Mouthwash Not A Substitute For Oral Hygiene Routine

Posted on Nov 03, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Several years ago, I heard Jessica Simpson had announced on an Ellen episode that she brushes her teeth “maybe three times a week.” Simpson said she uses Listerine and flosses everyday and uses “a shirt or something” to wipe her teeth. Claiming her breath is fresh, she feels her mouth has been adequately cleaned.

Being in the field of Periodontics, a dental specialty that focuses on the soft tissues in the mouth and dental implant placement, this misinformed attitude is jolting. By failing to adhere to proven preventive measures of twice-daily brushing, daily flossing and 6-month checkups and cleanings, there is an increased risk for a long list of oral health problems to come.

Plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that clings to teeth and gums, must be removed every 24 hours. In as little as 2 to 3 days, the bacteria begin to attack supporting bone and gum tissues around teeth. This is the beginning of decay and Gingivitis, the initial stage of periodontal disease.

Oral rinses are often best as a temporary breath freshener and an ‘add-on’ to a thorough oral hygiene regimen at home. While some oral rinses do help in the prevention of plaque or slowing the progress of tooth decay, they are ‘aids to’ rather than ‘substitutes for’ proper oral hygiene.

As plaque accumulates, calculus (or tartar), forms on teeth. Calculus is a hard substance formed by bacterial buildup that can only be removed by a dental professional using special tools. As calculus adds to the attack on tooth surfaces and gum tissue, this can lead to advanced gum disease, known as periodontitis. Periodontitis is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss.

For oral rinses designed to temporarily reduce bad breath, most fail to combat the causes of bad breath. They don’t destroy the oral bacteria that cause bad breath nor inactivate odor causing compounds. Many assumed to clean the mouth are ineffective at reducing plaque or halting calculus.

If you frequently use mouthwash because of bad breath, there is an underlying problem that should be addressed by your dentist or a periodontal specialist. Persistent bad breath is a symptom of gum disease, which will only worsen without treatment.

Additionally, when oral bacteria enters the bloodstream through diseased gum tissue tears, it can trigger inflammation elsewhere in the body. The bacteria of periodontal disease has been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, memory loss, preterm babies and even impotency. This bacteria can even be transferred from one person to another through kissing or sharing food and beverages.

Some rinses actually do help in the fight against the oral bacteria that forms plaque. For individuals who find it physically difficult to brush and floss, certain oral rinses add some protection against cavities and periodontal (gum) disease. These preferably contain fluoride to protect tooth enamel as well. Too, for our patients who have had periodontal surgery, we typically prescribe an oral rinse to help deter bacteria buildup during the healing process.

If you’d like to add an oral rinse to your oral hygiene routine at home, ask your dentist to recommend a rinse with fluoride or antimicrobial agents to get the best benefit. However, twice daily brushing and flossing, combined with 6-month dental check-ups, is a necessary part of a healthy mouth – and there is no substitute.

Call (828) 274-9440 if you have questions or feel your periodontal health is at risk.

Is Your Potential For Tooth Loss High?

Posted on Oct 31, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

The latest (1999-2004) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey shows that adult tooth loss in the U.S. has decreased from the early 1970s. Yet, percentages remain high and vary according to age range, race and sex.

For example, adults between ages 20 – 64 have an average of 24.92 remaining teeth rather than 32 in a normal adult mouth. Nearly 4% of adults in this same age group have no remaining teeth. For adults ages 65 – 74, both male and female averaged approximately 19 remaining teeth.

Older adults, Black and Hispanic adults, current smokers, and those with lower incomes were shown to have higher percentages for being totally edentulous (no remaining teeth).

Males showed slightly higher averages in tooth loss than females while current smokers averaged having only 23.47 teeth. Non-smokers (never smoked) had nearly 26 remaining teeth. Nearly half of smokers ages 65 – 74 had lost all teeth versus about 22% of the same age group who had never smoked.

Your teeth are much more than mere components of a smile. While teeth can be replaced with dentures, partials, crown-&-bridge combinations and Dental Implants, there is nothing as dependable as healthy, natural teeth. Your teeth affect your appearance, self-confidence and self-esteem. They are also an important part of the digestive process and help to maintain a healthy jaw bone mass.

Renew your commitment to have a healthy smile and keep your teeth for a lifetime. Arrange for a thorough periodontal examination so you can begin with a sound foundation of healthy gums. Brush and floss twice daily and be diligent about keeping your 6-month check-ups.

