A Fit Body Is Good For Your Oral Health

Posted on Jul 23, 2012 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

It is widely known that being overweight puts a strain on the heart, joints, and one’s ability to enjoy good overall health. The alarming estimates from a 2009 study showed that 63.1% of adults in the U.S. were either overweight or obese, with 36.6% as overweight and 26.5% obese.

Now, Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine researchers have found indications that the risk of gum disease lowers when fat cells decrease. The study measured participants who were obese, with some of the participants undergoing bariatric surgery. All participants were given periodontal treatment along with oral hygiene instructions to follow at home. While both groups showed improvement, the surgery group showed the most favorable results.

It seems that an overabundance of fat cells secrete more cytokines, which make insulin more resistant to proper effectiveness in the body. Thus, more sugar in the blood occurs. A reduction in fat cells makes insulin less resistant and aids in the response to periodontal treatment.

Another benefit relates to how the leptin hormone helps to regulate metabolism. Along with cytokines, leptin has been linked to inflammation. Because leptin production was reduced after bariatric surgery, periodontal treatment was shown to be more effective.

Inflammation from gum disease can erode bone and cause tooth loss. It also makes harmful oral bacteria easier to enter the blood stream. This bacteria has been linked to preterm birth, heart disease, diabetes and arthritis.

This shows how intricately your oral health is tied to your overall health, and vice versa. Maintaining healthy gums and keeping your teeth in good condition prevents harmful bacteria from causing inflammation in the body. By the same token, having a healthy body seems to create a better foundation for the gums to battle harmful bacteria when it appears.

Reasons We Hear Why You Are NOT Flossing!

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

We’ve heard every excuse under the sun as to why folks don’t, or ‘can’t,’ floss! And for each, the benefits of flossing outweigh the gripes in every instance. Here are some reasons and why each just won’t fly!

“My hands are too big.” Our Response: Floss holders are available. These are especially helpful for people with dexterity problems, such as arthritis sufferers.

“My gums bleed.” Our Response: Gums that are red, swollen, or bleed easily indicate gingivitis, the initial stage of gum disease. This should be treated immediately. Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss and will only worsen if not treated.

“I have my teeth cleaned twice a year, so I don’t need to floss.” Our Response: In less than two days, plaque on teeth can turn into calculus. To remove calculus, a professional cleaning is required. The easiest way to prevent calculus is through daily flossing that takes very little time and energy.

“My teeth are too tight for the floss.” Our Response: Waxed or polymer floss is recommended for people with tight spaces between teeth.

“Flossing takes too long.” Our Response: Once you are in the habit of daily flossing and are good at the technique, the time involved is a minute or two. This investment of time can save you much in dental care to repair gum problems and cavities.

“I may damage my gums when flossing.” Our Response: Technique is important and will be reviewed with you during your regular hygiene appointment.

We want to help you become a Super Flosser! Ask for instructions at your next visit! This is too important to NOT do, every day!

Advantages of Dental Implants vs. Bridge

Posted on Jul 16, 2012 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

While a bridge or partial will initially cost more than having Dental Implants, I put strong emphasis on ‘initially’ for several reasons.

Dental Implants are designed to last your lifetime. They are held in the jaw bone, just like natural tooth roots. This means that they do not rely on adjacent teeth for support. Leaving natural teeth untouched, rather than crown them merely to support a bridge, provides a significant long-term benefit to your oral health.

Additionally, Dental Implants will never need (or cause the need for) a root canal or repair of cavities. It is a fact that the teeth adjacent to a missing tooth are most likely next in line to require removal. Dental Implants are designed to replace missing teeth using the natural foundation of your jaw bone.

Another benefit is how Dental Implants look and feel like your own teeth. Once placed, Dental Implants integrate into the structure of your bone. Through this, they help to prevent the bone loss and gum recession that often accompany bridgework and partials.

Over time, bone loss becomes obvious through changes in facial appearance. Bone loss contributes to deep wrinkles around the mouth, causing the corners of the mouth to turn downward even in a smile. Eventually, many develop a collapsed appearance of the mouth. This creates a ‘granny look’ that makes you appear far older than your actual age.

Because some people prefer to keep their Dental Implant treatment a private issue, no one ever need know that you have implant-supported replacement teeth. Some implant systems allow you to remove attached teeth, but many versions are non-removable. These types mean you’ll never have to remove your teeth from your mouth again. You’ll be able to wake up with a smile and brush your implanted teeth along with your natural teeth!

The success rate of Dental Implants is excellent. Properly selected, placed and maintained, this lifetime solution makes them a wise choice when it comes to tooth replacement. Since Periodontists specialize in gum tissues and underlying bone in the mouth, they have the knowledge, training and facilities to give you teeth that look and feel just like your own.

When you compare Dental Implants to a bridge based on the long-term advantages rather than initial costs, the choice is an easy one. Dental Implants are a wise investment. To arrange a consultation to discuss your needs, call (828) 274-9440.

Injectable Contraceptives Could Affect Periodontal Health

Posted on Jul 10, 2012 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

A recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology has shown that users of the injectable contraceptive DMPA had increased incidences of gum disease, ranging from Gingivitis to the most severe form, Periodontitis. DMPA is administered every three months. Study participants were non-pregnant women aged 15-44, including current users of DMPA, past users, or those with no usage of DMPA.

The study found that current and past DMPA users had significantly increased periodontal pockets and gingival bleeding than women who have never used DMPA. Current users were more likely to have Gingivitis, while past DMPA users were more likely to have Periodontitis.
Periodontal disease affects gum tissue and the bone that supports teeth. Gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease, causes red, swollen gums that bleed easily. Research has associated gum disease with other diseases in the body, such as diabetes, heart disease, diabetes and arthritis.

If you are currently taking DMPA or have used it in the past, be aware that you may have higher risk for periodontal disease. In addition to staying committed to your at-home oral regimen, call us at (828) 274-9440 to schedule a periodontal examination. This will determine if you have any level of periodontal disease. If so, we will recommend the treatment necessary to restore your oral health to an optimum state.