Absorbent Gums Are On Front Line of “Hidden” Toxin Intake

Posted on Mar 15, 2023 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

When you hear someone mention the “gums,” the word often includes the pink, moist area inside the mouth. Not just the area inside the cheeks and under teeth, your oral tissue (“gingiva”) goes beyond what covers the upper and lower jaws and that which surrounds the base of the teeth. This includes …
• the lips
• inner lining of the lips and cheeks
• hard and soft palate
• gums that surround the base of teeth
• floor of the mouth under the tongue
• area behind wisdom teeth
• front two-thirds of the tongue

By design, these moist areas within the “oral cavity” are highly absorbent, so much so that these tissues absorb from anything put inside the mouth, including that which is quickly swallowed.

To help you understand just how important it is to maintain GOOD oral health, I thought it would be beneficial to share some of the BAD that the gum tissues endure. Because the mouth is the entry point for our bodies, you may be interested in seeing what foods and beverages contain some pretty scary ingredients.

According to the Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org), these items include:

Nitrates and nitrites – are preservatives used in cured meats and linked to stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, and possibly brain and thyroid cancers.

Artificial sweeteners – can affect the hormones that regulate metabolism and have a negative effect on weight control.

Potassium Benzoate – A main ingredient in fireworks and rockets, this chemical preservative is found in many foods and beverages. It is commonly found in fruit juice, sparkling waters, soft drinks, jams, syrups and more.

Titanium dioxide – is a color additive used mostly in candy, which can damage DNA.

PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl “forever chemicals”) are used in food packaging and known to leach into the food itself. They increase the risk of cancer and damage the immune and reproductive systems, among many other health harms.

BVO (Brominated vegetable oil) – is used to stabilize citrus flavors in sodas and fruity drinks. It can cause neurological harm.

BHA (Butylated hydroxyanisole) – is a preservative used in cured meats and other foods. Multiple sources have identified it as a possible human carcinogen.

BHT (Butylated hydroxytoluene) – is a preservative found in cereals and other foods. This chemical cousin of BHA is a possible human carcinogen.

TBHQ (Tert-butylhydroquinone) – is a preservative used in Pop-Tarts and other processed foods. It may harm the immune system and weaken the effectiveness of vaccines.

Propyl paraben – is a preservative used in pastries and some tortillas. It causes developmental and reproductive harm.

That’s quite the long list. However, an even greater challenge to the gums comes from smoking. While everyone who smokes knows it’s “not good” for their health, it is less known the harm doesn’t come from the nicotine alone.

The American Lung Association lists the chemical culprits as:

Acetone—found in nail polish remover
Acetic acid—an ingredient in hair dye
Ammonia—a common household cleaner
Arsenic—used in rat poison
Benzene—found in rubber cement and gasoline
Butane—used in lighter fluid
Cadmium—active component in battery acid
Carbon monoxide—released in car exhaust fumes
Formaldehyde—embalming fluid
Hexamine—found in barbecue lighter fluid
Lead—used in batteries
Naphthalene—an ingredient in mothballs
Methanol—a main component in rocket fuel
Nicotine—used as an insecticide
Tar—material for paving roads
Toluene—used to manufacture paint

Puffing on E-cigs as a “safer” alternative?  That doesn’t preclude your oral health from the bombardment of chemicals in the vapor. Although the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has not begun its review of any e-cigarette or its ingredients. Unfortunately, this means they have yet to issue standards on these products or submit specific warnings of their composition and effects.

The “e-juice” that fills the cartridges of e-cigs usually contain nicotine (which is extracted from tobacco and highly addictive), propylene glycol, flavorings and other chemicals. Studies have found that even e-cigarettes claiming to be nicotine-free contain trace amounts of nicotine. Additionally, when the e-liquid heats up, more toxic chemicals are formed.

