begins silently. You may not notice it in its early stages. However, gum disease is well underway by the time you see blood when brushing your teeth, have frequent bad breath, experience sore and swollen gums, and have gums that turn red rather than a healthy pink color.

Preventing gum disease requires minimal time and investment. Twice daily brushing (at least two minutes each time) and flossing will help keep oral bacteria to a minimum between your six-month oral hygiene exams and cleanings. If you are a smoker or take medications that are drying to oral tissues, consider hygiene visits every four months.

Alzheimer’s disease is a terrible way to spend those last years of life, and just as bad when we watch (or care for) people we love as they suffer through this nightmare. Keep your mouth as bacteria free as possible and stay involved with your general dentist to lessen your risk.

Gum disease will only worsen without treatment. In addition to creating susceptibility for serious diseases, it is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss. If you are having symptoms of gum disease (as mentioned above), call our office at (828) 274-9440 for an examination.

A Healthier You Begins In Your Mouth!

Posted on Jan 02, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Many New Year’s resolutions pertain to getting fit and improving one’s health. While people switch to salads and spending more time on the treadmill, there are several ways to improve your overall health, all orally related.

Your mouth takes in an enormous amount of bacteria.When not removed, food particles create oral bacteria and reproduce in your mouth. This bacteria is the origin of periodontal (gum) disease, which is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. When oral bacteria enters the bloodstream, it can trigger an inflammatory reaction elsewhere in the body. Oral bacteria has been linked to serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies and impotency.

Renew your commitment for twice daily brushing and flossing and keep those 6-month exams and cleanings. If your gums are tender or bleed when you brush, call (828) 274-9440 for a periodontal exam. The sooner your gums are restored to a healthy state, the less is required are treatment time and expense.

And, don’t forget that digestion begins in the mouth. Proper chewing helps the body break down food so it is processed efficiently. When you chew hurriedly, you feel less sated as well as complicate the body’s ability to break food down. Resolve to never put food in your mouth before swallowing well-chewed food that’s already in your mouth. With each bite, put your fork or spoon down while you chew thoroughly.

Before you renew your gym membership, remember the ways you can improve your health by focusing first on your mouth. Your decisions and commitment can be a tremendous asset to your health (and savings to your wallet)! Happy 2015!

How Plaque Forms And Why You Should Prevent It

Posted on Dec 05, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Want to save yourself from costly and time-consuming tooth and gum problems? Read on to know where most of the problems begin, and how to avoid them.

Plaque is a sticky substance in the mouth that results from chemical reactions when bacteria, carbohydrates, food particles, and saliva combine. When food particles and saliva mix in your mouth and aren’t properly removed, this results in a build up on teeth that creates oral bacteria. Plaque accumulation on teeth leads to an attack on enamel, causes bad breath, yellow teeth, cavities and oral decay. Brushing and flossing twice a day is the best way to remove plaque and keep your teeth, gums and breath in good condition.

The beginning of plaque formation occurs as you chew carbohydrates, which are components of most of the foods we eat. As the carbohydrates combine with the natural bacteria in the mouth, an acid is created. This acid can eat at tooth enamel and triggers the production of oral bacteria. When the acid and saliva mix with rotting food particles in the mouth, the accumulation of oral bacteria becomes sticky and attaches to teeth.

Once plaque forms on teeth, you have a limited amount of time to remove it before it hardens. Most plaque hardens within 48 hours, becoming so hard within days that removal can only occur with special tools used by your dentist or dental hygienist. It cannot be brushed or flossed away.

Plaque can be prevented or controlled by maintaining a low carbohydrate diet. Although it’s not possible to avoid all carbohydrates, limiting sweets, bread, cereal, potatoes and sugary drinks will help greatly.

Additionally, it is important that you brush and floss twice a day. Brushing removes plaque build up on teeth and leftover food particles that contribute to bacteria build up. Brush for a minimum of two minutes each time and be sure to brush the top, front and back of all teeth. Daily flossing removes food particles and debris from between teeth, further decreasing the potential for plaque to form in the first place.

Remember, if plaque has formed on your teeth but hasn’t hardened into tartar, thorough brushing and flossing in a timely manner can remove it. If, however, tartar has formed on teeth, you’ll need a dental cleaning to have this bacteria-filled attachment removed from teeth.

Bleeding, sore gums indicate the bacteria build up has progressed to periodontal disease. This will require more than a dental cleaning. Call (828) 274-9440 to curtail costly damage to your teeth and gums.