Some Whiteners Can Cause Damage To Gums

Posted on Nov 18, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

I recently stumbled across an online whitening method for teeth. It consisted of mixing peroxide and baking soda to brush the teeth. I cringe when I hear of concoctions such as this since they can cause severe damage to teeth and gums.

Using an abrasive substance such as baking soda can wear down tooth enamel, which does not regenerate itself. Some whitening methods non-supervised by your dentist can be just as risky to gum tissue. When an overly-abrasive substance is used to brush teeth, tender gum tissues can be damaged. Tears in the gums opens the door to oral bacteria, making you more susceptible to gum disease. The bacteria of gum disease can also enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammatory reactions. This bacteria has been linked to heart disease, stroke, arthritis, diabetes, preterm babies and even impotency.

Although the ADA states that, when used correctly, whitening strips are safe, they caution that if applied incorrectly or pushed into the gums, whitening strips can damage tooth enamel and lead to tissue damage below the gums.

Rather than risk costly repairs trying to mix a recipe full of risk, be very careful about the application of whitening strips or even better, ask your dentist about his or her whitening system. Risking the health of your teeth and gums is hardly worth trying these homemade remedies.

Causes Of Pain When Consuming Hot Or Cold

Posted on Nov 17, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Do you get painful jolts when you drink hot or cold beverages or eat ice-cream? This commonly stems from sensitivity caused by gum recession.

When the gums pull away from teeth, they leave portions of tooth roots exposed. Unlike the enamel-coated tooth that extends above the gums, the root portion below relies on gum tissue to protect the dentin.

Dentin is a porous layer around the neck of the tooth. It consists of tiny tubules that surround the root’s nerve center. If the dentin is exposed, the nerve center responds with pain signals. This typically happens when the bristles of a tooth brush or hot or cold foods and beverages reach exposed areas.

As a periodontal specialist, what I most often see are gums that have pulled away from teeth due to periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease is a common cause of gum recession as well as the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss.

Smoking, certain illnesses or poor oral hygiene can be factors in gum disease. When bacteria in the mouth are not removed on a daily basis, plaque forms around the teeth. Plaque is toxic and causes irritation to the gums, which can develop into gingivitis. As the gums become more inflamed, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis (gum disease).

As the bacteria of gum disease destroy healthy gum tissues, the gums lose their attachment to the teeth. This becomes apparent when teeth appear to be long and reveal darker portions near the gum line. Even worse than having the appearance of your smile compromised, gum recession allows for easy entry of bacteria to penetrate bones and tissues that support teeth. This leads to a more severe level of gum disease.

Another cause of gum recession can be from rigorous tooth brushing or using an overly-abrasive substance such as baking soda. When tender gum tissues are literally scoured away day after day, you’ll eventually erode tooth enamel and the gum tissue protecting sensitive areas.

Gum recession can also occur from trauma that results from teeth clenching or bruxing (tooth grinding). This most often happens during sleep, leaving many people unaware that this is occurring. This action can break down gum tissues and eventually lead to recession. In addition to receded gums, clenching or grinding can cause teeth to become worn or chip.

If gum recession is minor, we recommend switching to a soft bristle tooth brush and lighten up on your stroke. Rather than a back-&-forth ‘scrubbing’ motion, swipe from the base of each tooth to its end. Then, clean the tops of teeth with a circular motion. Use a sensitivity toothpaste that contains potassium nitrate to block the nerve endings.

In more severe cases of gum recession, surgery may be recommended. Gum tissue regeneration and gum grafting can protect tooth roots and restore the appearance of your smile. Gum grafting is a common periodontal procedure and performed with a high level of comfort and an excellent outcome.

The best way to remedy gum recession is sooner than later. Begin with a periodontal examination so you can hopefully avoid extensive treatment or expense. Call (828) 274-9440 for an appointment.

Dental Fear? Dental Phobia? You’re Not Alone.

Posted on Nov 10, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Although an estimated 75% of American adults have some level of dental anxiety, approximately 10% of the adult population are categorized as dental phobics. These are people who have such severe fears that the mere thoughts of going to the dentist is unnerving. Many dental phobics can’t even bring themselves to call a dental office without breaking into a sweat or even crying.

Most dental fears stem from a past traumatic experience in the dental chair, often as a child. These memories become so ingrained that anything associated with dental visits recreates the trauma in their minds.

Today, many dentists are especially sensitive to individuals who have dental fear and phobia. However, before they can help them enjoy a healthy smile, it is necessary to get them into their office in the first place. As a Periodontist, I am concerned that the high number of adults with some level of gum disease is about the same percentage of those with dental phobia, fear or anxiety.

