How Plaque Forms And Why You Should Prevent It

Posted on Dec 05, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Want to save yourself from costly and time-consuming tooth and gum problems? Read on to know where most of the problems begin, and how to avoid them.

Plaque is a sticky substance in the mouth that results from chemical reactions when bacteria, carbohydrates, food particles, and saliva combine. When food particles and saliva mix in your mouth and aren’t properly removed, this results in a build up on teeth that creates oral bacteria. Plaque accumulation on teeth leads to an attack on enamel, causes bad breath, yellow teeth, cavities and oral decay. Brushing and flossing twice a day is the best way to remove plaque and keep your teeth, gums and breath in good condition.

The beginning of plaque formation occurs as you chew carbohydrates, which are components of most of the foods we eat. As the carbohydrates combine with the natural bacteria in the mouth, an acid is created. This acid can eat at tooth enamel and triggers the production of oral bacteria. When the acid and saliva mix with rotting food particles in the mouth, the accumulation of oral bacteria becomes sticky and attaches to teeth.

Once plaque forms on teeth, you have a limited amount of time to remove it before it hardens. Most plaque hardens within 48 hours, becoming so hard within days that removal can only occur with special tools used by your dentist or dental hygienist. It cannot be brushed or flossed away.

Plaque can be prevented or controlled by maintaining a low carbohydrate diet. Although it’s not possible to avoid all carbohydrates, limiting sweets, bread, cereal, potatoes and sugary drinks will help greatly.

Additionally, it is important that you brush and floss twice a day. Brushing removes plaque build up on teeth and leftover food particles that contribute to bacteria build up. Brush for a minimum of two minutes each time and be sure to brush the top, front and back of all teeth. Daily flossing removes food particles and debris from between teeth, further decreasing the potential for plaque to form in the first place.

Remember, if plaque has formed on your teeth but hasn’t hardened into tartar, thorough brushing and flossing in a timely manner can remove it. If, however, tartar has formed on teeth, you’ll need a dental cleaning to have this bacteria-filled attachment removed from teeth.

Bleeding, sore gums indicate the bacteria build up has progressed to periodontal disease. This will require more than a dental cleaning. Call (828) 274-9440 to curtail costly damage to your teeth and gums.

Oral Cancer – Know Its Symptoms

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

Oral cancer can form in the lining of the cheeks, gums, roof of the mouth, tongue, and lips. During dental check-ups, your dentist will screen for oral cancer. However, it is important that you are aware of the most common symptoms so you can react immediately between visits. They include:

White or red patches in the mouth or on lips: A white or red patch (or presence of both) inside the mouth or the lips is a common symptom of oral cancer. In early stages, these patches indicate abnormal cells, which is a pre-malignant condition. If untreated, they can become cancerous.

Sore or blister in mouth: A sore or blister in the mouth or on the lip that doesn’t heal within 10 days to 2 weeks is a symptom of oral cancer.

Difficulty swallowing: Difficulty chewing, moving the jaw, speaking or moving the tongue is a symptom of oral cancer and can be caused by many other conditions.

Change in bite alignment: Oral cancer can also cause loose teeth.

Oral bleeding: Bleeding from the mouth can be caused by varying issues but may be a symptom of oral cancer.

Ear aches: Frequent or persistent ear aches should be evaluated by a physician. While ear aches usually result from an infection in the ear, it can be related to oral cancer.

Any symptom should be examined promptly. Early treatment can greatly increase your rate of survival. Sadly, oral cancer has one of the worst survival rates of all cancers.

Call (828) 274-9440 if you have concerns about your oral health.

Differing Diagnosis From Dentist To Dentist

Posted on Nov 30, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Although treatment recommendations can occasionally vary from dentist to dentist, a long-term relationship is often an advantage. This enables you to be an active participant in your oral health with one dentist who can treat you according to your individual needs.

For example, hen one dentist diagnoses periodontal disease when it was not detected previously, it could be due to several factors. First, do you adhere to regular dental check-ups (exams, cleanings) on a 6-month schedule? Is your at-home oral hygiene regimen thorough (twice daily brushings, flossing daily)? Do you have proper repairs to existing teeth and gums (cavities filled, receded gums treated)? Do you keep your health history and medication list updated?

Like most diseases that form in our bodies, periodontal disease begins silently. It starts with oral bacteria build up and trigger gum disease. This destroys gum tissue and underlying bones that support tooth roots. When symptoms emerge, they include gums that bleed when you brush, persistent bad breath, tender and swollen spots around teeth, and gum recession. Once these symptoms are obvious, however, gum disease is rampant and typically requires treatment by a Periodontal Specialist.

Numerous findings associated with periodontal disease have shown a correlation between coronary artery disease and the bacteria of gum disease. It has also been linked to stroke, memory loss, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies and more.

Ultimately, it is your commitment to maintaining your oral health that is just as important as the dentist you see. When a dentist detects periodontal disease at an early stage, keep in mind it will only worsen when care is delayed. Early treatment can save you time and expense for more involved treatment as it becomes more severe.

To learn more about the causes and stages of periodontal disease, the web site of the American Academy of Periodontology is an excellent source: www.perio.org. Or, call (828) 274-9440 for more information or to arrange an examination.

Don’t Let Dental Fear Ruin Your Smile

Posted on Nov 24, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Nearly seventy percent of American adults have some level of anxiety when it comes to going to the dentist. Some even have such high fear levels that they are categorized as dental phobics. These people become so upset at the mere thoughts of dental visits that physical reactions such as breaking out in a sweat or even crying occur.

Some adults who have dental fears aren’t sure of the origins, although others have vivid memories of when these fears began, perhaps of a dentist who failed to get them fully numb and began a procedure despite their pleas.

Today, dentistry has made much progress in comfort options. Additionally, most dentists are more sensitive to fearful patients. Some offices feature options such as topical numbing before injections, headsets with soothing music, and ergonomically designed treatment chairs. These features help to relax patients and make them more comfortable throughout their procedure.

For optimal relaxation, some offices also offer oral sedation while others are also certified and equipped to provide I.V. sedation (“twilight sleep”). For procedures that do not require the sedation depths of I.V. sedation, we recommend oral sedation. Oral sedation provides exceptional relaxation, leaving little or no memory of the procedure afterwards. Oral sedation also has a faster recovery than I.V. sedation and is less expensive.

For patients who prefer a deeper level of sedation, we recommend I.V. sedation. This places patients in a sleep-like state for optimal relaxation. Many fearful patients like its ability to erase memory of the procedure afterward. With both oral and I.V. sedation, numbing is still provided but injections are delivered after the patient is in a totally relaxed state.

Regardless of the comfort option you select, it is important to choose the dentist that is right for you. For some, just making the appointment and getting in the door for the initial visit is a traumatic process. It may be helpful to go to the office after-hours and walk to the front door to become familiar with its location and appearance.

I suggest starting with a consultation so you can meet the dentist and explain your concerns. This will help you determine if the practice is going to be a good fit for your particular needs. Often, fearful patients relax a great deal just from meeting the ‘right doctor.’ I urge you to find one who assures you that your comfort is a priority at all times.

If you have delayed dental care due to fear, the sooner you are seen the more you’ll save in treatment time and expense. Begin with a periodontal consultation to learn how your fears can be overcome so your oral health can be restored to a healthy state. Call (828) 274-9440.