Whether your e-cigarette contains nicotine or not, you may be surprised at the toxic toxic vapors contents below …

• Nicotine – a highly addictive substance that negatively affects adolescent brain development
• Propylene glycol – a common additive in food; also used to make things like antifreeze, paint solvent, and artificial smoke in fog machines
• Carcinogens- chemicals known to cause cancer, including acetaldehyde and formaldehyde
• Acrolein – a herbicide primarily used to kill weeds, known to cause irreversible lung damage
• Diacetyl – a chemical linked to a lung disease called bronchiolitis obliterans, or “popcorn lung”
• Diethylene glycol – a toxic chemical used in antifreeze that is linked to lung disease
• Heavy metals such as nickel, tin, lead
• Cadmium – a toxic metal found in traditional cigarettes that causes breathing problems and disease
• Benzene – a volatile organic compound (VOC) found in car exhaust
• Ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs

What does all this mean?  As an Asheville periodontist, it shows that the gums – on the front line of intake – take the first brunt of these chemicals and toxins, often when we don’t even realize we’re providing willing intake. It also shows how important it is to keep the mouth healthy.

The periodontal dental specialty is especially attuned to how the gums are more than the pink covering in the mouth. Healthy gums are known to support your overall well-being. In addition to being consumer-aware of what your mouth encounters, it is necessary to maintain a thorough oral hygiene routine at home and an involved relationship with your general dentist.

However, if you see signs of gum disease (bleeding or sore gums, persistent bad breath, receded gums, and/or gums that are red rather than a healthy pink), it is important to see a periodontal specialist as soon as possible. Gum disease will only worsen without treatment. It can also allow infectious bacteria to enter the bloodstream, which research has linked to serious (and even deadly) health problems.

Call our Asheville periodontal dental office to schedule a consultation. If fear or anxiety has prevented you from regular dental visits, we can discuss several options (including oral or IV sedation) to provide comfortable, relaxed appointments. Our friendly staff can help you arrange this private time together by calling 828-274-9440.

Sources:
https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/gums
https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking/smoking-facts/whats-in-a-cigarette
https://www.ewg.org/consumer-guides/ewgs-dirty-dozen-guide-food-chemicals-top-12-avoid

Mental Health Can Adversely Affect Oral Health

Posted on Mar 06, 2023 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

It seems almost every week that I read findings of recent studies that correlate oral health to overall health. It is not surprising that research newly shared reveals connections of how mental health can affect oral health, and vice versa.

It shows that people with mental conditions can be a contributing factor to poor oral hygiene. These conditions include depression, mood disorders, anxiety, OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorders), mood disorders, and eating disorders. These individuals are 2.7 times more likely to experience tooth loss early.

One factor is anxiety and panic, which are often associated with dental treatment.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, mental illnesses in the U.S. Nearly 1 in 5 adults have with a mental illness (52.9 million in 2020). These numbers have increased post-pandemic.

The Mayo Clinic shared:
“Surveys show a major increase in the number of U.S. adults who report symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia during the pandemic, compared with surveys before the pandemic. Some people have increased their use of alcohol or drugs, thinking that can help them cope with their fears about the pandemic. In reality, using these substances can worsen anxiety and depression.”

Poor dental health can be seen in depressed people by a dentist. For example, over 46% of depressed people report tooth pain without apparent cause, known as atypical odontalgia. Too, burning mouth syndrome is an oral condition more common with adults suffering from depression.

Additionally, mental conditions have been linked to oral conditions, such as:
Gum inflammation
Periodontal disease
Cavities
Dry mouth
Chronic jaw and facial pain
Oral ulcers

The relationship between the two – oral health and mental health – seems to lie in cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone. Stress and anxiety cortisol levels that are too high adversely affect the immune system. This increases the risk of gum disease, oral sores, and infections.

Seeking professional help at the right time is essential to manage an excellent oral and mental state and overall health.

There is also a domino effect once depression or anxiety trigger an imbalance in cortisol. When one’s smile is in poor condition (cavities, stained teeth, missing teeth, bad breath), it can lead to low self-esteem and social isolation. This contributes to a lower quality of life and, in turn, disrupted mental health.

