Even MORE Reasons To Keep Your Oral Health In Tip Top Shape!

Posted on Jun 24, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

If you ever needed added reasons to be fully committed to your oral health, you’ll find the follow list very interesting. Research has pinpointed numerous health problems that are related to oral bacteria.

While you know that periodontal (gum) disease can destroy gum tissues and the bone that supports teeth, tooth loss can also occur. Yet, the damage doesn’t stop there. Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream through tears in tissues. This bloodborne bacteria is then free to travel throughout the body and can contribute to a long list of serious health problems, including:

• Heart Disease and Stroke – 
If you have full-blown periodontal disease, research has shown that you are twice as likely to develop heart disease. This is due t clot causing proteins that occur from oral bacteria that can clog arteries, including the carotid artery that supplies the brain with blood.

• Cancer – 
Researchers found that men with gum disease are 54% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, nearly 50% more likely to develop kidney cancer and 30% more likely to have blood cancers.

• Dementia
 – Studies have shown that tooth loss from oral bacteria is a risk factor for memory loss and early stage Alzheimer’s disease. Apparently, oral infection cause inflammation triggers that can lead to the destruction of brain cells.

• Diabetes
 – Because people with diabetes are more susceptible to infections, 95% of also have periodontal disease.

• Infertility – 
Research has found that gum disease can complicate attempts for a female to become pregnant.

• Erectile Dysfunction – 
Men with periodontal disease are 7 times more likely to have erectile dysfunction (ED).

• Premature Birth – Nearly 13% of U.S. babies are born premature, which can lead to breathing issues and infections. Infection in the mother’s body, which includes infection from periodontal disease, can create inflammatory reactions that are related to premature and low birth weight babies.

• Respiratory Problems – 
When bloodborne bacteria from gum disease reaches the lungs, people with respiratory problems are at higher risk of pneumonia and acute bronchitis (COPD).

It’s not surprising that the mouth is deemed “the gateway to the body.” Keep your teeth and gums healthy by brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, keeping sugar to a minimum, and being committed to those 6-month dental check-ups and cleanings.

If you have been less than regular with dental visits or oral hygiene care at home, call (828) 274-9440 to arrange an initial visit. We’ll help you achieve a healthier lifestyle that’s reflected in your smile!

Diabetics Have Higher Incidence Of Tooth Loss

Posted on Jun 17, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

If you are diabetic, you are twice as likely to lose all of your teeth.

Researchers from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey evaluated more 2,500 participants over the age of 50. The study showed that 28% of adults with diabetes had lost all of their teeth, compared to 14% of people who were not diabetic.

The results of this study are consistent with the outcomes of two other major studies that evaluated loss among adults with and without diabetes. Too, it showed that diabetics who had lost some, but not all, teeth, were missing an average of 10 teeth, compared to 7 teeth for those without diabetes.

Not only are diabetics at higher risk for tooth loss and edentulism (missing all teeth), the researchers concluded that 1 of every 5 cases of edentulism in the U.S. is linked to diabetes.

With consistent findings of these studies, it is important for people with diabetes to have a committed oral health care program. If you are diabetic, begin by having a complete periodontal examination to determine your current oral health status and areas of risk.

Losing teeth is an added expense and burden on the mouth, adjoining teeth, and ability to control oral bacteria. However, tooth loss can be prevented with a thorough oral health care program. Call (828) 274-9440 to schedule an examination to ensure your smile is at its best!

Dental Implants & Smoking

Posted on Jun 03, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

We all know that smoking isn’t good for our health, which certainly includes oral health. Smoking complicates the body’s natural ability to heal. It has a drying effect on gum tissues and minimizes blood oxygen, resulting in delayed healing process. Smoking also contributes to a greater potential for bacterial build-up.

To place an implant, both gum tissue and bone are involved in the process. The dental specialist must go through gum tissues to reach the bone, placing each implant at a precise depth and angle. Once the implant is placed, it can take two to six months to become fully anchored by the bone.

For proper healing during this time, a patient needs normal blood circulation to ensure gum recovery and sufficient oxygen levels for the regeneration of bone surrounding the implant. Failures most often occur during this ‘osseo-integration’ phase when the bone is growing around the implant.

In addition, patients can develop a condition known as peri–implantitis. This can cause inflammation around the implant site and pockets of pus that form in gum tissues. Although the potential to develop peri–implantitis exists for any dental implant patient, smokers have a substantially higher risk.

For smokers who develop infections after implant surgery, medications used to combat the infection have a lesser effect because the potency of antibiotics does not work as well on smokers. When infection is not eliminated and works its way into the implant area, your risk for losing the implant is significant.

Because of the greater risk factors, some dental specialists refuse to place dental implants in smokers. With so many negative effects, it is highly advisable to stop smoking prior to implant placement. Just like a hip or knee replacement, implants are not guaranteed because of extenuating circumstances while the healing process is primarily in the hands of the patient.

You can greatly enhance your success rate by quitting smoking at least one week prior to placement and throughout the recovery period. Consider using dental implant treatment to motivate you to become smoke free.

Keep in mind that dental implants enable you to eat a healthy selection of foods while restoring eating comfort and smiling confidence. The many benefits you’ll reap with dental implants are well worth kicking the habit.

Baby Boomer? Protect Overall Health By Monitoring Oral Symptoms!

Posted on May 29, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

It is our goal to ensure your smile is a positive part of your health, in all aspects. A survey commissioned by the Academy of General Dentistry revealed 63% of ages 45 to 65 with an oral symptom found it was linked to a more serious health condition. It seems key symptoms in the mouth were warning signs of adult onset diseases.

For instance, the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and heart disease increases with age. Researchers believe that these diseases often manifest themselves in the mouth.

According to the American Diabetes Association, the majority of diabetics suffer from Type 2 diabetes, which usually begins after age 45. Initial indicators of this disease are bad breath and bleeding gums. However, only 29% of the baby boomers surveyed were aware of this connection.

After the age of 45, the risk for developing heart disease triples. Although heart disease is the leading killer of Americans, a sore and painful jaw is often overlooked as a warning signal. As a matter of fact, 60% of those surveyed were unaware these symptoms could be signs of a potential heart attack.

Research continually reveals links between oral and overall health. While the health of your smile is our emphasis, your overall well-being is also important. Please mention any unusual symptoms you are experiencing and keep us updated on all medications you take, including the dosage.