If you have dental fear or phobia, here are a few suggestions that may help you take that first step…

• If you cannot make the call yourself, have a close friend or family member call several dental offices and ask questions (Is the dentist trained and experienced in treating fearful patients? What comfort options are available? Do they offer a consultation so fearful patients can get to know the dentist before scheduling an appointment? Etc.)
• Consider visiting your chosen dental office after hours. Walk to the front door and become familiar with the office’s location and its appearance.
• When a dentist does not have a consultation room that is removed from the clinical section of the office, certain noises and smells can create discomfort for fearful patients. If the consultation must take place in a treatment suite, it may be best to look for another office.
• Most dentists experienced with fearful patients understand their need to share their concerns. They will listen without rushing the patient and answer their questions using easy-to-understand terms. The individual should leave feeling reassured about the dentist’s commitment to their comfort.
• Many offices offer Oral Sedation, which is in pill form and taken prior to the visit. This helps the patient to be in a relaxed state by the time they arrive at the office. For those who prefer a ‘twilight sleep’ state, ask if I.V. Sedation is available.
• When sedation is used, ask about safety monitoring equipment and training of staff members who will be assisting the dentist. Your safety is as important as your comfort.

Taking small steps at a comfortable pace is typically how most patients conquer dental fears and phobia. Some people will never be able to have dental care without anxiety, but in the proper hands, can accomplish the treatment necessary for a healthy mouth and confident smile.

If you have not seen a dentist in years and have gums that are tender, swollen in spots or bleed when you brush, you have gum disease. This is the leading cause of adult tooth loss and will only worsen without treatment. Additionally, the bacteria of gum disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, stroke, perterm babies and more.

The sooner you receive treatment, the less involved it will be. And, the sooner you’ll be able to enjoy a terrific smile. Call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation. A pleasant conversation in our private consultation room may be your first step to optimal oral health.

Mouthwash Not A Substitute For Oral Hygiene Routine

Posted on Nov 03, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Several years ago, I heard Jessica Simpson had announced on an Ellen episode that she brushes her teeth “maybe three times a week.” Simpson said she uses Listerine and flosses everyday and uses “a shirt or something” to wipe her teeth. Claiming her breath is fresh, she feels her mouth has been adequately cleaned.

Being in the field of Periodontics, a dental specialty that focuses on the soft tissues in the mouth and dental implant placement, this misinformed attitude is jolting. By failing to adhere to proven preventive measures of twice-daily brushing, daily flossing and 6-month checkups and cleanings, there is an increased risk for a long list of oral health problems to come.

Plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that clings to teeth and gums, must be removed every 24 hours. In as little as 2 to 3 days, the bacteria begin to attack supporting bone and gum tissues around teeth. This is the beginning of decay and Gingivitis, the initial stage of periodontal disease.

Oral rinses are often best as a temporary breath freshener and an ‘add-on’ to a thorough oral hygiene regimen at home. While some oral rinses do help in the prevention of plaque or slowing the progress of tooth decay, they are ‘aids to’ rather than ‘substitutes for’ proper oral hygiene.

As plaque accumulates, calculus (or tartar), forms on teeth. Calculus is a hard substance formed by bacterial buildup that can only be removed by a dental professional using special tools. As calculus adds to the attack on tooth surfaces and gum tissue, this can lead to advanced gum disease, known as periodontitis. Periodontitis is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss.

For oral rinses designed to temporarily reduce bad breath, most fail to combat the causes of bad breath. They don’t destroy the oral bacteria that cause bad breath nor inactivate odor causing compounds. Many assumed to clean the mouth are ineffective at reducing plaque or halting calculus.

If you frequently use mouthwash because of bad breath, there is an underlying problem that should be addressed by your dentist or a periodontal specialist. Persistent bad breath is a symptom of gum disease, which will only worsen without treatment.

Additionally, when oral bacteria enters the bloodstream through diseased gum tissue tears, it can trigger inflammation elsewhere in the body. The bacteria of periodontal disease has been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, memory loss, preterm babies and even impotency. This bacteria can even be transferred from one person to another through kissing or sharing food and beverages.

Some rinses actually do help in the fight against the oral bacteria that forms plaque. For individuals who find it physically difficult to brush and floss, certain oral rinses add some protection against cavities and periodontal (gum) disease. These preferably contain fluoride to protect tooth enamel as well. Too, for our patients who have had periodontal surgery, we typically prescribe an oral rinse to help deter bacteria buildup during the healing process.

If you’d like to add an oral rinse to your oral hygiene routine at home, ask your dentist to recommend a rinse with fluoride or antimicrobial agents to get the best benefit. However, twice daily brushing and flossing, combined with 6-month dental check-ups, is a necessary part of a healthy mouth – and there is no substitute.

Call (828) 274-9440 if you have questions or feel your periodontal health is at risk.