Mental health status has been shown to activate, aggravate or worsen oral problems. These include…

•Gum health and periodontitis (advanced gum disease)
When stress and periodontal disease negatively impact the body’s immune system, inflammation often worsens gum disease. Too, people who endure ongoing stress are more likely to smoke, drink alcohol, or take drugs. These can cause people to neglect maintaining good oral hygiene and be less committed to having regular dental checkups.

•Dry mouth
Eating disorders (such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia) can reduce the amount of saliva – the mouth’s bacteria-rinsing agent. A dry mouth enables the growth of bacteria. Add to this is how many antidepressant medications have a side effect of causing oral dryness.

•Pain in jaw joints
Chronic stress and anxiety are frequent contributors to facial and jaw pain. Teeth grinding and clenching are not uncommon among people with mental conditions. These actions can cause broken, worn or chipped teeth in addition to the painful conditions associated with TMJ disorders.

•Oral ulcers
Lip, tongue, and ulcers inside the mouth can occur more often in people under frequent or chronic stress.

•Developing Cavities
Individuals with mental illnesses are more likely to have dental decay due to a rise in cavity-causing bacterium with a reduced saliva flow – a recipe for developing cavities.

•Tooth erosion
Bulimia is an eating disorder in which vomiting is used to lose weight. Over a third of bulimia patients with eating disorders suffer from tooth erosion due to regurgitated stomach acids that cause tooth erosion.

•Oral cancer
When dental health neglect is coupled with heavy consumptions of alcohol and smoking, the risk of oral cancers increases. Persons who are heavy smokers and drinkers are 50 times more likely to get oral cancer compared to those who never smoke or drink heavily.

Obviously, mental health is closely connected to your oral health. Begin by speaking with a therapist or mental health specialist. Taking care of your mental health is vital to overcome related dental issues.

If you are noticing any of the signs of oral health problems, you should see a periodontal specialist as soon as possible. These signs and symptoms include:
– Bleeding gums when brushing
– Frequent bad breath
– Red, swollen gums
– Gums that are tender or sore
– Gums that pull away from the base of teeth
– Loose teeth

A periodontist is a dental specialist who can help you restore your oral health and enjoy a confident smile. If you’ve experience tooth loss, a periodontist also specializes in the placement of dental implants.

Our Asheville periodontal office also provides sedation options. These include oral and I.V. sedation (“twilight sleep”). These are administered safely by a doctor of anesthesiology who uses advanced safety equipment to monitor you throughout your procedure.

Call 828-274-9440 to schedule an exam or an initial consultation to get to know us better.

Sources include:

https://healthnews.com/family-health/dental-and-oral-health/how-mental-illness-affects-your-oral-health/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/mental-health-covid-19/art-20482731

https://health.uconn.edu/sbirtacademy/wp-content/uploads/sites/101/2016/08/Dental-brochure.pdf

How Good Oral Health Protects Your Heart

Posted on Feb 16, 2023 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Having just celebrated Valentine’s Day, hearts were everywhere. The heart was mentioned in poems, cards, gifts and even in the shape of boxes that contained candy.

Your heart (the one in your chest) and your oral health are actually very much related. You may not realize how connected your mouth is to your heart.

Bacteria in our bodies is not always a bad thing. For example, certain bacteria in the gut actually enhance the process of digestion and help to keep the digestive system operating efficiently.

However, certain bacteria are bad. When too much bacteria invade the body, the immune system becomes overburdened. In bacteria overload, the body’s natural defense response, white blood cells, aren’t always able to conquer infection. This is when your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic – to give the immune system added reinforcements.

According to a report on the health of Americans (published by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention), it is estimated that over 47% have some form of gum disease. Although we all aspire to have a smile that is appealing, it is what lies beneath the teeth and gums that can wreak havoc on one’s overall health.

Over time, inadequate daily oral hygiene enables an overload of bacteria in the mouth. For people who have habits such as smoking, unhealthy diets, and alcohol consumption, their vulnerability is even more susceptible to this bacterial buildup.

