How Gum Disease Begins, And How To Prevent It!

Posted on Jun 27, 2018 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

When we wake up in the morning, we all have a bit of a coating in our mouths that makes us feel ‘not-so-fresh.’ Morning breath occurs because, during the night, oral bacteria accumulate and form a film that coats the teeth, tongue and gum tissues.

For people who are diligent about twice-daily brushing and flossing before bedtime, this helps to minimize the amount of bacteria that accumulate throughout the night. However, during sleep, saliva flow is at a minimum.

Saliva helps to move bacteria out of the mouth on a continual basis. This means that the rinsing action you get from saliva during the day is less helpful during sleep. Thus, oral bacteria build up over the course of 8 or so hours.

For those who do not have a thorough brushing and flossing routine, oral bacteria amass at a much faster rate, of course. The level of bacteria vary tremendously from an individual who has a thorough oral hygiene regimen versus someone who is less frequent and/or less thorough.

Keep in mind that oral bacteria are living organisms. Bacteria thrive in an environment that is warm, moist and dark. In the mouth, they subsist on gum tissues and food particles (the reason why you should floss to dislodge that bit of pork chop caught between teeth). And, bacteria breed – in your mouth. The more there are, the faster they reproduce in number.

As oral bacteria grow, they form a film that coats the teeth and gums, known as plaque. Plaque forms quickly, so quickly it can be felt just by running your tongue over teeth at the end of the day before brushing.

If plaque is not removed on a daily basis, it can harden into a substance known as tartar, or calculus. This cement-hard mass of bacteria attaches to teeth. It can no longer be brushed or flossed away and is only removable by dental caregivers using special tools.

Once tartar is attached to teeth, bacterial growth continues, attacking tooth enamel and gum tissues. When the bacteria levels accumulate to more than the immune system can manage, the gum tissues become tender and swollen. This is gingivitis, the beginning of gum disease.

As a normal part of the digestive process, an acid attack begins in the mouth, which helps to break foods down as we chew. This occurs every time you eat or drink. For those who snack often or consume food and beverages slowly (such as sipping a cola or sucking on a piece of hard candy over an extended period of time), these acids are a continual bombardment of acid to tooth enamel. You may be surprised to learn that these acids are so potent they can actually soften tooth enamel.

As the growth of bacteria penetrate beneath the gum line, they are able to attack the structures that support teeth. As bacterial growth continues, the inflammation spreads and the gums become sore and bleed easily when brushing teeth.

As it progresses, bad breath becomes a frequent problem with inflamed gums and the gums will turn red. At this point, the infection in your gums can no longer be overcome with at home care.

As the infectious bacteria spread further, it can cause pus pockets to form. The damage to gum tissues and bone structures that support teeth will cause some teeth to loosen, requiring eventual removal.

Decades ago, it was found that this potent bacteria is able to penetrate gum tissues and enter the bloodstream. Once bloodborne, oral bacteria are able to travel throughout the body and trigger inflammatory reactions far beyond the mouth. This is known as systemic inflammation and is now known to cause a number of health problems.

Research has shown links between oral bacteria and heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies, some cancers, high blood pressure, impotency and even Alzheimer’s disease. As a matter of fact, the make-up of tissues from oral bacteria and that of affected arthritis joints are nearly identical — both being inflammatory diseases.

Yet, this destructive process can be easily avoided. By devoting 2-3 minutes twice a day to proper brushing (at least two minutes each time) and daily flossing (which requires a minute, typically), you can prevent this barrage of inflammatory bacteria growth, risk of tooth loss, and risk for serious health problems.

Gum disease is the nation’s number one cause of adult tooth loss even though it is one of the most preventable of all diseases. Even so, nearly half of American adults have some level of gum disease. Are you one of them?

Make a commitment to take charge of your smile and your overall health through a thorough oral hygiene regimen of brushing, flossing, and having 6-month dental checkups. Know the signs and symptoms of gum disease and react quickly to have treatment.

If you’re behind on dental checkups and are experiencing any of the symptoms of gum disease mentioned earlier, don’t wait until “something hurts” to schedule a periodontal exam. A periodontist is a dental specialist who has advanced training in treating all stages of gum disease and in the placement of dental implants. He or she is your surest way to a healthy, confident smile.

