Alzheimer’s Disease And Oral Bacteria – New Findings

Posted on Jan 07, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

If you think that the bacterial build-up in your mouth from poor oral hygiene is just related to bad breath and cavities, be prepared for a jolt. According to researchers, the bacteria found in gum disease has been linked to brain tissue degeneration. Research has already found links between oral bacteria and heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, impotency, preterm babies and more. The correlation between oral bacteria and Alzheimer’s disease and dementia adds to a long, devastating list.

In one study, brain tissue samples from patients with and without dementia showed that a particular component of oral bacteria was found in 4 out of 10 Alzheimer’s disease tissue samples. This same bacteria component was not found in any of the brain tissue samples of people who did not have Alzheimer’s disease. This clearly showed an association between oral bacteria and Alzheimer’s disease, and not just a causal association.

Oral bacteria build-up can destroy healthy gum tissues, weakening them. The bacteria is able to enter the bloodstream through tears in diseased gum tissues, which can travel through the bloodstream to the brain. This can lead to degeneration in brain tissue that appears similar to Alzheimer’s disease.

This extensive research was conducted after a previous study on mice infected with specific periodontal bacteria. Researchers in this study found the bacteria traveled to the brain in mice, which prompted further studies involving humans.

An early-stage level of periodontal disease, gingivitis, exists in nearly 97% of the population. Gingivitis is one of the most common diseases found in humans and is more common than the common cold. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, nearly 64% of adults ages 65 and over have moderate or severe levels of periodontal disease.

The Alzheimer’s Association states that Alzheimer’s disease is the nation’s sixth leading cause of death. It affects over 5 million Americans, with one in three older adults dying from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. The World Health Organization cites that about 36 million people globally are affected by Alzheimer’s disease. This figure is predicted to increase to 115 million by the year 2050.

Researchers think these bacterial components found in the brain may trigger a response by the immune system along with pathological changes. It is this chain reaction that the study shows can lead to Alzheimer’s. While the findings do not prove that oral bacteria causes Alzheimer’s disease, the links shown through research thus far are sound reasons to maintain good oral health.

Periodontal disease begins silently. You may not notice it in its early stages. However, gum disease is well underway by the time you see blood when brushing your teeth, have frequent bad breath, experience sore and swollen gums, and have gums that turn red rather than a healthy pink color.

Preventing gum disease requires minimal time and investment. Twice daily brushing (at least two minutes each time) and flossing will help keep oral bacteria to a minimum between your six-month oral hygiene exams and cleanings. If you are a smoker or take medications that are drying to oral tissues, consider hygiene visits every four months.

Alzheimer’s disease is a terrible way to spend those last years of life, and just as bad when we watch (or care for) people we love as they suffer through this nightmare. Keep your mouth as bacteria free as possible and stay involved with your general dentist to lessen your risk.

Gum disease will only worsen without treatment. In addition to creating susceptibility for serious diseases, it is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss. If you are having symptoms of gum disease (as mentioned above), call our office at (828) 274-9440 for an examination.

A Healthier You Begins In Your Mouth!

Posted on Jan 02, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Many New Year’s resolutions pertain to getting fit and improving one’s health. While people switch to salads and spending more time on the treadmill, there are several ways to improve your overall health, all orally related.

Your mouth takes in an enormous amount of bacteria.When not removed, food particles create oral bacteria and reproduce in your mouth. This bacteria is the origin of periodontal (gum) disease, which is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. When oral bacteria enters the bloodstream, it can trigger an inflammatory reaction elsewhere in the body. Oral bacteria has been linked to serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies and impotency.

Renew your commitment for twice daily brushing and flossing and keep those 6-month exams and cleanings. If your gums are tender or bleed when you brush, call (828) 274-9440 for a periodontal exam. The sooner your gums are restored to a healthy state, the less is required are treatment time and expense.

