Daily Flossing Equals Time & Money Savings

Posted on Aug 19, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

When I see a patient who requires time-consuming and expensive treatment for gum disease, I can’t help but think to myself, “This could have been easily prevented.” Daily flossing is one of the most effective means of avoiding periodontal disease, or greatly lessening its destruction.

Gum disease is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss. It begins with the formation of plaque, which is the accumulation of oral bacteria. As more and more bacteria form without removal, the plaque accumulates and hardens onto tooth surfaces. Plaque is a destructive component of tooth enamel and tender gum tissues.

As plaque continues to build, the bacteria ‘eat’ at gum tissue, leaving them sore, swollen and a deep red rather than a healthy pink. Eventually, tooth enamel is damaged and the bacteria works its way down tooth roots into supporting bone and tissues. Pus pockets form in gums around teeth and persistent bad breath can’t be brushed away.

The 2 minutes required for a thorough daily flossing can help to prevent gum disease since it decreases the amount of oral bacteria in the mouth. This small devotion of time can save you greatly in expenses required for repairs and restoration of a healthy mouth.

For flossing instructions or for a thorough examination of your mouth to determine the presence of gum disease, call (828) 274-9440 to arrange an appointment.

Medication Side Effects That May Surprise You

Posted on Aug 06, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

For new patients, we ask them to complete a medical/dental history form PLUS a list of all medications they are currently taking. Although this may seem ‘busy work,’ it is vital information for your care in our office.

Some medications contribute to dry mouth, a side effect of more than 400 medications. Without a sufficient flow of saliva, oral bacteria  can accumulate, which results in plaque. This makes you more susceptible to periodontal (gum) disease and tooth decay. If your physician cannot prescribe an alternative medication that is less drying to the mouth, drink 6-8 glasses of water daily. We can also recommend oral rinses to help replenish saliva.

However, many medications can contribute to oral problems, some of which may surprise you. In fact, adults taking antidepressants and high blood pressure medications were found to have elevated levels of plaque and signs of gingivitis. Many cough drops, medications in syrup form and antacids contain sugars that can leave a sticky residue on teeth, making them more susceptible to decay. Certain antibiotics and ibuprofen can cause lesions or ulcers in the mouth.

Gingival enlargement, a condition that causes the gums to swell and grow over teeth, can lead to severe periodontal infection. In particular, calcium channel blockers used to control high blood pressure can contribute to this gum tissue overgrowth.

Oral contraceptives and blood pressure medications have been linked to mouth sores and inflammation. Tetracycline, typically used for treating acne, can discolor teeth as well as supporting bone.

While you may assume that herbal supplements don’t apply, they can actually have serious side effects for some dental patients. For example, Ginkgo Biloba and Vitamin E can act as blood thinners. When combined with aspirin, the combination may cause difficulties in blood clotting. For patients undergoing surgical procedures, this can be a serious problem.

Taking high dosages of vitamins before undergoing anesthesia can also put you at risk. For instance, high doses of Vitamin C can weaken the efficiency of anesthesia. On the flip side, supplements such as Kava Kava or St. John’s Wort can accentuate anesthesia’s effectiveness.

It is important that we know all prescription and over-the-counter medications you take. This way, we can help you avoid issues that can be risky or leave you vulnerable to problems. Be sure to keep us informed of any new medications you are taking at each visit as well as those that have been eliminated from the list we have in your file.

While not all side effects create great risk, we want to ensure each visit provides you with an optimal outcome. Working together, we can achieve this! If you have questions about any medications, please call us at (828) 274-9440 or bring us a current medication list (including dosage) to your next visit.

Your Mate’s Oral Health Is Important To YOURS!

Posted on Aug 04, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Does your mate give affectionate kisses even though his or her oral hygiene gets minimal attention? Does a Grandparent with persistent bad breath worry you when sharing a drink with your child?

Kissing and sharing food or beverages not only intermingle saliva, these actions can transfer oral bacteria. Research has shown that the bacteria of periodontal (gum) disease can be transferred from one person to another this easily.

Prior research has established that the HPV virus can be transferred through oral sex. However, simple acts of sipping from the same straw or a good-night kiss can affect your oral health regardless of your oral health regimen.

If you suspect a loved one has gum disease, urge them to have an evaluation by a Periodontal Specialist. We are trained to accurately diagnose the presence of gum disease as well as determine appropriate treatment to restore good oral health.

If YOU have been slack when it comes to your oral health, this should be a wake-up call. Those you love can be affected because of transferred bacteria. This bacteria has been associated with heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, memory loss, pre-term babies, and more.

Be sure you and your loved ones enjoy oral health that enhances overall health! Call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation or examination.

Bad Breath May Be Symptom Of Bad Gums

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

If you’re not familiar with the signs of early periodontal (gum) disease, they include persistent bad breath, gums that bleed while brushing or flossing, gum tissue that has pulled away from teeth (receded gums) and gums that are tender and sore.

Gum disease begins when oral bacteria is not removed on a regular basis from the mouth. As it accumulates, it forms a sticky film that eventually hardens on teeth, called plaque. Once plaque forms, it can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist with special tools.

Plaque buildup will continue if not removed and attack tooth enamel and gum tissues. Eventually, this onslaught of bacterial mass will work its way down into tooth roots and the bone that supports them.

Although there are several causes of bad breath not related to gum disease, persistent bad breath is typically associated with it. This is a breath odor that exists even after brushing, chewing gum or swishing with mouth rinses.

If untreated, eventual tooth loss can occur and oral bacteria can create inflammation elsewhere in the body. The bacteria of gum disease had been associated with heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis and preterm babies.

If you know someone with this problem or feel you have persistent bad breath, early treatment will be the best way to save time and cost to restore your mouth to a healthy state. Call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation and examination as soon as possible.