Helping Patients Understand What They Can’t See

Posted on Sep 09, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

For many of us, we not only want to know how to do something, but why it’s beneficial to do it a certain way. For instance, if I understand that using a higher octane gas in a new car will give more efficient mileage than a cheaper grade, I’ll likely pay a little more at the pump to get a better value in the long run.

In dentistry, it’s also helpful to understand why a particular treatment is needed in addition to what is needed. Occasionally, we have patients who are referred to us for care but are unaware of the advantages of the care they’ve been sent to have.

We find that, once patients are familiar with the ‘why,’ they tend to feel better about the treatment that is recommended for their particular needs. This applies especially to people who have periodontal disease. Because periodontal (gum) disease can have mild symptoms in initial stages, some people do not comprehend the amount of damage that is actually occurring in their mouths.

Here’s an example… a patient is referred to us with severe periodontal disease. He is experiencing symptoms that include persistent bad breath, sore gums, gums that bleed easily and swollen pockets around the base of some teeth. We begin by explaining how oral bacteria is literally eating away at their gum tissue and supporting tooth structures. It’s not unusual for people to be surprised when we explain that some teeth have become so loose that removal is required.

The biggest surprise for many with periodontal disease is when we explain that oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream through tears in diseased gum tissue. Once bloodborne, the bacteria can trigger inflammatory reactions elsewhere in the body. Research has linked the bacteria of gum disease with heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, impotency and other serious health problems.

It is not only important that patients are aware of what is happening in their mouths, but what will happen if the problem persists. Gum disease, like any chronic disease in the body, does not just go away. It does not repair itself. To the contrary, gum disease runs rampant and is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss.

When natural teeth are lost, an entirely new set of problems begin. Without natural tooth roots in the jaw bone, the bone begins to shrink. This decline in bone mass weakens the ability to bite and chew. For denture wearers, it decreases the foundation a denture is contoured to fit. This results in continual changes that lead to slips and uncomfortable rubbing.

Conquering periodontal disease early saves time and treatment expense. It can also save your teeth! And, by ridding your mouth of gum disease bacteria, you decrease your risks for developing other serious health problems, some that can have deadly consequences.

Keeping you ‘in the know’ gives you the ability to make decisions that are best for your individual goals. We will always strive to help you understand ‘why’ so you are a more-involved participant in your oral health.

Tackle Gum Disease Quickly To Save Time & Money

Posted on Aug 24, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Let’s say you noticed a spot on the door to your home that looked like termite damage. Because the results can be costly, you’d react quickly to have the problem resolved before the damaged progressed further. Right?

Then wouldn’t the same reaction be warranted when signs of gum disease appear?

As a Periodontist, I specialize in the care of oral gum tissues and the placement of dental implants. The majority of patients I see have periodontal (gum) disease that requires specialized treatment. Without this, tooth loss occurs as well as a higher risk for heart disease, stroke, arthritis, diabetes, preterm babies and impotency.

Often, the patients I treat were aware that something about their oral health wasn’t right. Perhaps they began having tender gums and noticed blood in the sink when brushing. Perhaps their gums receded, exposing sensitive, darker tooth root areas. Perhaps their breath was frequently bad, even shortly after brushing.

Sadly, the general population is more aware of the damage termites can cause than the destruction and heighten health risks associated with gum disease. However, the bottom line is this: When it comes to your smile, early care is the best way to save time and money required for more complex treatment later.

One of the reasons your dentist arranges your check-ups and exams is to remove built-up plaque (a hardened form of oral bacteria) and note areas that are at risk. Those who delay or avoid these visits thinking “if it doesn’t hurt, then nothing is wrong” not only delay costs, they are actually adding to overall expenses that will eventually be required once something does hurt.

Think of your mouth as the front door of your home and oral bacteria as termites. (Except oral bacteria are far worse! Termites eat wood. Oral bacteria eat YOU!) Gum disease can be easily avoided with regular check-ups and a thorough oral hygiene routine at home (totaling about 5 mins. a day). Think of this commitment to your smile as money you keep!

