Gum Disease & Alzheimer’s Connection

Posted on Aug 01, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

If you don’t have a family member who has Alzheimer’s Disease, chances are, you know someone who does. This dreaded disease robs its victims of precious memories and loving relationships in their twilight years. Eventually, even routine functions such as dressing and feeding themselves become foreign. Could there be a worse fate for those we love? For ourselves?

British researchers now suggest that the same bacteria of gum disease is linked to the brains of people with Alzheimer’s Disease. The particular type of bacteria was found in 4 out of 10 brain tissue samples from Alzheimer’s patients, with no signs of the type found in 10 brains of similar age adults without dementia.

It has long been known, through prior research, that oral bacteria can become bloodborne in the body via tears in diseased gum tissue. This particular gum disease bacteria apparently enters the bloodstream and settles in at other parts of the body, including the brain, according to the study’s results (published recently in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease).

Eventually, the bacteria produce chemicals, which build up and contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s. While the progress of this research is exciting in showing an association of oral bacteria and Alzheimer’s Disease, there is still much work to do. This study does not show how these these bacteria get to the brain, so it’s back to the drawing board for the brilliant research minds!

Remember – your oral hygiene at home is only part of the process necessary to keep a healthy mouth. Your six-month cleanings and exams include the removal of plaque build-up, which is essentially hardened bacteria. If not removed, this will develop into gum disease. You may be saving more than your smile!

Why Your Ability To Chew Properly Is So Important

Posted on Jul 22, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

For adults who wear dentures, many feel their ability to bite and chew comfortably and securely is the most difficult part. When chewing, dentures tend to slip and move, causing discomfort. When some food particles become trapped between gums and dentures, such as seeds of berries or pieces of nuts, they can pierce tender gum tissues. This can cause denture wearers to avoid these foods altogether as well as other foods that require thorough chewing. The tendency is to select soft foods that dissolve easily in the mouth, bypassing protein rich meats, fibrous fresh fruits and vegetables, and others that supply ample vitamins and minerals.

Teeth are a major part of the digestion process, which begins in the mouth. When chewed food is ground into fine particles, digestive juices can break food down for more efficient processing by the body. Digestion of food begins with chewing with saliva mixed in during the process. Saliva contains an enzyme that converts some of the starches to sugar.

After chewing and swallowing, food travels down the esophagus and into the stomach where gastric juice starts protein digestion. However, when food is not processed thoroughly in the mouth through chewing, the digestion process is compromised. It is a fact that denture wearers have more gastrointestinal problems and take more drugs than adults who chew with natural teeth.

One of the biggest benefits of dental implants is their ability to restore secure biting and chewing. Our dental implant patients are thrilled to resume a diet of healthy foods they love since they feel confident and comfortable eating again.

If you wear dentures and would like to discuss dental implants, call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation. I’ll be happy to answer your questions and explain all your options.

Don’t Let Dental Fear Keep You From A Healthy Smile

Posted on Jul 09, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As a Periodontist, I see a large number of adults who have developed periodontal (gum) disease. Yet, it never surprises me when I meet a new patient who has arrived because their problems stemmed from avoiding dental care due to fear.

While fear of dentistry affects an estimated 75% of the U.S. adult population, nearly 10% are categorized as “dental phobics.” These are adults who have such a severe level of dental fear that they avoid going to a dentist until it’s no longer a choice, but a dire necessity.

Most often, we discover this fear has resulted from a traumatic dental experience in the past. Over the years, I’ve heard some appalling tales. Many felt ‘pinned down’ in a treatment chair while a dentist worked on them even though they were in pain. Some say it’s the noises and smells that conjure up a perception of pain even before anything is done.

A few have shared that they feel unable to breath during dental treatment. Because breathing through the nose is necessary during many procedures, this causes some to feel ‘suffocated.’

A comfort option that has helped many to overcome their fear is Oral Sedation. This is a pill that is swallowed at home so they are relaxed by the time they arrive at our office. This helps them to walk in without the anxiety they would typically experience. By the time we begin treatment, they are totally relaxed and often snooze in and out while in the chair.

This typically erases most memory of the procedure afterward. It also allows us to apply numbing medications without the patient being aware of having injections at all.

Once patients have Oral Sedation, they often return and feel they no longer need this type of relaxation. In most cases, when a foundation of trust has been formed, they relax on their own. Until that time, however, we move at a pace that is best for each individual.

If you’re ready to “take that step” to a healthier, more attractive smile, let’s begin with a consultation. This will take place in our Consultation Room, which is a relaxed setting away from the clinical side of the office. From there, you can decide how you’d like to proceed. Call (828) 274-9440 to speak with one of our friendly staff members.

When A Dental ‘Cleaning’ Is A Waste Of Money.

Posted on Jul 01, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Your six-month dental hygiene appointment likely includes a ‘cleaning,’ which, among other things, removes plaque buildup that has formed around teeth between visits. This buildup typically occurs when daily brushing and flossing fails to remove bacteria accumulation in the mouth.

When bacteria multiply in the mouth, they soon form a sticky film that hardens on teeth. This hardened form of bacteria is ‘plaque.’ It eats away at tooth surfaces, gum tissues and eventually the bone that supports teeth. When plaque is above the gum line, a hygienist uses special tools to scrape it off. However, when bacteria get below the gum line, a more rigorous line of treatment is required.

To rid bacteria below the gum line, one treatment is “soft tissue management.” This is a process of cleaning below the gums where oral bacteria now thrive. Although you may not perceive the presence of gum disease, this stage requires a more aggressive form of ‘cleaning’ beyond what a standard cleaning appointment can help, yet, not so severe that a more advanced level of treatment is needed.

Untreated gum disease will worsen and lead to severe tenderness, persistent bad breath, bleeding gums, pockets of pus that form around the teeth, and eventual tooth loss. At this stage, teeth may be saved with intensive, surgical periodontal treatment.

Gum disease will not go away without treatment. Brushing and flossing cannot remove plaque, nor will a basic cleaning remove bacteria that exists below the gums. Of course, the best way to deal with this problem is to avoid it in the first place. However, if you’re dealing with the consequences, the sooner you have treatment, the less cost and treatment time will be required. Keep in mind that the resulting tooth loss creates an entirely new round of expenses and appointment times.

Early treatment also helps to reduce the risk of oral bacteria contributing to serious health problems. Through tears in gum tissues, oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream. This bacteria has been associated with increased risks of heart disease, stroke, memory loss, diabetes, some cancers, impotency and preterm babies. Without a doubt, this bacteria is nothing to ignore for many reasons.

A Periodontist has specialized skills to successfully treat all stages of periodontal problems, comfortably and efficiently. Call (828) 274-9440 to learn more or arrange a consultation appointment.