Recent research findings have reinforced the need for patients with diabetes to be especially diligent about maintaining their periodontal (gum) health. The latest findings show a relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease. While some levels of gum disease respond to non-surgical periodontal treatment, diabetics may require more intensive treatment to fully resolve the problem.

The study included over 500 subjects with type 2 diabetes as well as moderate to advanced gum disease. Glycated hemoglobin levels were assessed at 3 and 6 month intervals. The outcome suggests that non-surgical therapy can fail to eliminate periodontal disease unless in the earliest stages (such as gingivitis). Those who had moderate to advanced periodontal disease were shown to require the advanced skills and treatment of a Periodontal Specialist to fully restore the patient to a healthy oral state.

As an inflammatory condition, periodontal disease can damage the tissues and bone surrounding the teeth. Without treatment, gum disease can eventually lead to tooth loss, and more. In addition to diabetes, periodontal disease has been linked to heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer’s disease.

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, patients with diabetes should receive a comprehensive periodontal evaluation on a yearly basis. If the disease is present, diabetic patients may need non-surgical periodontal care or more advanced treatment. However, a Periodontal Specialist is trained to appropriately evaluate what is best for each individual’s needs. Call (828) 274-9440 to arrange an examination.

The mouth is like a door to the entire body. So, it’s not surprising that occasional symptoms are indications of some common problems, such as:

•Bad Breath: This typically occurs from an overload of bacteria in the mouth.
The bacteria that break down food in your mouth excrete odor-producing materials. If not thoroughly cleansed away, the build-up becomes obvious in your breath odor. What to do? Naturally, brush and floss twice daily and use a tongue scraper to clear embedded bacteria in the tongue. Chew sugarless gum after meals to aid saliva flow, which washes away germs. And, drink plenty of water.

•Canker Sores: These painful mouth sores often occur during times of fatigue or stress.
When your immune system is vulnerable, an added helping of stress can trigger a canker sore. While over-the-counter medications help to numb the pain, swishing with warm, salty water may help just as well. Generally, canker sores last a week to ten days. Ask Dr. Claiborne about medications that will speed healing.

•Very Sensitive Teeth: This often indicates too-rigorous brushing or using a hard bristle toothbrush.
While you want to be thorough when brushing your teeth, overdoing it can damage enamel and gum tissue. When the gum tissue surrounding teeth is damaged, tooth roots become exposed to heat and cold. Use a light hand and toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Damaged enamel and worn gum tissue doesn’t heal itself. During an examination, we can assess if your damage needs to be repaired by gum therapy.

•Sores, Red or White Patches, Etc.: When an unusual oral problem does not go away in 10 days to 2 weeks, make arrangements to be seen promptly!
Some unusual spots or soreness in the mouth may be a sign of oral cancer. Although some are painless, it doesn’t mean they are harmless. Oral cancer is one of the deadliest of all cancers and has the worst survival rate if not caught in earliest stages. Schedule an appointment immediately!

For problem that involves the tissues in the mouth (including the tongue and soft palate), call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation.

If you lose your hearing, you can regain some level of hearing through the use of hearing aids. However, nothing will ever work as well as the natural ear structure you once had. Even with the most expensive hearing aid options, adults often complain of echos and background noise interferences.

Like your hearing, your natural teeth are essentially irreplaceable. And, while dental implants are the next best thing to the natural teeth you once had, the majority of those with implants could have avoided needing them in the first place with a concentrated team effort between their general dentist and a dental specialist.

Of course, there are times when a tooth cannot be saved. In instances where a tooth with a fracture breaks off below the gum line, it can no longer support a crown. Had the crown been placed on the tooth prior to the break, it would have likely saved the tooth. For patients who find themselves in this position because they delayed this recommendation or felt a crown was too expensive, their dentist can hardly be faulted.

Additionally, some people don’t keep their 6-month dental exams and cleanings, feeling “if nothing hurts, nothing is wrong.” However, these visits are opportunities to catch problems that are avoidable or easily repaired before problems become more complicated and costly. Delaying these visits only positions you at greater risk for “when” rather than “if” bigger problems will arise.

Too many adult teeth are pulled because the patient feels a crown is too expensive. I believe this occurs when an adult hasn’t been educated as to what lies ahead. For example, when you lose a tooth, studies show the next tooth you’ll lose will be an adjacent tooth. As the trend continues, dentures are an eventual fate. Although dentures seem an easy way to deal with tooth loss, few truly understand the repercussions. Denture wearers typically struggle to chew comfortably and efficiently, take more medications, and die ten years younger than those who kept their natural teeth.

Many general dentists send us patients who have varying stages of gum disease (the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss) or for dental implant placement. I see patients from other specialists as well, including orthodontists, oral surgeons, and prosthodontists. The dental professionals who take the time to explain the long-term benefits of saving a tooth, rather than pulling it, are a credit to their profession as well as to their patients.

For patients who don’t want to invest in treatment to achieve healthy teeth and gums, I believe it is because they are unaware as to the years of frustration, discomfort, health risks and ongoing expenses to come. When you save your teeth, you can enjoy the lasting benefits of “the real thing.” Call (828) 274-9440 to learn more.

Have you ever been to a dinner or cocktail party and had someone whisper in your ear, “You have spinach in your teeth”? If you’re like me, you start assessing how many people you’ve been smiling and laughing with since you indulged in the spinach dip!

Having an appealing, flattering smile begins with a clean, healthy mouth. If you’re behind on your dental exams and cleaning, then that’s your first step. This visit will only remove any tartar or plaque build-up on your teeth and brighten your teeth with a thorough cleaning on all sides, including in-between. This will also help you have refresher breath!

When heading to a holiday gathering that will include food (as most do!), slip away to the restroom after eating to check your teeth. A bit of black pepper or a poppy seed can ruin your smile, which is often the first thing people notice when meeting you. Also, be sure to tuck some floss in your pocket or purse to remove bits that don’t swish away with water.

One more tip: Every time you eat or drink something (other than water), an acid attack begins in your mouth. This is not only bad for tooth enamel, it triggers production of oral bacteria that eat away at gum tissues and tooth surfaces. Rather than nibble your way through New Year’s Day, consider eating three healthy meals. If you must snack, select crunchy carrots, celery or apples rather than that leftover Christmas fudge! This can help you avoid cavities along with a good oral hygiene routine at home.

Smiling, laughing and being close with others is more joyful when you feel confident about your mouth. A healthy mouth is a positive reflection on you. Call us at (828) 274-9440 if you want to restore your smile to a healthy state.