Bleeding Gums NOT A Good Sign!

Posted on Oct 13, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Unfortunately, many Americans perceive that seeing blood while brushing is a good sign, assuming it shows they’re doing a great job. The fact is – Healthy gums do not bleed while brushing! Bleeding gums indicate a problem that needs to be addressed while treatment can be minimal. Delay only allows the problem to worsen, resulting in more time and expense in the future.

Periodontal (gum) disease is the most common cause (and an early warning sign) for gums that bleed while brushing, it is also the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the U.S. Gum disease begins with gingivitis, which occurs from a bacterial build-up of plaque. This irritates the gums, causing them to bleed and become swollen and tender.

Other contributors can make gum tissue more vulnerable to oral bacteria and the development of gum disease. These include:

   • Overzealous brushing, brushing with a hard bristle toothbrush or using an abrasive substance, such as baking soda. These cause more harm than good to teeth and gum tissue.
   • Drugs can contribute to gums that bleed easily. These include antidepressants, nasal sprays and oral contraceptives.
   • Smoking has a drying effect on gum tissue. Smokers typically have more calculus than non-smokers from the irritation of the chemicals in cigarette smoke.
   • Vitamin K deficiency interferes with the body’s process of blood clotting. This can also result in gums that bleed.
   • Certain changes in hormonal levels can cause red, tender and swollen gums.

When bleeding gums are dealt with in early stages, a thorough dental cleaning and committed oral care regimen at home can often halt the progression of gingivitis leading to gum disease. Act now by seeing a Periodontist for treatment. A Periodontist specializes in the treatment of all phases of gum disease. He or she can work with your dentist to determine an appropriate treatment to restore your smile to a healthy state.

Call (828) 274-9440 to learn more.

Flossing Made Easier With These Options

Posted on Oct 01, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Daily flossing, combined with thorough brushing twice a day, is an effective way to minimize your potential for periodontal (gum) disease, which is the leading cause of adult tooth loss.

As a Periodontist, I’ve heard every excuse under the sun why people don’t floss. “It hurts my fingers.” “I don’t feel I need to floss.” “The floss hurts my gums.” Yet, when people get into the habit of flossing, using the proper technique, most can’t go a day without flossing. Some tell me, “I don’t feel like my mouth is really clean if I miss flossing.”

Your dental hygienist is a pro at helping you develop a comfortable technique that effectively removes debris and bacteria between teeth. However, if you absolutely cannot get used to traditional dental floss, here are a few options you may wish to try:

Floss Holders – These are small plastic pieces that hold floss taut so you don’t have to wrap it around your fingers.  Many people feel Floss Holders make flossing easier and like that they can be used with one hand.  Like traditional flossing, it is important that you don’t ‘pop’ the floss in-between teeth. This can damage tender gum tissues, which leaves the gums more susceptible for bacteria to penetrate.

Oral Irrigators – An oral irrigator (or water flosser) uses a pulsating action of water to help remove bacteria and food particles from between teeth.  They also stimulate blood flow. Use water that is lukewarm or at room temperature for additional comfort.

Electric Flossers – These flossers, such as Airfloss, use microburst technology to send a burst of pressurized air mixed with water to clean between teeth. These are excellent for people who struggle with hand coordination or strength (arthritis sufferers, for example). They can go into areas where a toothbrush doesn’t reach and gives a deeper clean than that of Oral Irrigators.

Regardless of which option you choose, DO choose something to keep oral bacteria from creating problems that can be costly and time-consuming to repair. Think of your flossing aid as “an ounce of prevention.” Plus, your mouth will feel cleaner and breath will be fresher! So, no more excuses!

 

Why Saliva Is So Important

Posted on Oct 01, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Why is it so important to your oral health (teeth and gums) to maintain sufficient moisture in your mouth? Your saliva plays an important part in removing food particles and bacteria. Certain medications, age, or particular foods and beverages (alcohol, especially) can contribute to dry mouth.

A dry mouth enables oral bacteria to ‘hang around’ and multiply. The longer bacteria remains in your mouth, the more reproduce. This build up is the beginning of the sticky film that forms plaque. While daily brushing and flossing certainly helps to curtail the accumulation of bacteria, without a sufficient flow of saliva, this cleansing battle becomes too much for bristles and string alone.

Oral moisture is particularly important for those who are more susceptible than others to this bacteria. While all people have bacteria in their bodies, two kinds (abbreviated as SM and LB) are especially harmful in the mouth.

An estimated 75% of Americans over the age of 35 have some form of periodontal disease. Gum disease is also the nation’s leading cause of tooth loss. Missing teeth create a long list of problems, from gastrointestinal to psychological. In a country as advanced as ours, our population should have better dental health.

Be committed to having exceptional oral health at every age and ensure adequate moisture by drinking plenty of water. If needed, you can use an over-the-counter oral moisture rinse to counteract drying effects of medications or aging. For suggestions, call us at (828) 274-9440.

Want A ‘Problem’ Tooth Pulled? Read This First!

Posted on Sep 29, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

When a person wants a tooth extracted because it’s a ‘problem’ tooth, it’s often because it is requiring continual repairs. Unfortunately, ridding yourself of one problem can open the door to a long list of others.

Each tooth in your mouth holds other teeth in proper position. This includes the teeth on each side and the one above or below. A missing tooth enables neighboring teeth to ‘drift.’ This eventually leads to drifting of teeth adjacent to them, and so on. Misaligned teeth can lead to chips, broken teeth, night-time clenching or grinding, headaches, worn teeth, jaw joint pain and a higher risk of cavities and gum disease.

It is a fact that when a tooth is removed, if not replaced, the tooth next to the open space will be the next you’ll lose. Thus, replacing a missing tooth should occur as soon as possible. We recommend Dental Implants rather than a Crown-&-Bridge combination since implants use the jaw bone as their foundation, just as natural tooth roots. Crown-&-Bridge requires the crowning of otherwise healthy, natural teeth on each side to serve as supports for the bridged tooth.

Dental Implants provide another advantage as well. Since they are held in the jaw bone, they recreate the presence of a tooth root. This stimulates the bone to help the jaw maintain a healthy depth and mass. Like the gap left by a missing tooth, bone loss from missing tooth roots enable drifting of neighboring teeth. Implants, when placed soon after extraction, help you avoid that.

‘Problem teeth’ are often avoided with a healthy foundation of gum tissue and proper oral hygiene. Unless the tooth has been severely compromised due to periodontal disease or has broken below the gum line, removal is seldom the easiest and cheapest solution. Let’s first establish a healthy mouth so all teeth have a better environment with a reduced risk for problems. Call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation appointment.