If you suspect you may have any stage of gum disease, call our office at (828) 274-9440. Time is not on your side.

Signs Of Gum Disease

Posted on Aug 19, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

When something is wrong with our vehicles, we typically see a warning light. These may indicate low oil, a door not shut tight or even a tail light outage. Seeing these lights gives us reason to react promptly since ignoring the problem could have serious, and even deadly, outcomes.

Your mouth also sends off warning signs when something is wrong. For example, an ache coming from a tooth may indicate a cavity or crack. A sore spot in the mouth could be caused by a canker sore or warning sign of oral cancer.

Warning signs of periodontal (gum) disease can occur and should not be taken lightly. Gum disease begins with sore spots on gum tissues. You may notice some blood in the sink when brushing teeth. Your mouth may feel ‘icky,’ having a sticky feeling. You may sense you have bad breath more frequently, even shortly after brushing.

Unfortunately, these signs are often ignored, allowing gum disease to progress further, which it will. Signs of its advancement includes gum tissues that pull away from teeth, typically exposing tender, darker root sections of teeth. Your gums will bleed easily and swollen spots may appear near the base of teeth. The gum tissue will likely darken from a healthy pink color to a deeper red.

Gum disease is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss. Additionally, it has been associated with a number of serious health risks. The oral bacteria of gum disease has been linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, memory loss, arthritis, diabetes, preterm babies and impotency.

Gum disease will not improve without treatment and will eventually lead to tooth loss. Don’t delay care when you experience the very first warning sign. Early treatment will save you in time and expense – and may save your teeth! Once your mouth is restored to a healthy state, we’ll help you maintain it by recommending home care steps combined with periodic check-ups.

Call 828-274-9440 if you have any symptoms of gum disease. Time is of the essence.

Men’s Prostrate Health Improved By Healthy Gums

Posted on Aug 04, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

You may have read warnings about internal inflammation. Inflammation is actually the body’s reaction to protect against a harmful presence. It’s a good thing. An example would be the redness and slight swelling around a cut. The body is trying to heal itself by sending its guardian force of white blood cells to combat bacteria during the process.

However, medical research has found that sometimes this inflammation is unable to turn itself off. This is known as chronic inflammation, which has now been linked to serious health problems, including cancer, heart disease, allergies, diabetes and depression.

With chronic inflammation, white blood cells are called to respond to an infection even though no infection exists. This confused immune reaction then causes the white blood cells go rogue. They begin to attack internal organs and even other cells.

Like other infections in the body, the root cause of periodontal (gum) disease is bacteria. When an overload of oral bacteria gather, white blood cells are signaled to begin the healing process. Like other diseases, gum disease can worsen beyond what a troop of white blood cells can handle. This creates oral bacteria that can enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammatory reactions elsewhere.

Prior research has linked the inflammation of gum disease bacteria to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies and impotency. Now, a recent study at Case Western University shows a potential correlation between prostatitis (an infection of the prostate) to gum disease bacteria.

Prostatitis causes difficulty urinating and a frequent urge to urinate. In the study, participants were all males showing periodontal disease symptoms as well as elevated PSA levels (prostrate specific antigen). Notable improvement in PSA levels was shown within one month after they received treatment for gum disease. This improvement occurred just as notably in those who received no prostrate treatment during this time.

Because of prior research, many cardiologists urge their patients to have screening and treatment, if needed, for periodontal disease prior to surgery. These latest findings related to prostrate health may cause urologists to encourage patients with prostrate problems to achieve and maintain good oral health as well.

If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, the condition will only worsen without treatment. Gum disease is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss. Common symptoms of gum disease, in early stages, include tender gums that bleed while brushing, persistent bad breath, swollen gums around teeth and gums that turn from a healthy pink to red. As periodontal disease advances, pus pockets will form on gum tissue and teeth will begin to loosen.

A Periodontist has advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease. Through this care, your mouth can be restored to a healthy state, giving you the foundation needed to maintain good oral health for a lifetime. Call (828) 274-9440 for an examination or visit the web site of the American Academy of Periodontology: www.perio.org.