Caution When Using Over-The-Counter Pain Relievers

Posted on Oct 05, 2012 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Once upon a time, if you had pain, you took aspirin. Now, drug options have greatly expanded. For most mild to moderate pain, over-the-counter pain relievers (analgesics), like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen are the first choice.

Because these medications do not require a prescription, many assume they are safe. However, analgesics can have side effects and interact with other medicines, dietary supplements and alcohol. Because they contain the same ingredients found in many nonprescription and prescription drugs, you could be getting more of a particular pain reliever than you realize if you’re taking several medications.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen sodium (Aleve, Naprosyn), and ketoprofen (Orudis).

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce pain and inflammation by inhibiting production of the prostaglandins (hormone-like substances) that cause them. The down side is that they also block other prostaglandins that protect the stomach lining, regulate blood flow to the kidneys, and initiate blood clotting.

Stomach inflammation, peptic ulcers, and intestinal bleeding are major hazards for NSAID users. People who take high doses for an extended time are at greater risk, especially older adults.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Anacin-3, etc.) relieves pain by affecting the parts of the brain that receive pain signals. Although acetaminophen reduces pain and fever, it has no effect on inflammation, but neither does it cause the bleeding and clotting problems associated with NSAIDs.

Acetaminophen is metabolized by enzymes in the liver. Taking too much can lead to liver damage in susceptible people, such as those who drink alcohol regularly. Always check the labels of any medication to ensure you’re not exceeding the maximum recommended dose of acetaminophen.

For most, taking nonprescription pain relievers as directed is generally safe. The potential for trouble emerges when you add the following:

• Some NSAID and acetaminophen products, as well as cold, sinus, and allergy remedies, contain a combination of pain relievers. Regular and long-term use of painkillers that combine analgesics can damage the kidneys.

• Many prescription painkillers contain acetaminophen (Darvocet, Vicodin) or NSAIDS (Celebrex, Percodan). Do not take both prescription and over-the-counter painkillers without checking with the prescribing doctor first.

• NSAIDs can interact with many drugs, including ACE inhibitors, anticoagulants, beta blockers, lithium, and methotrexate. Aspirin interacts with anticonvulsants, corticosteroids, insulin, and sulfa antibiotics. If you take any of these prescription medicines, check before using NSAIDs.

• Herbal supplements such as garlic, ginger, feverfew, ginkgo, and ginseng can thin blood and should be avoided when taking an NSAID.

• NSAIDs can interfere with absorption of folic acid. If taking NSAIDs regularly, take a multivitamin daily.

Why Gum Disease Can Be Surprise Diagnosis

Posted on Sep 24, 2012 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Some patients are shocked to learn they’ve developed periodontal (gum) disease. However, the regularity of dental visits, condition of physical health, oral hygiene at home, and other factors can leave one individual more susceptible than other.

For example, if you only have once-a-year hygiene visits, rather than every six months, your dentist may surprise you with a diagnosis of periodontal disease. Keep in mind that it only takes 36 hours for oral bacteria to begin plaque formation.

Many factors can play a part in the rate of how one develops gum disease. Additionally, occasional mild changes in the condition of gum tissues are not always aggressively responded to depending on the individual and the judgement call by the examining dentist. Some females, for example, can have tender and red gums during their menstrual cycle. The ‘normal’ gum condition of patients who smoke can vary from one to another.

Periodontal disease doesn’t just affect your oral health. Research has shown that the inflammation of gum disease can have adverse reactions elsewhere in the body. It has been linked to coronary artery disease, diabetes, and other serious health problems. Like many diseases that form in our bodies, periodontal disease begins silently and without obvious warning signs in earliest stages.

If your family physician gave you a clean bill of health at an annual check-up one year, but told you a tumor had developed the next, you would likely understand it had developed between the two visits. The same can happen with periodontal disease.

This is why those six-month check-ups are so important. They catch problems at early stages so they don’t become bigger ones. Too, your home care between visits plays a major role in the condition of your oral health at each visit.

Should you learn that you have developed gum disease, the most important thing is for you to be treated promptly to restore good oral health. Gum disease will only worsen without treatment.

Terms You Need To Know!

Posted on Sep 20, 2012 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

You may occasionally hear unfamiliar dental terms that relate to periodontal (gum) disease. I felt it would be helpful to provide explanations of various terms along with their sequence in the development of periodontal disease.

Dental Plaque – is a sticky film that forms on the teeth. Dental plaque is an accumulation of bacteria and what causes periodontal disease. If plaque is not removed each day by brushing and flossing, it hardens into calculus.

Calculus – is dental plaque that hardens and cannot be removed by brushing or flossing, only by a dental professional using specific tools. Also referred to as tartar, calculus is typically rough and porous.

Gingivitis – is the initial stage of periodontal disease. When the bacteria in dental plaque is not removed on a daily basis, gingivitis will cause the gum tissue to turn red, sore and bleed easily.

Periodontal Pockets – are created by toxins in plaque that attack the gum tissues below the gum line. As the gums pull away from the teeth, a pocket forms, which fills with plaque and infection. Eventually, the bone and connecting tissues around the tooth can become so damaged that the tooth will loosen and require extraction.

Root Scaling & Planing – is a non-surgical procedure that removes plaque and calculus from periodontal pockets and around tooth roots to promote healing.

Periodontitis – is the stage of periodontal disease that causes inflammation in supporting tissues of teeth as well as bone loss. Periodontitis is prevalent in adults, but can occur at any age. Research has shown this bacteria can contribute to inflammation elsewhere in the body, resulting in severe health risks.

When caught early, time and expense in treatment is far less than trying to combat periodontal disease in latter stages. If you suspect you have gum disease, please contact us (828) 274-9440 promptly for an examination.

Don’t Be The Employee With Bad Breath!

Posted on Sep 12, 2012 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Several months ago, I ran into a friend I had not seen in over ten years. We chatted for several minutes before we both had to hurry off. Now, every time I think of him, all I can remember was his bad breath.

We’ve all encountered this. Yet, working in an office near someone who has bad breath can seem like daily punishment. And, worse yet, that ‘someone’ may be YOU!

I recently read the results of a consumer survey by the American Association of Periodontists and found it NOT surprising that:
• 32% of Americans say bad breath is the least attractive trait of their co-workers.

That represents nearly a third of all Americans in the job market! Yet, the survey also revealed that:

• 73% of Americans would rather go grocery shopping than floss.

When I consider how little time each day that the act of flossing actually requires, I’m shocked. For some reason, adults dread daily flossing more than the chore of the cart, crowds, and lines of a grocery store! Daily flossing helps to keep bacterial growth that contributes to bad breath to minimum levels. It is well worth the time spent. If you struggle with the technique, ask for instructions at your next visit.

A healthy smile always make a positive impression! Be the one in your office who has a ‘close up’ smile others love as much as you!