We’ll begin by restoring your mouth to a healthy state so it’s easy to maintain. Call 828-274-9440 to schedule an initial exam.

 

 

 

Your Gums – An Important Part Of Your Smile’s Appearance

Posted on Jun 20, 2018 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

The word “smile” actually sums up the combination of several components. What creates a smile is the lips, teeth, and gum tissues. Certainly, the teeth are an important part of what “makes or breaks” a flattering smile. However, as a Periodontist, I know how significantly the shape of the gums can as well.

A periodontal specialist is uniquely trained in the diagnosis and treatment of all phases of periodontal disease and other problems associated with gum tissues. He or she also has advanced skills in the diagnosis and placement of dental implants. To the general public, however, an often unknown skill of the Periodontist is in the “esthetic” contouring of gum tissues.

To understand the intricate involvement a periodontal specialist has in smile enhancement, just look in the mirror and get a close-up view of your smile.

You’ll notice that each tooth is arched by gum tissue. You’ll also see a slight dip of this tissue that seems to separate each individual tooth. What you may not have noticed before is how the gum tissues that border each tooth are in a fairly even line. This is your “smile line.”

In seeing photos of people who have what is deemed as beautiful smiles, the teeth are nicely shaped and the gums are evenly contoured over each. In a smile that has an uneven smile line, it tends to create a jumbled look, even though the teeth may be properly shaped and aligned.

In some situations, people have experienced gum recession. This is when the gums pull away from the base of teeth, which exposes darker, tooth root portions. This not only detracts from a smile’s appearance, it leave the tooth vulnerable to decay. It also causes sensitivity, especially to hot or cold foods and beverages.

In this instance, we often perform a gum graft. This uses a small portion of the patient’s own gum tissue to cover the area of recession. This restores appearance and helps to protect the health of the tooth.

For other people, too much gum tissue may arch the teeth most visible in a smile. This is known as a “gummy smile.” Katie Couric, when she smiles fully, is an example of this. Essentially, a gummy smile is a genetic trait and does not pose a risk to one’s oral health. However, for some people, it causes them to feel self-conscious about their smile’s appearance.

It takes a precision hand and special skills to be able to reshape the gum tissues in order to preserve a natural contour. For example, that “dip” in-between each tooth is an important part of the smile line, as small as it is. This dip is known as a pointed papilla.

One of the reasons we urge people to have an implant placed at the time of tooth removal is to protect the natural contour of the gums, including this slight dip. It takes only days for this small point to begin to flatten. For teeth that are visible in a smile, the lack of this point can detract from the natural appearance in a smile.

In periodontology, we reshape gums through a procedure known as a gingivectomy (gin-geh-vect-om-ee). In this, excess gum tissue is removed. For mild cases, we may be able to reshape the gums without the need for crowning the tooth. In many cases, however, a crown is placed in addition to gum re-contouring. This is known as crown lengthening.

The crown not only enhances the appearance of the tooth involved in treatment, it helps to protect it’s root. If too much gum tissue is removed, sensitive root portions of the tooth can be exposed. This can allow entry of oral bacteria, compromising the health of the tooth and surrounding gum tissues (which can lead to gum disease).

In our office, crown lengthening or gingivectomies are performed with a high level of comfort. Although gum tissues are laden with nerves, we take special measures to minimize anything that would add to one’s discomfort or the amount of time needed for healing. As a specialist in this area, I am trained to help each patient achieve optimal results with treatment that they remember as “no big deal!”

Healthy gums are an important part of your overall health and the foundation for your teeth. The appearance of your gums, however, are an important part of your smile, too. The self-confidence in knowing a smile looks attractive tends to cause people to smile more often. That’s a good reason to ensure your teeth AND gums are in good shape!

If you’ve noticed your smile is less-than-its-best because of uneven or excess gum tissue, call us at 828-274-9440. We will be happy to schedule a consultation appointment. During this time, we’ll make recommendations and I’ll explain the procedure. From there, you can make the decision that is best for your needs and goals.

Don’t Let Hot Weather Drinks Dry You Out!

Posted on May 29, 2018 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Summer is right around the corner! The coming months are typically those that move us to outdoor activities for “fun in the sun!”

