Healthy Smiles For Mom-To-Be Helps Baby, Too!

Posted on Sep 26, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

In the U.S., women who become pregnant tend to be more committed to their health, since healthy choices can lead to a healthy baby. Most take prenatal vitamins, don’t drink, don’t smoke and eat wisely. However, recommendations from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) urge pregnant women to maintain excellent oral health as well. Research has shown that pregnant women with periodontal (gum) disease have higher risk for pre-mature birth or low birth weight babies.

Studies indicate that women with gum disease are more likely to deliver babies prematurely or with low-birth weight than mothers with healthy gums. This includes babies with birth weights of less than 5.5 lbs. or at least 3 weeks prior to the due date. These can result in long-term problems such as delayed motor skills, social development or learning disabilities as well as respiratory problems, reduced vision and hearing, or digestive complications.
Periodontal (gum) disease is the result of bacteria buildup and the nation’s leading cause of tooth loss. It is also an inflammatory condition that has been associated with other serious health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease. Symptoms include tender, swollen gums that are red in color rather than a healthy pink, gums that bleed when brushing, persistent bad breath and receded gums that expose tender tooth roots.

The medical and dental professions agree that oral health plays an important role in a healthy pregnancy. Non-surgical periodontal therapy is safe and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists encourage pregnant women to continue regular dental cleanings during pregnancy.

Gum disease will not improve without professional treatment. The earlier treatment is provided, the less involved it will be so pregnant women, especially, are advised to seek prompt treatment.

A healthy mouth not only supports your overall health, it plays an important part in your baby’s well-being throughout your pregnancy. Smile your best, moms-to-be, and keep it healthy for you AND baby!

Stand Out This Holiday Season With A Terrific Smile!

Posted on Sep 19, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As we near the beginning of the holiday season, when group gatherings are at the year’s peak, rethink the money you’ll spend on that sparkly new dress or designer shoes. Research shows that the first thing people notice about others is their SMILE! If you truly want to sparkle and stand out in a positive way, give your smile a close look in the mirror.

Is your smile a brown tint or has it yellowed?
Does your smile look healthy and clean?
Is your breath fresh? Does your mouth ‘taste’ clean?
Are missing teeth on the sides obvious when you smile?

A healthy smile projects positively on the one who shares it. Be sure your at-home oral hygiene routine includes twice-daily brushing and flossing each night. In the morning, use a tongue-scrapper to remove bacteria embedded in the tongue. And, keep those 6-month cleaning appointments that remove plaque build-up.

A good cleaning can also help to remove surface stains from teeth. Whitening your teeth may be needed for deep stains. Most general dentists offer affordable whitening systems that creates dramatic, long-lasting results quickly, safely and comfortably. This can also help to camouflage flaws such as chipped or crooked teeth.

Missing teeth can be replaced with Dental Implants, which is a ‘lifetime’ replacement method and exceptional investment in your smile’s appearance AND health. Because implants do not reply on adjacent teeth for support (as in Crown-&-Bridge combinations), neighboring teeth are held in proper position and you’ll avoid having them shaved down for crowns to support a bridge.

Rethink your party clothes, jewelry or accessories this year. Stand out beautifully with your smile! That’s the terrific ‘sparkle’ they’ll remember!

Get your smile healthy and holiday-ready! Call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation to discuss a terrific smile for this holiday – and beyond!

Oral Sedation May Help You Kick Dental Fears For Good!

Posted on Sep 16, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

It is estimated that nearly 70% of American adults have some level of dental fear, and about a third of those have such deep levels of fear that they’re classified as ‘dental phobics.’ These are people who find it difficult to even call a dental office.

The majority of fears begin with a traumatic dental experience in the past. Those with severe levels often avoid dental care until they have an emergency need. Typically, the discomfort becomes so intense that it forces them into treatment. What I often see, at this point, is a mouth full of problems that could have easily been avoided had they been able to receive regular check-ups and cleanings.

Regardless of an individual’s level of fear, we know people must feel a sense of trust that we won’t hurt them. We begin with a conversation in a Consultation Room that’s removed from the clinical side of the office. We sit in comfy arm chairs and discuss your oral problems, what you’d like to accomplish and what may have triggered your dental fear.

During this conversation, I explain the various options we use for comfort. Since many people are uneasy about dental visits before they walk into a dental office, I may recommend oral sedation. In pill form, oral sedation is highly-effective and safe. The patient takes the pill before leaving home (with a companion who drive them to our office). By the time of arrival, they are very relaxed but able to walk in on their own.

Before treatment begins, the medication has taken full effect and you are totally relaxed. Sedated patients are fully monitored by a trained staff member along with monitoring equipment to ensure safety and comfort. Too, I administer numbing medication to the areas being treated so there are no worries about discomfort.

Another plus with oral sedation is its ability to erase most or all memory of treatment afterwards. Some patients recall hearing my voice but most have no memory of their time in the chair at all. Oral sedation has a quick recovery as well. After a brief nap at home, most patients feel refreshed and back to normal.

As a Periodontal Specialist, I appreciate oral sedation’s ability to enable fearful people to have much-needed dental care. A healthy mouth plays a significant role in your overall health, as research has shown. Oral bacteria can become bloodborne in the body and has been linked to heart disease, memory loss, stroke, diabetes, arthritis and some cancers.

Often, after one or two visits with oral sedation, patients feel they no longer need sedating and overcome their fear altogether. Seeing a formerly fearful patient able to have regular dental care and enjoy a healthy, confident smile gives our entire office tremendous joy.

Don’t let fear prevent you from a healthy smile. Begin with a friendly phone call as a first step: (828) 274-9440.

Don’t Let Tooth Loss Equal Bone Loss

Posted on Sep 13, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

What we DON’T know CAN harm us. As a periodontal specialist, I wish every American was aware of what happens in their mouth when they lose teeth. By understanding the ‘domino effect’ created by tooth loss, I believe the oral – and overall – health of the U.S. population would significantly improve.

When natural teeth are lost, some adults still believe that the sufficient replacement of teeth is through a denture or partial. Although this does, indeed, replace teeth, these are not ideal solutions.

When a tooth is lost, surrounding natural teeth shift out of proper position if the tooth is not replaced. However, using a denture or partial to replace teeth puts pressure on the gum-covered ‘ridge’ that once held natural teeth. This pressure accelerates the rate at which the underlying jaw bone shrinks.

Without natural tooth roots in the bone, the jaw bone begins to shrink, losing height and thinning over time. This not only puts the jaw at risk for fractures and breaks, it can lead to changes in one’s facial appearance. Bone loss causes deep wrinkling around the mouth with corners of the mouth that turn downward, even in a smile. The chin takes on a more pointed look and the mouth tends to sink into the face, creating what is known as a ‘granny look.’

Bone loss can be halted with the placement of Dental Implants. One type of implant is suitable even when severe bone loss has occurred. For those missing all of their upper or lower teeth, the All-On-4 Implant system is affordable, placed in a simple procedure, and can have teeth attached immediately.

Few things in life deserve more than the benefits of a healthy smile. We rely on it to bite, chew, speak, and express ourselves. It is the beginning of the digestive process and the “window to our bodies.” Consider your options for replacing teeth so you can enjoy a healthy, worry-free smile. And remember, bone loss will not stop on its own. The sooner you put a halt to the process, the more options you’ll have.

Call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation to discuss tooth replacement through Dental Implants. I look forward to hearing from you!