The Hazards Of Sleeping In Your Dentures.

Posted on Oct 23, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

A recent study has found that elderly patients who wear dentures while they sleep have a higher risk of developing pneumonia. The study included over 450 denture wearers and tracked their oral health and hygiene as well as medical status. Nearly 41% of the participants reported that they slept in their dentures.

The three-year study found that those who wore their dentures while sleeping had a higher risk for pneumonia than those who slept without their dentures. Additionally, this group was more likely to have gum inflammation, plaque buildup on the tongue and denture and be more prone to other oral health issues.

When dentures are worn 24/7, oral bacteria reproduce on a continual basis. In addition to an increased risk of pneumonia, this can lead to other problems, including:

Halitosis – Bad breath is a common problem for denture wearers. The material that forms the gum portion of dentures is porous and provides a dark, warm and moist breeding ground for bacteria. Oral bacteria growth leads to the formation of plaque and frequent bad breath.

Mouth Irritation – Loose dentures can move while eating and create sore spots on tender gum tissue.

Burning Mouth Syndrome – Dentures can place stress on facial muscles and oral tissues. This can lead to pain and soreness in the mouth that tends to worsen throughout the day. It also causes an increase in thirst and loss of taste.

Oral Thrush – The fungus Candida albicans can overgrow in the mouth, creating lesions on the tongue and cheeks.

Bone Loss –  Wearing dentures places pressure on the upper and lower jaw (the gum ridge that supports your denture), which causes the bone to shrink. Wearing dentures all day and all night creates continual pressure, which accelerates the rate of bone loss.

Although many people are committed to wearing dentures or partials, we in the dental field typically recommend Dental Implants for a number of reasons. If your denture is uncomfortable or you are concerned about associated health risks, call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation to discuss your potential for Dental Implants.

String Floss Vs. Water Flossers

Posted on Oct 20, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Dental floss has been around for almost 200 years. With nearly two centuries of dentists pleading to excuse-laden patients, no wonder water flossers were invented.

The goal, whether using dental floss or a water flosser, is to remove food debris caught between teeth and scrape away the bacterial film formed during the day. This film is the beginning of plaque and, when not removed daily, hardens into calculus. Calculus is the cement-like substance that adheres to teeth. It consists of reproducing oral bacteria that feed on tooth enamel and gum tissue. Once formed, calculus cannot be brushed or flossed away. Only a dental professional can remove it using special tools.

When water flossers first emerged, the debate was whether they were as effective as dental floss. However, as water flossers have been fine-tuned over the years, they have proven to be more effective than standard flossing.

Although the companies who developed these water flossers provided early research showing the benefits of their product versus dental floss, dental researchers wanted their own proof. One study found that a water flosser combined with tooth brushing was nearly 93% more effective than using floss with brushing. It also showed that adults can have up to 52% better results at reducing gingivitis, which is the early stage of periodontal (gum) disease. Additionally, international research showed that combining a water flosser with brushing provided twice the effectiveness at reducing gingival bleeding than using brushing and dental floss.

For adults who have arthritis or find using floss is too awkward, water flossers are an excellent alternative. When combined with thorough twice-daily brushing, today’s water flossers can do a better job at removing oral bacteria, food particles and preventing the sticky film that forms plaque.

However, it is the commitment of the individual that makes the most difference. A thorough, committed oral hygiene regimen at home and twice a year visits to your general dentist is the best way to prevent oral bacteria buildup and the problems that result. In addition to cavities and gum disease, research has shown that oral bacteria can trigger inflammation elsewhere in the body, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies and impotency.

Adequate brushing and flossing (whether standard floss or a water flosser) can help you avoid cavities, gum disease, tooth loss and the heightened risk of health problems elsewhere in the body. Rather than plead with patients to floss daily, I’d much rather recommend an easy-to-hold device that has proven safe, effective, and promotes more compliance than that of string floss.

If you have delayed dental check-ups and suspect gum disease, call (828) 274-9440 to schedule an examination.

The Problems With Dentures

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

Dentures, as we know them today, have been around for many years. The earliest dentures were carved from bone or made from human teeth. By 1775, porcelain dentures, which were more durable and attractive, were being made. However, early dentures were basically worn to replace the appearance of teeth rather than restore function and often removed before eating.

The challenge with dentures is how they eventually lead to a number of problems even today. The most common problem for denture wearers is an unstable fit. Even dentures that felt secure when first placed eventually loosen and slip while chewing. This occurs due to the declining foundation of jaw bone mass, which causes the gum ridge to flatten out.

Bone loss occurs without the stimulation of tooth roots in the jaw bone. Once it begins, the process of bone loss, or ‘resorption,’ is ongoing. The pressure from wearing dentures actually speeds up this process. For denture wearers who sleep in their dentures, this rate of bone loss is even more rapid from the constant pressure on the jaw bone. As the bone continues to resorb, even relines won’t help much.

Bone loss is also why you’ll see long-time denture wearers develop a “granny look.” The face takes on a collapsed look and the chin becomes more pointed. Jowls form as facial muscles detach from shrinking jaw bones. The entire face takes on an aged appearance far beyond one’s actual years.

Difficulty eating a healthy diet with dentures leads to another set of problems. When dentures do not fit securely, the rubbing and discomfort often leads to a soft diet of foods that dissolve easily in the mouth. These foods often lack protein and fiber. Your overall health requires a diet of vitamin rich fruits and vegetables along with protein-rich meats. Since digestion begins in the mouth, dentures that rub sore spots on tender gum tissue causes many to swallow before sufficient chewing is done. It is no surprise that denture wearers have more gastrointestinal problems than non-denture wearers and take more medications.

In our society, food is often the centerpiece of social occasions. Being socially active is an important part of our happiness level and overall well-being. People who are not comfortable eating or speaking because of unstable dentures often find themselves declining invitations because of the fear of embarrassment.

No matter how many advancements are made in the development of dentures, they will never be a good substitute for teeth. They never were. On the market today, there is no denture adhesive or paste that can make dentures a good substitute for teeth considering they only add to the rate of bone loss.

Dental Implants provide a dependable, reliable means of tooth replacement. They recreate the stimulation of natural tooth roots in the jaw bone, halting bone loss and restoring dependable chewing stability.

Considering all the long-term problems created by dentures, the one-time cost of Dental Implants makes them a far better value. Too, restoring your ability to eat comfortably and laugh confidently without the fear of embarrassment is priceless. Call (828) 274-9440 to learn more or request a Consultation.

An Apple A Day For Dental Health, Too!

Posted on Oct 02, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

We’ve all heard that “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Apples are loaded with antioxidants and are a good source of fiber, making them a good snack or dessert for your overall health, including your smile.

Munching a crisp, fresh apple requires chewing action that activates an increase in saliva. In addition to having more saliva to help cleanse your mouth, the texture of the apple gives teeth a mini-cleaning and the gums healthy stimulation for increased blood flow.

Just be sure to purchase organic apples only. An average commercially-grown apple has more pesticide residue than all other fruits and vegetables. According to USDA data, pesticides have been found in 98% of even washed apples and can contain up to 48 types of pesticides. This is definitely one food worth the added expense of buying organic!

If you’ve had to give up foods like apples because of undependable dentures, ask for a Consultation appointment to discuss Dental Implants. Implants can secure a denture, enabling you to eat all the foods you love again – including apples! Call (828) 274-9440.