Bacteria In Gums Should Be Taken Seriously

Posted on Feb 23, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

There is a commercial on television for a nail fungus treatment. To illustrate its presence, the fungus is portrayed by a nasty-looking cartoon character. The ‘creature’ is representative of living cells that decompose nutrients. Although it is a viewer-friendly way to think of nail fungus, fungi are actually ugly and destructive.

As a Periodontist, I wish there was a similar illustration for oral bacteria. In my specialty, I see just how devastating bacterial accumulation in gum tissues can be. However, the American population is still widely unaware of the destructive effect this can have on one’s overall health and well-being, not to mention their smile.

When an individual cuts himself, he will wash the cut and bandage it. This prevents bacteria from creating an infection that can become serious, even deadly. Yet, when a person’s gums are bleeding from a simple act as brushing teeth, this warning sign of gum disease is often ignored, even thought of as normal.

Think of bacteria as living creatures in your mouth – because they are! Bacteria are micro-organisms that feed on your tissues. They reproduce in your mouth and even create waste! Oral bacteria destroy gum tissues and attack supporting bone. Untreated gum disease will result in eventual tooth loss.

Yet, the damage of gum disease bacteria doesn’t stop with your smile. Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream through tears in diseased tissue. Once bloodborne, the bacteria can trigger inflammatory reactions in the body. Research has linked gum disease bacteria to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies and even impotency.

If you see blood in the sink while brushing, it’s anything but normal. Remember that this symptom represents an enormous colony of ugly little creatures who’ve claimed your mouth as their home. Then, vow to react. Ridding yourself of oral bacteria can be done comfortably and affordably with early treatment.

Call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a thorough examination. Your smile will thank you and you’ll be safe-guarding your overall health as well.

Keep Resolution To Be Fit For Body & Smile!

Posted on Feb 10, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Being fit helps oral health! For added reasons to keep to your new year’s resolution to ‘get fit,’ your smile is yet another.

It is widely known that being overweight puts a strain on the heart, joints, and one’s ability to enjoy good overall health. Sadly, over 63% of adults in the U.S. are either overweight or obese, with nearly 37% as overweight and 26% reaching the obese level.

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine found indications that gum disease risk actually lowers when fat cells decrease. The study measured participants who were obese, with some of the participants undergoing bariatric surgery. All participants received periodontal treatment along with oral hygiene instructions to follow at home. While both groups showed improvement, the surgery group showed the most favorable results.

It seems an overabundance of fat cells secrete more cytokines, which make insulin more resistant to proper effectiveness in the body. Thus, more sugar in the blood occurs. A reduction in fat cells makes insulin less resistant and aids in the response to periodontal treatment.

Another benefit relates to how the leptin hormone helps to regulate metabolism. Along with cytokines, leptin has been linked to inflammation. Because leptin production was reduced after bariatric surgery, periodontal treatment was shown to be more effective.

Inflammation from gum disease can erode bone and cause tooth loss. It also makes harmful oral bacteria easier to enter the blood stream. This bacteria has been linked to preterm birth, heart disease, diabetes and arthritis.

This shows how intricately your oral health is tied to your overall health, and vice versa. Maintaining healthy gums and keeping teeth in good condition prevents harmful bacteria from causing inflammation in the body. By the same token, having a healthy body seems to create a better foundation for the gums to battle harmful bacteria when it appears.

It’s always wise to adhere to good oral health habits along with other changes for overall health. Brush for 2 minutes twice a day, floss daily, avoid between-meal snacking, and keep your twice-a-year dental check-ups and cleanings. If you are behind on regular dental visits, schedule a thorough periodontal exam by calling (828) 274-9440. Once your gums are in a healthy state, they’ll be easy to maintain through preventive measures you can easily incorporate into your daily routine.

Tooth Replacement Is Important To Image & Health

Posted on Feb 02, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

When it comes to teeth, some American adults assume that missing one, two or a few won’t upset the apple cart. But it does.  Even though your missing teeth may not be visible in a smile, the gap disrupts the natural balance necessary for proper bite alignment.

