Gum Disease Can Affect Teens, Too!

Posted on Sep 16, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Although periodontal (gum) disease is typically associated with adults, teens can also be affected. Even younger children can be victims of gingivitis. Gingivitis can be prevented with regular brushing, flossing and dental visits. However, when untreated, it can advance to full-blown periodontal disease. Aggressive periodontitis can adversely affect the healthy development of first molars and incisors.

During puberty, hormonal changes place teens at greater risk for periodontal disease. Increased hormonal levels cause increased blood circulation to the gums, leading to gum sensitivity. This causes higher susceptibility to any irritation with the gums being swollen, red and tender. Gum disease in teens can evolve into inflammation of the gums and plaque build-up. Typical signs include bleeding gums while brushing, puffy and sore gums, seeing gum tissue that has pulled away from teeth and persistent bad breath.

It is important that teens be committed to a thorough dental hygiene regimen at home, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups and cleanings. In some cases, a dentist may refer your teen to a Periodontist for treatment to help prevent damage to the tissues and bone surrounding teeth.

Periodontal disease in children and teens can be avoided with good oral care habits. To help your child maintain good oral health, the American Academy of Periodontology advises:
 •Establish good dental hygiene habits early. When your child is one year old, begin using toothpaste when brushing his or her teeth. Begin flossing when the gaps between your child’s teeth close.
    •Be a good role model by having your child watch you during your own dental hygiene regimen.
    •Make sure your child has regular dental checkups, periodontal exams and cleanings.
    •Check your child’s mouth for signs of periodontal disease: bleeding gums, swollen and bright red gums, gums that are receding from teeth and persistent bad breath.

Early diagnosis is important for successful treatment of any stage of periodontal disease. This is another reason why all children should have periodontal exams as part of routine dental visits. If your child has an advanced form of periodontal disease, there is also a possibility that he or she is showing early signs of a systemic disease elsewhere in the body. In such cases, a medical evaluation should be arranged for children with severe periodontitis or who show minimal improvement after periodontal therapy.

You can learn more by visiting the web site of the American Academy of Periodontology at www.perio.org. Or, call our office at (828) 274-9440.

Continual Problems In Your Mouth?

Posted on Sep 03, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Whenever I meet a new patient who expresses frustrations about always being in need of dental repairs, I can almost predict that they’ll have some level of periodontal (gum) disease.

A mouth that has healthy pink gums is generally one that has minimal bacteria. The lower the bacteria level in one’s mouth, the less risk one has of developing cavities, gum problems (including sensitivity), tooth loss and underlying issues with supporting bones.

Once a patient’s mouth is restored to good health, we work in unison with their general dentist (or can recommend one, if needed) to ensure their teeth are sufficiently repaired and/or replaced.

From this point on, maintaining a healthy mouth requires just minutes each day for oral care at home along with regular check-ups and dental cleanings twice a year. Most problems that occur thereafter are typically minimal and can be repaired easily.

If you built a new home, you’d certainly make sure it was positioned soundly on a dependable foundation. Your mouth needs a good foundation as well. Once your gums are healthy, those continual visits to repair problems should no longer be the case. Call (282) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation or examination appointment.

 

 

Straight Teeth Can Help You Avoid Many Problems, Including Lost Teeth!

Posted on Sep 02, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As a Periodontal Specialist, I am often referred patients who have developed gum disease or are missing teeth. Although periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss, you may be surprised to know how often this is a result of bite misalignment. While crooked or crowded teeth don’t always require bite realignment, they typically indicate problems that will occur, if they don’t already exist.

A bite that is not properly aligned can cause strain on jaw joints and facial muscles, which can lead to joint pain, headaches and migraines. Additionally, crowded and crooked teeth are more difficult to keep clean. This creates nooks and crevices where bacterial buildup can easily occur, leading to gingivitis and eventually gum disease.

In some cases, orthodontic treatment is necessary. Although wires and brackets have a less-than-fun reputation, today’s materials are more comfortable and can be barely visible. Some Orthodontists also offer clear molds that are removable for eating and brushing. However, these are typically recommended when minimal movement is needed.

Ideally, your smile should be a combination of healthy gums with a bite that works in harmony with head muscles and jaw joints. This provides you with a foundation that minimizes the risk for future problems.

Begin with an evaluation to ensure your gums are healthy so, if bite realignment is necessary, you’ll have minimal risks for complications during treatment. Also, ask about financial plans that can help you achieve a healthy mouth while making monthly payments that fit your budget. Call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation.

Long, Sensitive Teeth From Gum Recession

Posted on Aug 27, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Gum recession occurs when gum tissues that frame the teeth wear or pull away. This exposes dark areas of the tooth’s root, which tend to be sensitive to hot, cold or brushing. Gum recession also causes “long” teeth, which detracts from one’s smile.

Receded gums are also a sign of gum disease. This occurs from the formation of “pockets” of pus or bacterial buildup between the teeth and gum line. If untreated, the tissues and bone that support the teeth can be damaged and eventually result in tooth loss.

In most cases, gum recession occurs gradually. The first sign of gum recession is usually tooth sensitivity or teeth that seem longer. Although gum disease is the leading cause of recession, there are other factors that can lead to gum recession as well, including:

Being too rigorous in tooth brushing: Brushing your teeth with too much pressure or “scrubbing” teeth with a hard bristle tooth brush can cause the enamel on teeth to wear away and the gums to recede.

Poor dental hygiene: When your brushing and flossing regimen is insufficient, bacterial accumulation results in plaque, which turns into calculus. Plaque (also known as tartar) is a cement-like substance that can only be removed from teeth by a professional.

Smoking: The chemicals in tobacco are drying to oral tissues. This increases your likelihood for the formation of plaque on teeth, which can lead to gum recession.

Grinding and clenching teeth: When you clench or grind your teeth at night, the force this places on teeth can cause the gums to recede.

Female hormonal fluctuations: When hormonal levels change, such as occurs in puberty, pregnancy and menopause, the gums can be more sensitive and more susceptible to gum recession.

Crooked teeth or bite misalignment: When teeth are not in proper alignment, there is added force placed on the gums and supporting bone. This often leads to gum recession.

Exposed areas of teeth can cause sensitivity as well as make you more susceptible to decay or gum disease. Repairing these areas can be performed in our office comfortably and quickly.

The best time to treat gum recession is as soon as it is noticed. Don’t wait until the gums have pulled away to the extent where more involved grafting is required. When caught early, your time and expense in treatment will be minimal. Call (828) 274-9440 for more information.