Before you stock a cooler to tote along meant to quench your thirst, consider it’s contents — for your smile! While the intention with these drinks is to re-hydrate, many of these beverages can actually dry you out, including the oral tissues.

Let me explain the hazards behind having a dry mouth. First, think about how your mouth feels when you first wake up. Because the mouth is dry upon awakening, it causes a sticky buildup. This occurs when saliva flow is at minimum levels during sleep.

Without sufficient saliva flow, bacteria in the mouth are not being cleansed efficiently. Their accumulation leads to a sticky film that forms over teeth and gums. When we wake up, this is why our breath is less-than-fresh.

This film of bacteria is known as plaque. Bacteria are tiny organisms that eat, reproduce, and create waste. When the film they form becomes acidic, it can lead to the demineralization of teeth – a fancy term for cavities. Bacteria capable of eating into tooth enamel should be taken seriously!

Obviously, the goal is to keep oral bacteria levels to a minimum not only for fresh breath, but to avoid cavities and periodontal (gum) disease. When oral bacteria becomes too much for healthy gums tissues to handle, they become inflamed.

This inflammation destroys gum tissues, which become feeding and breeding grounds for oral bacteria. Once inflamed to a certain extent, the gums (the foundation of healthy teeth and the bones that support them) are destroyed.

As oral bacteria amass further, diseased gum tissues will release their firm grip around teeth, allowing these potent bacteria to attack structures below the gum line. They can also enter the bloodstream.

Research has shown that the oral bacteria of gum disease can create inflammatory triggers in the body. This inflammation has been linked to a number of serious health problems, including heart disease and stroke.

The goal is to keep oral bacteria levels manageable. This is why it’s so important to brush thoroughly twice daily, floss each day, and to keep the mouth moist. Through these simple steps, you greatly reduce your risk for cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and the penetration of oral bacteria into the bloodstream.

Saliva is your body’s natural oral cleanser. However, a number of things can deplete the amount of moisture in the mouth. Summer beverages tend to fool people since it is assumed that something cold and wet replenishes moisture. Beware the following:

• Colas – A cooler full of colas may seem like a good way to cool down, but most of these beverages pack a double whammy. The majority of colas are caffeinated AND contain sugar. Even those that are “sugar-free” and/or caffeine-free are bad for you. Why? Colas are highly acidic. This acid mixes with digestive acids that flow into the mouth each time you eat or drink. Sugar ramps up the acid content even more. When you combine a drink that has caffeine and sugar with these acids, you create a challenging ordeal for teeth and gums.
As if all that weren’t bad enough, think of the nature of how we drink colas. Most of us sip these drinks over a period of time. So, with each sip, oral acids are flowing into the mouth, wreaking havoc on teeth and gums. Because it takes 20-30 minutes for an acid attack to subside after the last bite or sip, drinking a cola over an extended period of time merely lengthens the period of overly-high acid levels.

• Alcohol – Ahhh… savoring a cold beer by the lake or a poolside daiquiri sounds refreshing, doesn’t it? Although these beverages are cooling to the mouth, alcohol is a drying agent to oral tissues. Even wine or alcoholic drinks with sugarless mixes (such as club soda or tonic) can trigger drying reactions in the mouth.

• Iced Coffees & Teas – Remember the problems created by the acid in colas? Iced coffee and iced tea are acidic as well. They are also caffeinated, which is drying to oral tissues. Add in sweeteners and you have a challenging concoction for the mouth.

• Ice-Cream – Everyone’s favorite summertime dessert, ice-cream, is laden with sugar and fat. Although ice-cream can be a source of calcium, the sugar content can easily deplete its benefits to teeth. Hint: Opt for chocolate ice cream (and sugar-free versions, if available). Chocolate contains anti-oxidants and dissolves quickly in the mouth, reducing sugar’s contact time on teeth.

• Antihistamines – Summer’s blooms (and even grass) cause a number of people to deal with allergic reactions, including itchy eyes and sniffling noses. To lessen the symptoms, a number of antihistamines are available over-the-counter. Keep in mind that these medications typically have a side effect of oral dryness. When the mouth is dry due to these meds, it can last for hours. (By the way, these drying side effects are common in many other medications as well).