For example, if you are missing two lower teeth in the back, the upper teeth that once ‘met’ these teeth begin to grow longer. The lower tooth next to the area of missing teeth begins to tilt out of position due to bone resorption. This ‘shrinkage’ of jaw bone occurs when natural tooth roots are no longer present in the bone to provide stimulation. Without them, the bone declines in mass and height.

In addition to chips and tooth fractures, improper bite alignment contributes to jaw joint disorders, which can lead to sore jaw joints, headaches, clenching or migraines. However, when missing teeth leave a gap in your smile, the social perception of others can have a negative impact as well.

Although it is assumed that there are minimum social consequences for individuals missing visible teeth, a study shared by the National Institutes of Health (published in their U.S. National Library of Medicine) shows differently. The study measured 200 college students’ “Social perceptions of individuals missing upper front teeth.” In the study, volunteer students with a medium age of 21 years rated five photographs, each depicting tooth presence or absence. The photos ranged from those clearly having all their teeth to those missing as many as four upper teeth. The students rated the photos on attractiveness, health, education, satisfaction with life, active social life, aggressiveness, intelligence, trustworthiness, friendship, potential of dating, and how likely they would be to live as a neighbor.

The findings suggested a person missing visible teeth was more negatively perceived on all social traits than a person with a full smile. Results were strongest when students were proposed to be linked to the individual who was clearly missing teeth in a personal way, such as their likelihood of dating or living as neighbor. Both men and women agreed on perceptions of social traits, seeing missing teeth as creating significant barriers to personal and social success.

If you are missing natural teeth, whether they are visible when you smile or not, replacement is recommended for the well-being of other teeth as well as how you are perceived in the world in which we live. We advise Dental Implants for tooth replacement for their ability to recreate the presence of tooth roots in the jaw bone, halting bone loss. They are also the closest thing to natural teeth when it comes to biting strength and stability, chewing comfort and self-confidence.

Begin with a consultation to discuss treatment options. For example, if you are missing 2 to 3 teeth in one area, one implant may be all that’s necessary to support a bridge of teeth. Call (828) 297-9440 to schedule a convenient time.

Perscription Drugs That Contribute To Tooth Loss

Posted on Jan 30, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

If you take antihistamines, aspirin, asthma medications and syrups, you may be taking one that makes you more vulnerable to tooth loss. It is estimated that about 40% of Americans take at least one type of medicine that can cause damage to their teeth.

These medications include prescription drugs and over-the-counter preparations and can contribute to gum tissue problems such as inflammation, bleeding or ulcers. Additionally, diseased gum tissue can lead to other dental problems, including tooth loss.

Some medications with damaging side effects to teeth include:
• Antihistamines – can cause dry mouth, and an increased risk of gum problems.
• Antihypertensives – can lead to an increased risk of gum problems.
• Aspirin – chewing aspirin can directly damage the tooth enamel, as aspirin is acidic. Always take aspirin strictly as directed.
• Asthma medications – some asthma drugs are highly acidic and can dissolve tooth enamel if used regularly over a long period of time.
• Chemotherapy drugs – can cause a dry mouth and lead to an increased risk of gum problems.
• Immunosuppressive drugs – can lead to an increased risk of gum problems.
• Oral contraceptives – can lead to an increased risk of gum problems.
• Syrups – medicated syrups that contain sugar can increase the risk of tooth decay if teeth are not brushed after these syrups are taken.

To check the level of tooth loss on a long list of prescription medications, use the link below. This shows drugs such as Stelara with only 1 case of tooth loss but Prednisone having 436 cases and Zometa a whopping 1,571.

http://www.ehealthme.com/symptom/tooth+loss

At each appointment, it is important that you keep us updated on medications you take. We want to help you avoid tooth loss. Knowing your medical and dental history and list of medications (including herbal supplements) can help us be more proactive on your behalf.