And, don’t forget that digestion begins in the mouth. Proper chewing helps the body break down food so it is processed efficiently. When you chew hurriedly, you feel less sated as well as complicate the body’s ability to break food down. Resolve to never put food in your mouth before swallowing well-chewed food that’s already in your mouth. With each bite, put your fork or spoon down while you chew thoroughly.

Before you renew your gym membership, remember the ways you can improve your health by focusing first on your mouth. Your decisions and commitment can be a tremendous asset to your health (and savings to your wallet)! Happy 2015!

Spots In Mouth Can Indicate Oral Cancer

Posted on Dec 29, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

If you don’t see your dentist for twice-a-year dental cleanings and exams, you’re missing out on a very important part of the exam. At least annually, your dentist performs an oral cancer screening to check for warning signs. A white or red spot on the tongue, lips or inside the cheeks are possible signs of oral cancer. More than 90% of oral cancers start on the tongue, floor of the mouth or gums.

Every year, over 30,000 people in the U. S. are diagnosed with oral cancer. On average, one person dies of oral cancer every hour. However, if detected early, oral cancer is 90% survivable.

It is especially frightening that there has been a rapid increase in oral cancers in comparison to other cancers. For instance, in the past 5 years, oral cancer has increased 21% while new cancers of all types have risen only 8%. Alarmingly, cancer of the tongue rose more than 37% during this period.

The most common symptoms are a mouth sore that does not heal; white or red patch of tissue; difficulty swallowing; a lump or mass in the mouth or neck; a long period of hoarseness; pain or numbness in the oral region; change in the voice; or, a long period of ear pain. Some things as simple as a bite on the inside of your cheek may mimic the look of a dangerous tissue change. It is important to have any sore or discolored area of your mouth that does not heal within a week checked by a Periodontal Specialist.

Oral cancer is deadly and nothing to just “wait and see” if the spot goes away. Early treatment can mean the difference between life and death. I cannot stress enough the need to react promptly to these oral symptoms.

If you (or someone you know) experience any of the symptoms mentioned, call us immediately at (828) 274-9440. You may also want to visit the web site of the American Academy of Periodontology: www.perio.org.

Smoking & Oral Health

Posted on Dec 22, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Smokers already know they are taking health risks. However, many smokers are unaware of the negative oral health issues when it comes to tobacco use.

For example, research shows that smokers lose more teeth than nonsmokers. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, about 20 percent of people over age 65 who have never smoked are toothless, while over 41 percent of daily smokers over age 65 are toothless.

It’s no surprise to Periodontists that following periodontal treatment or any type of oral surgery (including implant placement), patients who smoke have longer healing times with less predictable treatment outcomes. Other oral problems include a heightened risk for oral cancer, bad breath, stained teeth, loss of taste, gum recession, mouth sores, tooth loss and deep wrinkling around the mouth.

As a smoker, you also have a far greater increase for periodontal disease. One reason is your increased susceptibility to calculus. This is the plaque that hardens on teeth and can only be removed through a professional cleaning.

When calculus is not removed, the bacteria it harbors can destroy gum tissue and cause gums to pull away from teeth. As a result, teeth look longer and are more vulnerable to bacteria. As bacteria growth develops into periodontal disease, sore pockets form between teeth and fill with bacteria, destroying tissues and supporting bone. Eventually, the teeth become loose and require removal.

Cigarette smoke contains a deadly mix of more than 7,000 chemicals. Smoking harms nearly every organ of the body and diminishes your overall health. Nearly 50 percent of those who don’t quit smoking will die of smoking-related problems.

Quitting is not easy but the benefits are almost immediate. Your circulation improves, your blood pressure starts to return to normal and breathing becomes easier. You’ll also have a healthier mouth.

A new year is an ideal time to kick the habit. The American Cancer Society’s web site, www.cancer.org, is an excellent resource for smokers who are trying to quit. Or, call us at (828) 274-9440 for more information.