Gift Ideas For “Priceless” Smiles!

Posted on Sep 25, 2024 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

It’s not even October and already I’m seeing holiday sales ads and decor. This comes across as pretty confusing when Christmas items are mixed into Halloween candy and skeleton costumes.

However, Americans are wise to get a jump on the holidays since the rush of the Christmas season can become overwhelming. A long holiday shopping list can often be more manageable by jumping on early sales, saving time and money. Like every list, though, there is always that hard-to-buy-for person. At Biltmore Periodontics in Asheville, we have a suggestion…

An electric toothbrush can do a lot more than help an individual enjoy fresh breath and a bright smile. Studies have shown that brushing teeth with an electric version promotes better gum health and slower progression of periodontal (gum) disease. Compared to manual toothbrushing, an electric toothbrush can help to reduce the risk of tooth loss.

As part of a thorough at-home oral hygiene regimen, the thoroughness of an electric toothbrush was monitored in one study (published by the Journal of Clinical Periodontology). In this, the oral health of over 2800 adults was tracked for over 11 years. The use of electric toothbrushes was monitored to watch for periodontal disease, cavities, and the number of natural teeth.

From 2002 – 2006, participants were examined with follow ups conducted after 6 and 11 years. Eighteen percent of the participants were electric tooth brush users. At the time of their 11 year follow up, 37% had switched to using electric toothbrushes.

The study showed electric brushing promoted better gum health and slower progression of gum disease. Electric tooth brushing is also related to a reduction in tooth loss by 20% (compared to those who brush with manual toothbrushes).

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6619286/

One reason for the superior level of cleaning by an electric toothbrush is attributed to features of some models. Many of the newer models include a timer to indicate how long to spend brushing in each quadrant (your teeth divided into 4 sections). The timers are also helpful in the recommendation of brushing for at least two minutes twice daily. (This applies to both manual brushing or with an electric.)

Gum disease is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss and one of the most prominent diseases in the U.S., with over 47% of adults having some level. Signs of gum disease include tender gums that bleed easily when brushing, gums that darken in color to red (versus a healthy pink), persistent bad breath, and gums that pull away from teeth (receded gums) and expose darker root areas of teeth.

As devastating as tooth loss is, the infectious oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream through diseased gum tissues. They are able to create inflammatory reactions that have been associated with a long list of health problems.

Decades of research have shown the bacteria of gum disease are able to trigger the onset of or worsen the development of severe (and even deadly) health conditions. These include: heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, some cancers, diabetes, arthritis, impotency, preterm babies, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and more.

Thus, the gift of an electric toothbrush to a smile you love can improve that person’s oral health and help them in their overall health as well! As a periodontist, I have a firsthand view at how these can help greatly when it comes to time spent at the bathroom sink!

Another gift suggestion is an electric water flosser.

Daily flossing is highly recommended for gum health, lower cavity risk and the prevention of tooth loss. Flossing removes trapped bits of food remaining in the mouth, which feeds oral bacteria and allows them to quickly multiply. Because brushing cannot dislodge all food particles caught between teeth, flossing should be a must-do in one’s daily oral hygiene routine at home.

Proper flossing is easy for those who are in the habit and takes only a minute each day. While an estimated 40% of American adults “claim” to be daily flossers, that’s disputable. Some polls show that about 37% admit they actually floss less than daily with just over 32% saying they never floss.
https://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2016-05-02/how-many-americans-floss-their-teeth

For those who have problems with manual dexterity or find the maneuver awkward, water flossers are an effective alternative. They are easy to use and have been found to be just as effective as manual flossing.

A water flosser works by pulsating a stream of water between teeth that is forceful enough to dislodge trapped food bits but without harming teeth or gums. The pressure can also be adjusted for one’s comfort. They can be affordably purchased online or in many stores.

While adults are gaining a better understanding of how the health in their mouths impacts their overall help, we believe that – like anything – having the right tools can create a stronger commitment and positively support an individual in doing the job effectively. Because every smile gives back so much, protecting it – or helping someone protect theirs – is a gift that has lifelong benefits.

If signs or symptoms of gum disease are suspected, call 828-274-9440. If dental fear or anxiety is a concern, we can discuss comfort options, including oral and IV sedation (“twilight sleep”).

If regular dental care has been difficult for you in the past, consider starting with a consultation. You’ll find the entire team at our state-of-the-art Asheville periodontal dental office treat patients with respect, compassion and a gentle touch.

New patients are always welcome and referrals are not always required.