Antidepressant Drugs & Your Oral Health

Posted on Oct 02, 2012 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Research has shown that people who take psychiatric and anti-anxiety medications commonly experience the reduced ability to create saliva. Studies reveal that those on these medications have a rate of dental decay almost four times as high as normal.

With the overwhelming incidence of gum disease in the U. S., which contributes to tooth loss as well as other serious health repercussions, enhancing your awareness in this regard can greatly reduce your vulnerability.

Please let us know if you have begun taking these medications since your medical history form was last updated.

Why Gum Disease Can Be Surprise Diagnosis

Posted on Sep 24, 2012 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Some patients are shocked to learn they’ve developed periodontal (gum) disease. However, the regularity of dental visits, condition of physical health, oral hygiene at home, and other factors can leave one individual more susceptible than other.

For example, if you only have once-a-year hygiene visits, rather than every six months, your dentist may surprise you with a diagnosis of periodontal disease. Keep in mind that it only takes 36 hours for oral bacteria to begin plaque formation.

Many factors can play a part in the rate of how one develops gum disease. Additionally, occasional mild changes in the condition of gum tissues are not always aggressively responded to depending on the individual and the judgement call by the examining dentist. Some females, for example, can have tender and red gums during their menstrual cycle. The ‘normal’ gum condition of patients who smoke can vary from one to another.

Periodontal disease doesn’t just affect your oral health. Research has shown that the inflammation of gum disease can have adverse reactions elsewhere in the body. It has been linked to coronary artery disease, diabetes, and other serious health problems. Like many diseases that form in our bodies, periodontal disease begins silently and without obvious warning signs in earliest stages.

If your family physician gave you a clean bill of health at an annual check-up one year, but told you a tumor had developed the next, you would likely understand it had developed between the two visits. The same can happen with periodontal disease.

This is why those six-month check-ups are so important. They catch problems at early stages so they don’t become bigger ones. Too, your home care between visits plays a major role in the condition of your oral health at each visit.

Should you learn that you have developed gum disease, the most important thing is for you to be treated promptly to restore good oral health. Gum disease will only worsen without treatment.

Terms You Need To Know!

Posted on Sep 20, 2012 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

You may occasionally hear unfamiliar dental terms that relate to periodontal (gum) disease. I felt it would be helpful to provide explanations of various terms along with their sequence in the development of periodontal disease.

Dental Plaque – is a sticky film that forms on the teeth. Dental plaque is an accumulation of bacteria and what causes periodontal disease. If plaque is not removed each day by brushing and flossing, it hardens into calculus.

Calculus – is dental plaque that hardens and cannot be removed by brushing or flossing, only by a dental professional using specific tools. Also referred to as tartar, calculus is typically rough and porous.

Gingivitis – is the initial stage of periodontal disease. When the bacteria in dental plaque is not removed on a daily basis, gingivitis will cause the gum tissue to turn red, sore and bleed easily.

Periodontal Pockets – are created by toxins in plaque that attack the gum tissues below the gum line. As the gums pull away from the teeth, a pocket forms, which fills with plaque and infection. Eventually, the bone and connecting tissues around the tooth can become so damaged that the tooth will loosen and require extraction.

Root Scaling & Planing – is a non-surgical procedure that removes plaque and calculus from periodontal pockets and around tooth roots to promote healing.

Periodontitis – is the stage of periodontal disease that causes inflammation in supporting tissues of teeth as well as bone loss. Periodontitis is prevalent in adults, but can occur at any age. Research has shown this bacteria can contribute to inflammation elsewhere in the body, resulting in severe health risks.

When caught early, time and expense in treatment is far less than trying to combat periodontal disease in latter stages. If you suspect you have gum disease, please contact us (828) 274-9440 promptly for an examination.

Sores In The Mouth

Posted on Sep 18, 2012 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Both annoying and painful, mouth sores can also be a symptom of a disease or disorder. Any mouth sore that lasts a week or longer should be examined. Among the most common are:

Canker sores: Small ulcers with a white or gray base and a red border. Unlike cold sores, canker sores appear inside the mouth. They are not contagious but their exact cause is uncertain. Some experts believe that immune system problems, bacteria or viruses may be involved. Fatigue, stress or allergies can increase the likelihood of a canker sore. A cut caused by biting the cheek or tongue, or reactions from hot foods or beverages may contribute to canker sore development. Intestinal problems, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, also seem to make some people more susceptible. Canker sores usually heal on their own after a week or so. Over-the-counter topical anesthetics, steroid preparations, and antimicrobial mouth rinses can provide temporary relief.

Cold sores: Also called fever blisters or Herpes simplex, these are groups of fluid-filled blisters that occur outside the mouth. Cold sores typically erupt around the lips, under the nose or around the chin. Cold sores caused by herpes virus type 1 are very contagious. Herpes lesions look like multiple tiny fluid-filled blisters that are most common around the edge of the lips. An outbreak may follow a fever, sunburn, skin abrasions or emotional upset. Cold sore blisters usually heal in a week by themselves. Over-the-counter topical anesthetics can provide some relief. Prescription antiviral drugs may reduce the duration of these kinds of viral infections.

Leukoplakia: A thick, whitish-color patch that forms on the inside of cheeks, gums or tongue. These patches are caused by excess cell growth and common with tobacco users. They can result from irritations such as an ill-fitting denture or chewing on the inside of the cheek. A danger is that leukoplakia can progress to cancer. If suspected, a painless oral cancer screening will be performed to determine the need for a biopsy.

If you have a mouth sore that does not clear up on its own in two weeks, please contact us immediately for an examination.