Easy Ways To Save On Dentistry

Posted on May 14, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As a Periodontal Specialist, I see many patients with various levels of periodontal (gum) disease, which is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss. Depending on the extent of their periodontal disease, the amount of time and expense to restore a healthy mouth is never a welcome expense. However, gum disease does not improve without treatment and, in addition to eventual tooth loss, can trigger an inflammatory reaction in the body. The bacteria of gum disease has been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, memory loss, preterm babies and impotency.

We have a ‘no lecture’ policy in our office, which means our patients are always treated with respect. Yet, when our treatment plan and fees are presented to periodontally-compromised patients, we often hear a little voice in the back of our subconscious whispering, “This could have been so easily prevented in the first place.”

While some people are simply more susceptible to the components of oral bacteria, there are simple, inexpensive ways to prevent the majority of problems that result in dental fees. And, the steps require mere minutes per day. They include:

– Brush with a medium or soft bristle toothbrush for at least 2 minutes twice a day. Use a fluoridated toothpaste.

– Use a tongue scrapper once a day to remove embedded bacteria in the tongue. Make several swipes starting at the back and moving forward, rinsing after each pass. These are inexpensive and available in most oral care sections of your nearest drug store. Until you purchase one, use your toothbrush to go over your tongue thoroughly after brushing. Swish with water several times.

– Floss your teeth daily. This seems such a difficult task for adults, yet, once in the habit, it’s easy, fast, and you’ll notice the ‘good feeling’ it provides so much that you’ll be able to tell when you’ve missed a day.

– If you take medications that are drying to the mouth, drink lots of water and purchase an oral rinse to supplement the moisture needed. Saliva is a natural cleanser to the mouth. Insufficient amounts, due to age or drying effects of medications, make you more susceptible to bacterial buildup.

– See your dentist for a cleaning and exam twice a year. People tend to delay these visits or assume they aren’t necessary. However, you wouldn’t wait for your automobile’s oil light to go on before you schedule an oil and filter change, would you? Of course not, because you know the risk and potential expense that this delay could mean for your vehicle. Your mouth is no different. As a matter of fact, gum disease begins silently. By the time symptoms are obvious (persistent bad breath, sore gums, gums that bleed when brushing), your mouth is in immediate need of treatment.

Periodontists WANT you to NOT need them by maintaining a healthy mouth and keeping your natural teeth for a lifetime. Think of the money you’ll save by being committed to these easy, simple steps! Additionally, you’ll be enhancing your overall health through lowered risk of serious problems that oral bacteria can trigger.

Need an appointment? Call us at (828) 274-9440.

Men Can Impress Women With A Healthy Mouth!

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

Several years ago, a survey showed how men’s oral care habits differ from women when it comes to the care of their teeth and gums. It found 86% of females brush their teeth twice or more a day while only 66% of males do.

For women in the dating world, it’s not unusual to hear female patients share how “turned off” they are by men with poor dental hygiene. Some share things like, “After that first kiss, I knew I wouldn’t be kissing him again.” Some tell about men who show up for dates with food stuck in their teeth or bad breath.

The solution is so easy, guys! Be committed to your 6-month oral hygiene visits, brush twice daily (at least 2 mins.), floss daily and use a tongue scrapper to sweep away embedded bacteria. A clean, healthy mouth helps you avoid bad breath and projects a positive impression to everyone, including the ladies you want to attract!

If you’ve been infrequent with dental check-ups or see blood when you brush, you may have periodontal (gum) disease. It is imperative that you rid your mouth of this problem as it will only worsen without treatment. Gum disease causes persistent bad breath, tender gums and eventual tooth loss. Call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation or to schedule an examination to get you started.

Your Heart’s Health May Depend On Number of Natural Teeth!

Posted on Apr 24, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Could tooth loss and bleeding gums set you on a path for cardiovascular disease? In the largest study of its kind, a connection has been revealed that shouldn’t be ignored.

Research results were recently released on how periodontal disorders, such as tooth loss and gingivitis, are associated with risk for cardiovascular disease.

The report was released in April 2014 in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. It published information on a clinical trial involving 15,828 participants, all with chronic coronary heart disease. It found that indications of periodontal disease (few remaining teeth and gum bleeding) were common in these patients.

However, those who had more natural teeth were found to have lower levels of cardiovascular disease risk factors. They also had lower glucose levels and better blood pressure readings. Even participants who had diabetes, consumed alcohol, were under stress or were smokers had healthier numbers when they had more teeth and minimal gum bleeding.

Nearly 70% of these participants with chronic cardiovascular disease were current or former smokers. Sixteen percent of the group had no remaining natural teeth with 41% having less than 15 teeth. Over one-fourth of the group reported bleeding gums when brushing teeth.

These findings reinforce the link between dental disease and coronary heart disease. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. The study’s evidence shows poor dental health among chronic coronary patients increases their risk level. While age and smoking are recognized as risk factors related to both periodontal and cardiovascular diseases, this shows that the association between the conditions goes far deeper.

Although this doesn’t confirm that periodontal disease is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease, it is another reason to make every effort to maintain healthy gums and do everything possible to keep your natural teeth.

If you have bleeding gums, you likely have periodontal disease. Contact us promptly at (828) 274-9440 for an appointment. This will not improve without treatment and can result in eventual tooth loss.

By the way, the next time your dentist recommends a crown to protect your natural tooth, remember this study that shows your heart may reap the benefits as well.

Easy Fresh Breath Tip

Posted on Apr 21, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

It’s always unpleasant to have a conversation with someone who has bad breath. Once it occurs, the memory of it tends to stick in our minds. It becomes what we think of each time we encounter them thereafter, even if their breath is fine.

Persistent bad breath is a symptom of Periodontal Disease, along with tender gums that bleed when you brush. However, if you are worried about occasional bad breath, be sure to floss daily and brush at least twice a day. In addition, here is a tip many people are unaware of how greatly it helps remove oral bacteria (the cause of standard ‘halitosis’).

After brushing your teeth, take your toothbrush and go over the entire surface of your tongue, especially in the back. Although you may gag when far back, this action is well worth it. The tongue, with its many grooves, provides an excellent home for bacteria to embed. The back of the tongue tends to harbor these bacteria the best.

You can also purchase a tongue scrapper at the drug store in the toothbrush section. Run this over your tongue a few times (rinsing after each swipe) to remove a great deal of bacteria in 3-4 passes.

Finally, use your toothbrush to clean other parts of your mouth after brushing. Run it over the roof of your mouth, under the tongue and inside the cheeks and lips. Finish with several good swishes of water.

You don’t have to fear being “that person” who leaves a bad breath impression! Decrease the bacteria in your mouth and you’ll give your breath a leg up!

If, however, your bad breath is frequent and you are experiencing tenderness or bleeding of the gums, you have Periodontal Disease. This will only worsen without treatment. Call (828) 297-9440 for an appointment.