Although periodontal (gum) disease is typically associated with adults, teens can also be affected. Even younger children can be victims of gingivitis. Gingivitis can be prevented with regular brushing, flossing and dental visits. However, when untreated, it can advance to full-blown periodontal disease. Aggressive periodontitis can adversely affect the healthy development of first molars and incisors.

During puberty, hormonal changes place teens at greater risk for periodontal disease. Increased hormonal levels cause increased blood circulation to the gums, leading to gum sensitivity. This causes higher susceptibility to any irritation with the gums being swollen, red and tender. Gum disease in teens can evolve into inflammation of the gums and plaque build-up. Typical signs include bleeding gums while brushing, puffy and sore gums, seeing gum tissue that has pulled away from teeth and persistent bad breath.

It is important that teens be committed to a thorough dental hygiene regimen at home, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups and cleanings. In some cases, a dentist may refer your teen to a Periodontist for treatment to help prevent damage to the tissues and bone surrounding teeth.

Periodontal disease in children and teens can be avoided with good oral care habits. To help your child maintain good oral health, the American Academy of Periodontology advises:
 •Establish good dental hygiene habits early. When your child is one year old, begin using toothpaste when brushing his or her teeth. Begin flossing when the gaps between your child’s teeth close.
    •Be a good role model by having your child watch you during your own dental hygiene regimen.
    •Make sure your child has regular dental checkups, periodontal exams and cleanings.
    •Check your child’s mouth for signs of periodontal disease: bleeding gums, swollen and bright red gums, gums that are receding from teeth and persistent bad breath.

Early diagnosis is important for successful treatment of any stage of periodontal disease. This is another reason why all children should have periodontal exams as part of routine dental visits. If your child has an advanced form of periodontal disease, there is also a possibility that he or she is showing early signs of a systemic disease elsewhere in the body. In such cases, a medical evaluation should be arranged for children with severe periodontitis or who show minimal improvement after periodontal therapy.

You can learn more by visiting the web site of the American Academy of Periodontology at www.perio.org. Or, call our office at (828) 274-9440.

More aging adults are keeping their natural teeth, which is great news. According to the Coalition for the Oral Health for the Aging, the number of older adults with no natural teeth has declined — from 41% in 1986 to 21% in 2004. The importance of proper oral health for the U.S. population will become even more important over the next 20 years as the age group over 65 is expected to grow, from 12% in 2000 to 20% in 2030.

Keeping natural teeth is not the only component for a healthy mouth. Teeth rely on healthy gums and soft tissues of the mouth for a sound foundation. Periodontal (gum) disease, the nation’s leading cause of tooth loss among older adults, is treatable at any age.

The well-being of an aging mouth also correlates to your overall health. There’s evidence of an association between gum inflammation and serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Older adults with periodontal disease even face a 25% higher risk of death from pneumonia.

React quickly to symptoms of gum disease, including sore gums that bleed when brushing, receded gums, persistent bad breath, and gums that are dark red in color rather than a healthy pink. Gum disease does not improve without treatment and the earlier your mouth is restored to a healthy state, the less treatment will be required.

Call (828) 274-9440 to request an examination if you are experiencing any signs of gum disease.

Denture wearers often endure embarrassing slips, difficulty chewing and sore gums. While dentures do “replace” the appearance of teeth, their ability to restore stable chewing and security when speaking or laughing is inadequate for many.

Because Dental Implants can be more costly than wearing a denture, denture wearers often feel they cannot afford them. However, in many cases, we are able to attach a full denture to several strategically-placed Dental Implants. Since implant fees are based on the number of implants placed, this typically provides a significant savings. Plus, depending on the condition of the patient’s existing denture, we can occasionally use it, providing a further savings.

When dentures are supported by Dental Implants, biting and chewing stability is restored. This is because implants are anchored in the jaw bone, providing the same foundation as your natural teeth once had. They eliminate embarrassing slips or having to forgo the foods you love.

Another benefit of Dental Implants is their ability to halt bone resorption. Once natural tooth roots are no longer present in the jaw bone, the bone begins to shrink, or ‘resorb.’ The pressure of dentures on the boney ridge beneath the gums adds to this resorption. For those who sleep in their denture, this rate of bone resorption occurs on a 24/7 basis. Dental Implants help to halt bone resorption while restoring a natural look, feel and function.

To discuss implant-supported dentures, call (828) 274-9440 for a Consultation appointment. We hope to have you eating crisp apples and chewing thick steak again soon!

When I see a patient who requires time-consuming and expensive treatment for gum disease, I can’t help but think to myself, “This could have been easily prevented.” Daily flossing is one of the most effective means of avoiding periodontal disease, or greatly lessening its destruction.

Gum disease is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss. It begins with the formation of plaque, which is the accumulation of oral bacteria. As more and more bacteria form without removal, the plaque accumulates and hardens onto tooth surfaces. Plaque is a destructive component of tooth enamel and tender gum tissues.

As plaque continues to build, the bacteria ‘eat’ at gum tissue, leaving them sore, swollen and a deep red rather than a healthy pink. Eventually, tooth enamel is damaged and the bacteria works its way down tooth roots into supporting bone and tissues. Pus pockets form in gums around teeth and persistent bad breath can’t be brushed away.

The 2 minutes required for a thorough daily flossing can help to prevent gum disease since it decreases the amount of oral bacteria in the mouth. This small devotion of time can save you greatly in expenses required for repairs and restoration of a healthy mouth.

For flossing instructions or for a thorough examination of your mouth to determine the presence of gum disease, call (828) 274-9440 to arrange an appointment.