If you’ve avoided dental care due to fear or other concerns, call to arrange a Consultation. We are experienced at helping fearful patients and are a ‘lecture-free’ practice. You’ll be warmly welcomed and respected by each member of our team.

Don’t be one of the statistics of tooth loss. Call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation soon!

The Hazards Of Sleeping In Your Dentures.

Posted on Oct 23, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

A recent study has found that elderly patients who wear dentures while they sleep have a higher risk of developing pneumonia. The study included over 450 denture wearers and tracked their oral health and hygiene as well as medical status. Nearly 41% of the participants reported that they slept in their dentures.

The three-year study found that those who wore their dentures while sleeping had a higher risk for pneumonia than those who slept without their dentures. Additionally, this group was more likely to have gum inflammation, plaque buildup on the tongue and denture and be more prone to other oral health issues.

When dentures are worn 24/7, oral bacteria reproduce on a continual basis. In addition to an increased risk of pneumonia, this can lead to other problems, including:

Halitosis – Bad breath is a common problem for denture wearers. The material that forms the gum portion of dentures is porous and provides a dark, warm and moist breeding ground for bacteria. Oral bacteria growth leads to the formation of plaque and frequent bad breath.

Mouth Irritation – Loose dentures can move while eating and create sore spots on tender gum tissue.

Burning Mouth Syndrome – Dentures can place stress on facial muscles and oral tissues. This can lead to pain and soreness in the mouth that tends to worsen throughout the day. It also causes an increase in thirst and loss of taste.

Oral Thrush – The fungus Candida albicans can overgrow in the mouth, creating lesions on the tongue and cheeks.

Bone Loss –  Wearing dentures places pressure on the upper and lower jaw (the gum ridge that supports your denture), which causes the bone to shrink. Wearing dentures all day and all night creates continual pressure, which accelerates the rate of bone loss.

Although many people are committed to wearing dentures or partials, we in the dental field typically recommend Dental Implants for a number of reasons. If your denture is uncomfortable or you are concerned about associated health risks, call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation to discuss your potential for Dental Implants.

String Floss Vs. Water Flossers

Posted on Oct 20, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Dental floss has been around for almost 200 years. With nearly two centuries of dentists pleading to excuse-laden patients, no wonder water flossers were invented.

The goal, whether using dental floss or a water flosser, is to remove food debris caught between teeth and scrape away the bacterial film formed during the day. This film is the beginning of plaque and, when not removed daily, hardens into calculus. Calculus is the cement-like substance that adheres to teeth. It consists of reproducing oral bacteria that feed on tooth enamel and gum tissue. Once formed, calculus cannot be brushed or flossed away. Only a dental professional can remove it using special tools.

When water flossers first emerged, the debate was whether they were as effective as dental floss. However, as water flossers have been fine-tuned over the years, they have proven to be more effective than standard flossing.

Although the companies who developed these water flossers provided early research showing the benefits of their product versus dental floss, dental researchers wanted their own proof. One study found that a water flosser combined with tooth brushing was nearly 93% more effective than using floss with brushing. It also showed that adults can have up to 52% better results at reducing gingivitis, which is the early stage of periodontal (gum) disease. Additionally, international research showed that combining a water flosser with brushing provided twice the effectiveness at reducing gingival bleeding than using brushing and dental floss.

For adults who have arthritis or find using floss is too awkward, water flossers are an excellent alternative. When combined with thorough twice-daily brushing, today’s water flossers can do a better job at removing oral bacteria, food particles and preventing the sticky film that forms plaque.

However, it is the commitment of the individual that makes the most difference. A thorough, committed oral hygiene regimen at home and twice a year visits to your general dentist is the best way to prevent oral bacteria buildup and the problems that result. In addition to cavities and gum disease, research has shown that oral bacteria can trigger inflammation elsewhere in the body, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies and impotency.

Adequate brushing and flossing (whether standard floss or a water flosser) can help you avoid cavities, gum disease, tooth loss and the heightened risk of health problems elsewhere in the body. Rather than plead with patients to floss daily, I’d much rather recommend an easy-to-hold device that has proven safe, effective, and promotes more compliance than that of string floss.

If you have delayed dental check-ups and suspect gum disease, call (828) 274-9440 to schedule an examination.