More aging adults are keeping their natural teeth, which is great news. According to the Coalition for the Oral Health for the Aging, the number of older adults with no natural teeth has declined — from 41% in 1986 to 21% in 2004. The importance of proper oral health for the U.S. population will become even more important over the next 20 years as the age group over 65 is expected to grow, from 12% in 2000 to 20% in 2030.

Keeping natural teeth is not the only component for a healthy mouth. Teeth rely on healthy gums and soft tissues of the mouth for a sound foundation. Periodontal (gum) disease, the nation’s leading cause of tooth loss among older adults, is treatable at any age.

The well-being of an aging mouth also correlates to your overall health. There’s evidence of an association between gum inflammation and serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Older adults with periodontal disease even face a 25% higher risk of death from pneumonia.

React quickly to symptoms of gum disease, including sore gums that bleed when brushing, receded gums, persistent bad breath, and gums that are dark red in color rather than a healthy pink. Gum disease does not improve without treatment and the earlier your mouth is restored to a healthy state, the less treatment will be required.

Call (828) 274-9440 to request an examination if you are experiencing any signs of gum disease.

When I see a patient who requires time-consuming and expensive treatment for gum disease, I can’t help but think to myself, “This could have been easily prevented.” Daily flossing is one of the most effective means of avoiding periodontal disease, or greatly lessening its destruction.

Gum disease is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss. It begins with the formation of plaque, which is the accumulation of oral bacteria. As more and more bacteria form without removal, the plaque accumulates and hardens onto tooth surfaces. Plaque is a destructive component of tooth enamel and tender gum tissues.

As plaque continues to build, the bacteria ‘eat’ at gum tissue, leaving them sore, swollen and a deep red rather than a healthy pink. Eventually, tooth enamel is damaged and the bacteria works its way down tooth roots into supporting bone and tissues. Pus pockets form in gums around teeth and persistent bad breath can’t be brushed away.

The 2 minutes required for a thorough daily flossing can help to prevent gum disease since it decreases the amount of oral bacteria in the mouth. This small devotion of time can save you greatly in expenses required for repairs and restoration of a healthy mouth.

For flossing instructions or for a thorough examination of your mouth to determine the presence of gum disease, call (828) 274-9440 to arrange an appointment.

If you smoke, you already know your risk for heart and lung disease is much greater than for adults who don’t smoke. You may be surprised, however, to learn that you also have a greater risk for developing gum disease.

Current smokers are 4 times more likely to have periodontal (gum) disease than those who have never smoked. Ex-smokers who have not smoked in over a decade also have no increased risk, according to the findings published in the Journal of Periodontology. Overall, nearly 53% of gum disease of those in a recent study was attributed to current and former smoking.

The findings of this study found:
• Fifty-five percent of the study’s participants with gum disease were current smokers and nearly 22% were former smokers.
• Current smokers of more than 1-1/2 packs per day were nearly 6 times more likely to have gum disease than non-smokers.
• Those who smoked less than half a pack daily were nearly 3 times more likely to have gum disease.

Tobacco tends to suppress the body’s immune system, reducing its ability to fight infection. Smoking also inhibits the development of blood vessels, slowing the healing of damaged gum tissue.

The US Surgeon General has said, “Smoking cessation [stopping smoking] represents the single most important step that smokers can take to enhance the length and quality of their lives.”

Smoking is not an easy habit to kick because it becomes an addiction. However, many people quit, successfully, every day. For helpful tips to quit, go to: http://www.cancer.org/healthy/stayawayfromtobacco/guidetoquittingsmoking/index

If you lose a back tooth, why replace it since the tooth isn’t visible?

The arrangement of your teeth is a balanced support system that provides proper support and stability. Losing a tooth can start a vicious cycle of ongoing oral problems. Typical problems include drifting, shifting, and an increased risk of gum disease and decay.

In a normal, healthy mouth, there is a natural balance of teeth. Each tooth has three or four companion teeth. These include the adjacent teeth on either side as well as upper or lower teeth that meet them. Upper and lower teeth work together to provide comfortable chewing function.

When a tooth is lost, statistics show that the companion tooth will be lost next. Then, the next closest tooth is subjected to the same conditions. With each tooth lost, the problems are magnified and the cycle of tooth loss continues.

While a fixed bridge restores your smile’s appearance and chewing function, it relies on natural adjacent teeth for support. Rather than crowning otherwise healthy teeth for this purpose, we recommend Dental Implants. Dental Implants are secured in the jaw bone, just like natural tooth roots. The result is an appealing look and feel with exceptional stability. Plus, they are designed to last a lifetime.

The best time to replace missing teeth is immediately after the tooth is lost. In a Consultation appointment, we will be happy to discuss the process for Dental Implants. During this discussion, your questions will be answered so you can make the decision that is best for your needs. Call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a time convenient to you.