Your Heart’s Health May Depend On Number of Natural Teeth!

Posted on Apr 24, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Could tooth loss and bleeding gums set you on a path for cardiovascular disease? In the largest study of its kind, a connection has been revealed that shouldn’t be ignored.

Research results were recently released on how periodontal disorders, such as tooth loss and gingivitis, are associated with risk for cardiovascular disease.

The report was released in April 2014 in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. It published information on a clinical trial involving 15,828 participants, all with chronic coronary heart disease. It found that indications of periodontal disease (few remaining teeth and gum bleeding) were common in these patients.

However, those who had more natural teeth were found to have lower levels of cardiovascular disease risk factors. They also had lower glucose levels and better blood pressure readings. Even participants who had diabetes, consumed alcohol, were under stress or were smokers had healthier numbers when they had more teeth and minimal gum bleeding.

Nearly 70% of these participants with chronic cardiovascular disease were current or former smokers. Sixteen percent of the group had no remaining natural teeth with 41% having less than 15 teeth. Over one-fourth of the group reported bleeding gums when brushing teeth.

These findings reinforce the link between dental disease and coronary heart disease. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. The study’s evidence shows poor dental health among chronic coronary patients increases their risk level. While age and smoking are recognized as risk factors related to both periodontal and cardiovascular diseases, this shows that the association between the conditions goes far deeper.

Although this doesn’t confirm that periodontal disease is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease, it is another reason to make every effort to maintain healthy gums and do everything possible to keep your natural teeth.

If you have bleeding gums, you likely have periodontal disease. Contact us promptly at (828) 274-9440 for an appointment. This will not improve without treatment and can result in eventual tooth loss.

By the way, the next time your dentist recommends a crown to protect your natural tooth, remember this study that shows your heart may reap the benefits as well.

Easy Fresh Breath Tip

Posted on Apr 21, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

It’s always unpleasant to have a conversation with someone who has bad breath. Once it occurs, the memory of it tends to stick in our minds. It becomes what we think of each time we encounter them thereafter, even if their breath is fine.

Persistent bad breath is a symptom of Periodontal Disease, along with tender gums that bleed when you brush. However, if you are worried about occasional bad breath, be sure to floss daily and brush at least twice a day. In addition, here is a tip many people are unaware of how greatly it helps remove oral bacteria (the cause of standard ‘halitosis’).

After brushing your teeth, take your toothbrush and go over the entire surface of your tongue, especially in the back. Although you may gag when far back, this action is well worth it. The tongue, with its many grooves, provides an excellent home for bacteria to embed. The back of the tongue tends to harbor these bacteria the best.

You can also purchase a tongue scrapper at the drug store in the toothbrush section. Run this over your tongue a few times (rinsing after each swipe) to remove a great deal of bacteria in 3-4 passes.

Finally, use your toothbrush to clean other parts of your mouth after brushing. Run it over the roof of your mouth, under the tongue and inside the cheeks and lips. Finish with several good swishes of water.

You don’t have to fear being “that person” who leaves a bad breath impression! Decrease the bacteria in your mouth and you’ll give your breath a leg up!

If, however, your bad breath is frequent and you are experiencing tenderness or bleeding of the gums, you have Periodontal Disease. This will only worsen without treatment. Call (828) 297-9440 for an appointment.

Pace Eating For Your Weight AND Smile’s Health

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

The human body is a miraculous creation. From the moment you put food in your mouth, a process begins to break the contents down. This initial stage of digestion is of tremendous benefit to your body’s ability to absorb protein, vitamins and minerals. However, what takes place in the mouth can also create challenges to your teeth and gums.

Every time you eat or drink (other than water), an acid attack begins in the mouth. This acid can erode tooth enamel and open the door for oral bacteria accumulation. And, the worst type of acid attacks occur from consuming sugary foods and beverages.

Perhaps you enjoy a candy bar and soda mid-afternoons as a snack. Because the acid attack will last as long as you’re consuming, if you sip on a soda over the course of an hour, the acid’s destruction will last that long. This is why you should eat sweets as dessert rather than between meals as a snack. Since your mouth is already enduring an acid attack from your meal, extending it with dessert is better than triggering a new one during the day.

Brushing your teeth will negate the ill-effects of this acid. However, we recommend waiting about 30 minutes after eating since tooth enamel is at its most vulnerable in the midst and just following the acid’s presence. Give your saliva a half hour to dilute it and then brush. When you can’t brush, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. If you experience dry mouth due to medications or age, we can recommend rinses to keep your mouth moist and provide oral cleansing benefits.

Snacks such as carrots, celery and apples actually help to clean your teeth and cause a less-severe acid attack as those brought on by sweets. Be conscious of how your body shape AND your smile can benefit from healthier, well-paced eating and you’ll achieve a healthier you from head to toe!

How Fearful Patients Can Achieve A Healthy Mouth

Posted on Apr 07, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As a Periodontal Specialist, I see a great many adults who have developed gum disease, and lost teeth as a result, because of dental fear. Although modern techniques and advanced technology in dentistry greatly enhance comfort with less time required for treatment, these advancements do nothing to help fearful patients overcome dental fears.

Sadly, dental fear prevents many adults from having regular dental care or receiving treatment when problems are small. Many will wait until there is an urgent need that ‘forces’ them into a dental office. In our office, most fearful patients begin with a Consultation appointment.

In the Consultation, we discuss their current situation, goals and concerns. I find many perceive a sense of lost control while in a reclined position in a narrow chair, which makes them feel vulnerable. Because the mouth is a very sensitive area, fearful patients actually anticipate pain. These patients often need time to gain confidence in my commitment to their comfort.

While dental fear is not uncommon among adults, it can be overcome. Most fearful patients begin with Oral Sedation, which is taken prior to your arrival so you are relaxed from the very start. Once you are in the treatment chair, a staff member is continually by your side to monitor you with sophisticated equipment.

Numbing medications are provided once you are totally relaxed, so this part of the process causes no anxiety. You’ll be relaxed throughout your visit and likely won’t remember any part of treatment. Yet, afterwards, recovery is quick and you’ll feel refreshed.

If dental fears prevent you from a healthy, confident smile, remember that every journey begins with a first step. Call (828) 274-9440 for a Consultation appointment. We’ll meet and discuss your options so you can decide how you wish to proceed.