Flossing Made Easier With These Options

Posted on Oct 01, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Daily flossing, combined with thorough brushing twice a day, is an effective way to minimize your potential for periodontal (gum) disease, which is the leading cause of adult tooth loss.

As a Periodontist, I’ve heard every excuse under the sun why people don’t floss. “It hurts my fingers.” “I don’t feel I need to floss.” “The floss hurts my gums.” Yet, when people get into the habit of flossing, using the proper technique, most can’t go a day without flossing. Some tell me, “I don’t feel like my mouth is really clean if I miss flossing.”

Your dental hygienist is a pro at helping you develop a comfortable technique that effectively removes debris and bacteria between teeth. However, if you absolutely cannot get used to traditional dental floss, here are a few options you may wish to try:

Floss Holders – These are small plastic pieces that hold floss taut so you don’t have to wrap it around your fingers.  Many people feel Floss Holders make flossing easier and like that they can be used with one hand.  Like traditional flossing, it is important that you don’t ‘pop’ the floss in-between teeth. This can damage tender gum tissues, which leaves the gums more susceptible for bacteria to penetrate.

Oral Irrigators – An oral irrigator (or water flosser) uses a pulsating action of water to help remove bacteria and food particles from between teeth.  They also stimulate blood flow. Use water that is lukewarm or at room temperature for additional comfort.

Electric Flossers – These flossers, such as Airfloss, use microburst technology to send a burst of pressurized air mixed with water to clean between teeth. These are excellent for people who struggle with hand coordination or strength (arthritis sufferers, for example). They can go into areas where a toothbrush doesn’t reach and gives a deeper clean than that of Oral Irrigators.

Regardless of which option you choose, DO choose something to keep oral bacteria from creating problems that can be costly and time-consuming to repair. Think of your flossing aid as “an ounce of prevention.” Plus, your mouth will feel cleaner and breath will be fresher! So, no more excuses!

 

Why Saliva Is So Important

Posted on Oct 01, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Why is it so important to your oral health (teeth and gums) to maintain sufficient moisture in your mouth? Your saliva plays an important part in removing food particles and bacteria. Certain medications, age, or particular foods and beverages (alcohol, especially) can contribute to dry mouth.

A dry mouth enables oral bacteria to ‘hang around’ and multiply. The longer bacteria remains in your mouth, the more reproduce. This build up is the beginning of the sticky film that forms plaque. While daily brushing and flossing certainly helps to curtail the accumulation of bacteria, without a sufficient flow of saliva, this cleansing battle becomes too much for bristles and string alone.

Oral moisture is particularly important for those who are more susceptible than others to this bacteria. While all people have bacteria in their bodies, two kinds (abbreviated as SM and LB) are especially harmful in the mouth.

An estimated 75% of Americans over the age of 35 have some form of periodontal disease. Gum disease is also the nation’s leading cause of tooth loss. Missing teeth create a long list of problems, from gastrointestinal to psychological. In a country as advanced as ours, our population should have better dental health.

Be committed to having exceptional oral health at every age and ensure adequate moisture by drinking plenty of water. If needed, you can use an over-the-counter oral moisture rinse to counteract drying effects of medications or aging. For suggestions, call us at (828) 274-9440.

Gum Disease Can Exist Without Obvious Symptoms

Posted on Sep 22, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Like most diseases that form in our bodies, periodontal (gum) disease begins silently. People who develop cancer or heart disease typically have no warning signs during the earliest stages of formation. The same is true for gum disease. By the time symptoms are obvious, some people ignore them, such as gums that bleed when brushing or tender, sore gums. While many tend to assume these problems as normal, this merely allows gum disease to progress further.

Initial signs of periodontal disease, once they emerge, include gums that bleed when you brush, persistent bad breath, tender gums, swollen spots around teeth and gums that pull away from teeth. If you find dental cleanings are uncomfortable, it may have less to do with the technique of your Hygienist and more to do with heightened gum sensitivity. People with healthy gums rarely complain of discomfort during oral hygiene visits.

The earliest form of gum disease is Gingivitis. It begins with a buildup of plaque, which is a sticky film that forms on teeth. This film is an accumulation of oral bacteria. When not removed on a regular basis (such as with twice daily brushing and daily flossing), plaque hardens into calculus. Calculus attaches to teeth and is impossible to brush or floss away. When a dental hygienist scrapes at teeth with a special instrument, she is likely removing calculus buildup.

Calculus, if not removed, continues to amass as bacteria reproduce in your mouth. Calculus bacteria not only attack tooth enamel, they eat away at tender gum tissues. For people who are not regular with their 6-month oral hygiene exams and cleanings, the delay in calculus removal allows for a steady progression of oral bacteria growth and damage.

Gum disease also has the ability to be an inflammation trigger once bloodborne. Oral bacteria of gum disease can enter the bloodstream through tears in weakened gum tissue. Numerous studies have associated this bacteria with an inflammatory effect that can trigger an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies and much more.

Although research findings have created more awareness and emphasis on maintaining good periodontal health, gum disease is still rampant in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that half of all American adults age 30 and over have some level of gum disease.

If you have missed or delayed regular dental check-ups, you are advised to have a thorough periodontal exam. A Periodontist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of all levels of gum disease and can restore your mouth to a healthy state (and help to protect your overall health in the process!). Call (828) 274-9440 for more information.

Does Dental Fear Give You Gum Disease?

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

Nearly 70% of American adults have some level of anxiety when it comes to going to the dentist. Even worse, about half of those have such a high level of fear they are categorized as dental phobics. These are people who become so upset at the mere thought of dental visits that physical reactions (such as breaking out in a sweat) occur.

Often, those with dental fears aren’t sure of the origins, although many are related to traumatic childhood dental experiences. Fortunately, modern dentistry has made much progress in comfort options. Additionally, most of today’s dentists are more sensitive to patient comfort and strive to deliver ‘painless’ dentistry. Many offices offer oral sedation as well as topical numbing before injections and headsets with soothing music to help relax patients.

During many procedures, we use oral sedation to place our patients in a fully relaxed, serene state. Numbing is still provided but injections are delivered after the patient is sedated. Oral sedation is given prior to your appointment so you are relaxed by the time you arrive at our office. Oral sedation provides total relaxation throughout your visit and typically erases memory of the procedure afterward.

The first step is to choose the Doctor who is right for you. For some, just making the appointment and getting in the door for the initial visit is a challenge. I suggest starting with a consultation. This will allow you to meet the Doctor in a non-clinical setting and determine if this practice is a good fit for you.

Often, fearful patients relax just by meeting the ‘right Doctor.’ If it has been years (or even decades) since your last dental check-up and cleaning, it is vital to your overall health to rid your mouth of the oral bacteria that is surely present. Please call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation as soon as possible. The earlier your care begins, the less will be required to restore your mouth to a healthy state. And, your comfort will be a priority at every visit!