For all of these oral dryness challenges, there is an easy solution – water! Drinking lots of plain, filtered water throughout the day not only replenishes moisture in our mouths, it hydrates the body. Keeping adequate hydration levels allows the body (including the mouth) to function more efficiently. In the mouth, especially, water helps to keep saliva flowing at proper levels. Thus, oral bacteria are less likely to reproduce and accumulate.

While we would never suggest that you deny yourself a cold cola with your just-grilled burger or a Marguerita with friends, remind yourself to enjoy a glass of water after each drink or bowl of Rocky Road. We want your summer outings to be relished while you keep your teeth and gums in great shape at the same time!

With simple measures, you will hopefully avoid the time and expense required to treat cavities and gum disease. Plus, you’ll share summer smiles with fresher breath and brighter teeth!

How better to begin your summer than with a healthy smile! For a thorough periodontal check, call 828-274-9440.

 

 

Don’t Forget Your Oral Health When You Leave On Vacation!

Posted on May 01, 2018 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Packing for a vacation requires proper preparation. We select clothes appropriate for the weather, may pack sun screen and insect repellent, put a halt on mail delivery, and arrange for our pets to be cared for until our return. These steps help us enjoy a worry free getaway.

Once to our destination, we often indulge more in sweets, alcoholic beverages, rich foods, and colas. After all, we’re on vacation! Ahhh… it’s the time for indulging and savoring ‘rewards’ for getting time off and a respite from our disciplined lives.

While we would never want you to deny yourself of the joys of a well-deserved get-away, we would simply like to remind you to make arrangements to tend to your smile during your off time. By being aware of the hazards to your oral health that often come with vacations, you can take precautions before and during your fun time that won’t compromise your smile. These include:

• Watch what you eat: Vacations are a time when we typically ‘let go’ when it comes to eating. We dive into desserts when we typically would forgo them, we opt for the fried and breaded seafood platter (with plenty of cocktail sauce for dipping!), and we order pancakes for breakfast and saturate them in syrup and butter. Go for it, but keep in mind that every time you eat or drink something (other than water), your mouth experiences an acid attack. This acid flows in with saliva to aid in the digestive process. Beneficial, yes, but it is a strong acid that can literally soften tooth enamel for 20-30 minutes after the last bite or sip. Try to limit snacking during the day and treat yourself to dessert right after mealtime so you don’t trigger a new acid attack (you’ll just prolong one already underway).

• Watch what you drink: As mentioned above, an acid attack occurs in the mouth each time you eat or drink. When you sip a cola or iced tea by the pool over a lengthy period, you prolong the acid’s ability to cause damage. For drinks that are sweet or acidic, such as colas or lemonade, you merely ramp up the acid levels in the mouth. Before you reach for a beverage, consider going for bottled water. (It’s also more hydrating for you overall.)

• Keep your mouth moist: Oral dryness provides a welcoming environment for bacteria in the mouth to thrive and reproduce. By drinking plenty of plain water throughout the day, you’ll aid saliva flow in keeping the mouth flushed of bacterial accumulation. This will also help to combat the drying effects of caffeinated beverages. Also, consider chewing sugarless gum, which will also help to promote saliva flow.

• Stick to a healthy oral hygiene routine: When you arrive to your destination, place your toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss in plain view in the bathroom you’ll use. This way, you’ll be reminded of your healthy smile commitment each time you go in, hopefully prompting regular care.

While we all want to relish that precious time away from work and home, as a Periodontist, I know when a healthy routine is disrupted, it takes only days to create problems, such as early-stage gum disease and the formation of cavities. These can be expensive and time consuming to repair.

Don’t take a vacation from your smile!

Remember – by keeping oral bacteria levels down and limiting oral acids, you can enjoy a brighter smile with fresher breath! Let your vacation be a time when you know your smile’s well-being is a  priority.

If you feel you’ve been less-than-diligent when it comes to your at-home oral care and/or have neglected keeping regular dental check-ups, renew your commitment to a healthy smile. Begin by calling 828-274-9440 to arrange a consultation. During this time, we’ll discuss ways we can help you achieve and maintain a smile you’ll feel confident with, all year long!