Gum Disease Can Exist Without Obvious Symptoms

Posted on Sep 22, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Like most diseases that form in our bodies, periodontal (gum) disease begins silently. People who develop cancer or heart disease typically have no warning signs during the earliest stages of formation. The same is true for gum disease. By the time symptoms are obvious, some people ignore them, such as gums that bleed when brushing or tender, sore gums. While many tend to assume these problems as normal, this merely allows gum disease to progress further.

Initial signs of periodontal disease, once they emerge, include gums that bleed when you brush, persistent bad breath, tender gums, swollen spots around teeth and gums that pull away from teeth. If you find dental cleanings are uncomfortable, it may have less to do with the technique of your Hygienist and more to do with heightened gum sensitivity. People with healthy gums rarely complain of discomfort during oral hygiene visits.

The earliest form of gum disease is Gingivitis. It begins with a buildup of plaque, which is a sticky film that forms on teeth. This film is an accumulation of oral bacteria. When not removed on a regular basis (such as with twice daily brushing and daily flossing), plaque hardens into calculus. Calculus attaches to teeth and is impossible to brush or floss away. When a dental hygienist scrapes at teeth with a special instrument, she is likely removing calculus buildup.

Calculus, if not removed, continues to amass as bacteria reproduce in your mouth. Calculus bacteria not only attack tooth enamel, they eat away at tender gum tissues. For people who are not regular with their 6-month oral hygiene exams and cleanings, the delay in calculus removal allows for a steady progression of oral bacteria growth and damage.

Gum disease also has the ability to be an inflammation trigger once bloodborne. Oral bacteria of gum disease can enter the bloodstream through tears in weakened gum tissue. Numerous studies have associated this bacteria with an inflammatory effect that can trigger an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies and much more.

Although research findings have created more awareness and emphasis on maintaining good periodontal health, gum disease is still rampant in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that half of all American adults age 30 and over have some level of gum disease.

If you have missed or delayed regular dental check-ups, you are advised to have a thorough periodontal exam. A Periodontist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of all levels of gum disease and can restore your mouth to a healthy state (and help to protect your overall health in the process!). Call (828) 274-9440 for more information.

Gum Disease Can Affect Teens, Too!

Posted on Sep 16, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Although periodontal (gum) disease is typically associated with adults, teens can also be affected. Even younger children can be victims of gingivitis. Gingivitis can be prevented with regular brushing, flossing and dental visits. However, when untreated, it can advance to full-blown periodontal disease. Aggressive periodontitis can adversely affect the healthy development of first molars and incisors.

During puberty, hormonal changes place teens at greater risk for periodontal disease. Increased hormonal levels cause increased blood circulation to the gums, leading to gum sensitivity. This causes higher susceptibility to any irritation with the gums being swollen, red and tender. Gum disease in teens can evolve into inflammation of the gums and plaque build-up. Typical signs include bleeding gums while brushing, puffy and sore gums, seeing gum tissue that has pulled away from teeth and persistent bad breath.

It is important that teens be committed to a thorough dental hygiene regimen at home, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups and cleanings. In some cases, a dentist may refer your teen to a Periodontist for treatment to help prevent damage to the tissues and bone surrounding teeth.

Periodontal disease in children and teens can be avoided with good oral care habits. To help your child maintain good oral health, the American Academy of Periodontology advises:
 •Establish good dental hygiene habits early. When your child is one year old, begin using toothpaste when brushing his or her teeth. Begin flossing when the gaps between your child’s teeth close.
    •Be a good role model by having your child watch you during your own dental hygiene regimen.
    •Make sure your child has regular dental checkups, periodontal exams and cleanings.
    •Check your child’s mouth for signs of periodontal disease: bleeding gums, swollen and bright red gums, gums that are receding from teeth and persistent bad breath.

Early diagnosis is important for successful treatment of any stage of periodontal disease. This is another reason why all children should have periodontal exams as part of routine dental visits. If your child has an advanced form of periodontal disease, there is also a possibility that he or she is showing early signs of a systemic disease elsewhere in the body. In such cases, a medical evaluation should be arranged for children with severe periodontitis or who show minimal improvement after periodontal therapy.

You can learn more by visiting the web site of the American Academy of Periodontology at www.perio.org. Or, call our office at (828) 274-9440.

Canker Sore Or Cold Sore?

Posted on Sep 10, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

We always urge patients to pay close attention to any unusual sore or discoloration in the mouth or on the lips. Oral cancer is one of the most deadly of all cancers when not caught early. However, at this time of year, it seems that canker and cold sores are more prevalent.

Do you have a Canker or Cold Sore? 
Typically, if the sore is located inside your mouth, it’s likely a canker sore. If it’s on the outside, it is probably a cold sore.

Canker sores (mouth ulcers) generally occur inside the mouth and are bacterial in nature. They are often triggered by trauma such as biting your cheek, jabbing your gum with your toothbrush or even overzealous tooth cleaning.

Cold sores are tiny, clear, fluid-filled blisters that form around the mouth and are caused by the herpes simplex virus living inside nerve tissues. (It is not the same virus that causes genital herpes.) Here are some guidelines:

A cold sore occurs outside the mouth. A canker sore is on the inside of your mouth.

A cold sore appears as tiny, clear fever blisters. A canker sore is a small white or gray ulcer on the lips or under the nose base, often with a red border.

A cold sore will last about a week while a canker sore may hang around for one or two weeks. Keep in mind a cold sore is not contagious, but a canker sore is.

A cold sore can be treated with Aloe Vera or over-the-counter topical anesthetics to cut pain and discomfort. You can also rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash or salt dissolved in warm water. Canker sores require over-the-counter medications or prescription antiviral drugs to prevent outbreak, especially if they are frequent. Over-the-counter oral anesthetics may help with pain relief.

Please remember that any sore or unusual spot that doesn’t get better in two weeks should be examined IMMEDIATELY. Oral cancer can take on many shapes and colors and is a serious, and even deadly, disease that requires early treatment.

Call (828) 274-9440 if you have questions or need an examination.

Keeping Teeth Important As You Age

Posted on Aug 25, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

More aging adults are keeping their natural teeth, which is great news. According to the Coalition for the Oral Health for the Aging, the number of older adults with no natural teeth has declined — from 41% in 1986 to 21% in 2004. The importance of proper oral health for the U.S. population will become even more important over the next 20 years as the age group over 65 is expected to grow, from 12% in 2000 to 20% in 2030.

Keeping natural teeth is not the only component for a healthy mouth. Teeth rely on healthy gums and soft tissues of the mouth for a sound foundation. Periodontal (gum) disease, the nation’s leading cause of tooth loss among older adults, is treatable at any age.

The well-being of an aging mouth also correlates to your overall health. There’s evidence of an association between gum inflammation and serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Older adults with periodontal disease even face a 25% higher risk of death from pneumonia.

React quickly to symptoms of gum disease, including sore gums that bleed when brushing, receded gums, persistent bad breath, and gums that are dark red in color rather than a healthy pink. Gum disease does not improve without treatment and the earlier your mouth is restored to a healthy state, the less treatment will be required.

Call (828) 274-9440 to request an examination if you are experiencing any signs of gum disease.