Simple Ways To Keep A Healthy Smile Throughout The Coming Year

Posted on Dec 27, 2022 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

With a new year just ahead, I wanted to remind the smiles in our beautiful Western NC area about ways to have and keep a healthy one!

Nearly every problem that begins in the mouth is due to bacterial overload. Our mouths are constantly being supplied with sustenance for these organisms. Bacteria are able to thrive through the food that enters, especially sugars, and other bacteria-laden items put into the mouth. As bacteria thrive, they are able to reproduce very rapidly.

Insufficient care can lead to a build-up of bacteria, known as plaque. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on teeth when oral bacteria are not removed on a regular basis. In just 48 hours, plaque can harden into a mass that attaches to the base of teeth.

This hardened form of bacteria is known as tartar or calculus. Unlike plaque, tartar cannot be brushed or flossed away. And, once formed, it will continue to amass further.

As oral bacteria reproduce and accumulate, tooth enamel is attacked. The tight seal of gum tissues that surround the base of teeth become inflamed and loosen. This allows for the penetration of running-wild bacteria beneath the gum line. Once this infectious bacteria reaches this point, dental treatment (often ‘planing and root scaling’) is necessary to halt its continued development and restore healthy gums.

If untreated, the stages of gum disease worsen. Eventually, the infectious bacteria of gum disease are able to enter the bloodstream through weakened oral tissues.

Periodontal (gum) disease symptoms include sore gums that bleed when brushing, frequent bad breath, gums that pull away from the base around teeth, and gums that darken in color. As it worsens, pus pockets may form on the gums at the base of some teeth. In advanced stages, gum disease causes teeth to loosen and eventually require removal.

Gum disease often progresses because people are unaware that bleeding or receding gums is actually a symptom. Insufficient brushing, failing to floss and not having regular dental cleanings form a path that begin the process.

Gum disease is an inflammation that attacks teeth, oral tissues and the bone structures that support tooth roots. As the gums pull away from the teeth, darker portions of the tooth are exposed. These are tooth roots sections, now exposed without the protective layer of gum tissue over these areas, leaving teeth vulnerable to bacterial attack.

While the darkersegments of teeth detract from the appearance of a smile, they are also highly sensitive. Drinking hot coffee, eating ice cream or brushing across these areas can send a quick jolt of pain. In addition to periodontal disease, common causes for gum recession can include:

• Rigorous tooth brushing: Using a tooth brush with hard bristles or being too zealous when brushing can wear down enamel as well as gum tissue. Also, abrasive substances such as baking soda are too gritty for teeth and can wear down gum tissues.
• Smoking: A dry mouth is when saliva flow is insufficient to effectively wash bacteria from the mouth. The chemicals in tobacco are terribly drying to oral tissues, which creates an ideal environment for the formation of plaque. Plaque is a build up of oral bacteria that destroys gum tissue and contributes to recession.
• Grinding & clenching teeth: When you clench or grind your teeth during sleep, the force that is placed on teeth can be so strong that they begin to tilt out of  position. As this continues, the gums eventually pull away from teeth.
• Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, menopause and puberty can cause changes in hormone levels. These hormonal fluctuations can cause gums to feel tender and be more vulnerable to recession.
• Misaligned teeth: When not properly aligned, teeth endure added force to bite and chew. This can also place added strain to the TMJ (jaw joints), gums and bone that supports tooth roots. This can lead to gum recession.

To avoid the expense and treatment time of gum disease, commit now to thorough oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups and cleanings. Your at-home oral hygiene regimen should include:
– Twice daily brushing with a soft bristle tooth brush and use a fluoridated tooth paste. Brush for at least two minutes each time. Floss daily. Be sure not to pop the floss between teeth to avoid damaging tender gums. Move the floss in a back-&-forth motion between teeth to ease it down so you can scrape the sides of each tooth.
– Use a tongue scrapper daily or brush your tongue with your tooth brush at the end of each brushing. This helps to dislodge bacteria that is embedded in the grooves of the tongue.
– Keep the mouth moist by drinking plenty of water during the day. This will help keep saliva flow at ample levels. Saliva is designed to move oral bacteria from the mouth on a consistent basis. Avoid foods and beverages that are drying to oral tissues such as caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods. Also, try to minimize the amount of sugar and carbohydrates you consume. These foods amplify the reproduction of oral bacteria.
– Smokers should consider using an oral rinse that replenishes moisture in the mouth. The chemicals in cigarette smoke are very drying to oral tissues. Some oral rinses are specifically designed to replenish oral moisture.

A periodontist is a dentist who has specialized skills in the diagnosis and treatment of all levels of periodontal disease. This specialist can also recontour the shape of gums and place dental implants for optimal results.

In our Asheville periodontal dental office, we feature some of the most advanced technology in dentistry, much of which is not available in other dental offices elsewhere in the Western Carolina region. These features are designed to help maximize comfort, shorten treatment time, speed healing and pinpoint areas of need for the most conservative treatment possible.

If you have not seen a dentist on a regular basis, you may be experiencing symptoms that indicate gum disease. As you would respond to a warning sign with your overall health, so should you with your oral health.

Begin with a thorough periodontal examination to determine what your needs are and the best way to achieve and maintain good oral health. You’ll be supporting your overall health in addition to having a confident smile.

If dental fear or anxiety have prevented you from regular dental care, ask about sedation options. We offer both oral sedation and IV sedation (twilight sleep). Both are safely administered and you are closely monitored by medical personnel who use advanced safety equipment throughout treatment.

Call 828-274-9440 for more information or to schedule an exam appointment.