As a Periodontist, I cannot imagine hurting a patient. Even more, I cannot fathom why a Dentist would continue to work on a patient they can see is in pain. Yet, from the horror stories I have heard, it’s no wonder gum disease is so rampant since many end up avoiding dental care for years.

While I’ve always been committed to providing exceptional results and healthy smiles, I also know that procedures can be performed without the patient experiencing pain. For fearful patients, most do fine with Oral Sedation, which requires no needles to administer and has a quick recovery. Once patients realize they can trust me to prevent any discomfort throughout their procedure, some even opt for standard numbing.

A healthy smile is an important part of one’s overall health and well-being. If you know someone who avoids dentistry because of fear, suggest they arrange a consultation. This conversation will hopefully be the beginning to a confident smile!

In 2010, the CDC reported Atrial Fibrillation affected 2.7 million in the US.  A-Fib places patients at a high risk for clots, strokes and heart failure. Could dental cleanings (which remove plaque through ‘scaling’) reduce your risk of atrial fibrillation?

According to findings in new research, a relationship between periodontal (gum) health and cardiac dysrhythmia does exist. A new study published in the International Journal of Cardiology shows that an annual dental scaling can lower the risk of developing atrial fibrillation, the most common type of cardiac dysrhythmia. The study suggests that the risk is reduced through dental scaling, which helps to decrease inflammation.

Other studies have linked poor oral hygiene and edentulousness (missing all teeth) to increased risk of cardiovascular problems, particularly death by stroke. Periodontal disease, which triggers inflammation in the body, has already been found to be a risk factor for coronary heart disease, stroke, and cardio-vascular disease. Thus, oral infections may contribute to A-Fib by adding to the body’s inflammatory burden.

In this study, researchers used data from nearly 29,000 individuals, age 60 or older, who had no history of cardiac dysrhythmias. Those who had received dental scaling at least once a year from 1998 to 2000 (12 years) were placed in one group. This group was matched to another group of similar age, sex, and underlying diseases, yet had not had any dental scaling in the same time span. Both groups were followed for 5 years. Researchers found that the group who had regular dental scaling had a lower risk of developing A-Fib.

Researchers will continue to explore the data. Recently, the American Heart Association issued a statement that periodontal disease was not proven as a CAUSE of atherosclerotic heart disease or stroke, and that treating gum disease is not a guarantee to prevent heart disease or stroke. Yet, researchers contend that while no causal link has been pinpointed, there is an unquestionable association of inflammation and heart disease. It is hoped that further research will reveal underlying triggers that link oral health and these deadly diseases.

Do your dental hygiene visits decrease the body’s inflammatory burdens and help to prevent A-Fib?  Further studies are necessary to confirm these findings. We’ll keep you updated as new developments are made.

Contrary to what most believe, bad breath is not caused by certain foods we eat. It typically results from sulfur compounds, which are released during the digestive process. These sulfur compounds are released from the back of the tongue and throat, giving off an unpleasant odor.

While some companies now promote products to conquer bad breath, some merely mask the problem or even cause more harm. Home remedies are also risky, as many can actually make the problem worse. The following contributors to bad breath may surprise you:

• Breath mints – Long-lasting sugar candies create acid attacks in the mouth, increasing cavity risk.

• Tongue piercing – Tongue jewelry tends to harbor more bacteria on your tongue, adding to the potential for bad breath.

• Alcoholic beverages – Saliva helps to remove oral bacteria. Alcohol is drying to oral tissues and reduces the amount of saliva in your mouth.

• Mint chew tobacco – Smokeless tobacco causes gums to recede. This increases the chance of losing the bone and fibers that hold teeth in position. The mint does nothing to conceal odor that originates from gum problems.

The best way to eliminate bad breath is thorough dental care. Factors other than food can be causing breath odor, such as gum disease, dry mouth, or certain medical conditions. If you have persistent bad breath (or suspect you do), call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation appointment.

Over the years, we’ve had a few patients who had a fear level so high that they couldn’t bring themselves to walk in our door. As a periodontal specialist, I know that many people with periodontal disease acquire it because their dental fears prevent them from regular dental care. Please know that we are experienced in caring for high-fear patients and have several options for comfort, including Oral Sedation.

Oral Sedation is in pill form, so no needles are used to administer the medication. It is safe and taken prior to the patient’s arrival at our office. This means they are typically very relaxed and comfortable by the time they arrive. Additionally, our staff members monitor sedated patients throughout their procedure. Oral Sedation also eliminates most memory of the visit and recovery is quick.

Occasionally, a patient leaves our care because their insurance becomes ‘out-of’-network,’ often due to a job change or policy adjustment. Our standard of care is such that not every insurance is sufficient for the high standards that referring Doctors and patients have come to know here. We have some patients who have out-of-network policies, yet prefer the care we provide versus others who are in-network. These patients merely pay for the portion not covered by their insurance and we file so any reimbursement is sent directly to them.

I’m proud to say I have had VERY few patients who’ve left because they were unhappy with something. In most cases, the patient never voiced a concern or expectation. While my staff and I try hard to address any issue to a patient’s satisfaction, I’ve come to know that you cannot please ALL the people ALL the time, no matter what you do.

If you have questions about any area that creates an obstacle in having care provided by us, please mention this. For those who have left and wish to return, please know our door is open. Your optimal dental health is our ultimate desire!