This is also true for people as they age. Aging contributes to a reduced ability to produce saliva, the mouth’s oral rinsing agent. When saliva flow fails to ‘wash away’ bacteria at sufficient levels, the accumulation runs rampant.

Oral bacteria are living, eating, and reproducing organisms. They thrive on rotting food particles caught between teeth. They attack gum tissues and tooth enamel. Eventually, they can work their way down tooth roots and attack the bones and tendons that support teeth.

Through tears in diseased gum tissues, this infectious bacteria can enter the bloodstream. This potent bacteria are now associated with a number of serious health conditions due to their ability to trigger systemic inflammation.

When the gum tissues can no longer combat the onslaught of bacteria, there can be very few signs of periodontal (gum) disease initially. Signs that emerge are typically frequent bad breath along with swollen, tender and beefy red gums that bleed when you brush. As they grow in number, the gum tissues become weaker and they can penetrate the bloodstream.

According to the American Academy of Periodontology (www.perio.org),

“Several studies have shown that periodontal disease is associated with heart disease. While a cause-and-effect relationship has not yet been proven, research has indicated that periodontal disease increases the risk of heart disease.

“Scientists believe that inflammation caused by periodontal disease may be responsible for the association.

“Periodontal disease can also exacerbate existing heart conditions. Patients at risk for infective endocarditis may require antibiotics prior to dental procedures. Your periodontist and cardiologist will be able to determine if your heart condition requires use of antibiotics prior to dental procedures.”

For this reason, cardiologists are more often advising their patients to be evaluated by a periodontist prior to heart surgery. As mentioned above, gums that bleed are a sign of gum disease. These oral bacteria, given an opportunity to enter the bloodstream, are able to travel anywhere, including the heart. They can reach the heart muscle and cause a severe infection.

As an Asheville periodontal specialist, I have an up-close view of the damaging affects of insufficient oral hygiene. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms of gum disease, please know that it will only worsen without treatment.

Common signs are:
• Gums that bleed easily when brushing
• Tender or swollen gums
• Gum recession
• Frequent bad breath
• Gums that darken in color from a healthy pink to red
• Gus pockets that form near the base of some teeth

Gum disease is also the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss. And, studies have shown that the loss of natural teeth compromises the digestive process, social confidence and one’s lifespan.

If you’ve failed to be fully committed to your oral health, there is no better time to begin than the present. Start with a thorough periodontal examination. Call 828-274-9440.

If dental fears have prevented you from having regular dental care, consider beginning with a consultation. This occurs in a comfortable, private consultation room that is removed from the clinical side of the office. Let’s protect you, top to bottom, beginning with your smile!

Some Internet Dental DIY Advice Can Result In Tooth Loss

Posted on Jan 30, 2023 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

With the internet and emergence of social media, there has been an explosion of information and “advice” now at our fingertips. Want to know how to remove a red wine stain, check the internet. Need recommendations on the most scenic route to a vacation cabin, google it.

Some of the pointers online are helpful. I was finally able to reprogram my garage door opener with help found on it. However, as a periodontal dental specialist in Asheville NC, I’ve been jolted by some of the dental “advice” I’ve come across. It has not been unusual for some of this info to result in patients who come to us with problems that were actually made WORSE!

From a dental standpoint, the most common I’ve seen over recent years are…

 

• Using ‘super glue’ to repair teeth:
Most of these chemical-laden glues are toxic. They are not intended to be ingested in any way in the human body. These toxins can seep into oral tissues, causing irritation and allergic reactions.

In some cases, glue sets by using an exothermic reaction, essentially a combustion reaction that generates heat. This can damage the dentin tubules housed within a tooth’s chambers. The risks to the tooth can include the need for extraction or a root canal.

Additionally, using these glues to try to re-attach a crown, broken bridge or a denture can actually make matters worse. For example, if a crown comes off, a dot of super glue may seem to be a quick fix and a way around a dental visit. Toxic risks aside, the DIY fit will most likely be inaccurate and can lead to misalignment with other teeth when chewing or speaking.

In turn, this can result in chips, fractures and breaks in neighboring teeth. Thus, when the patient proceeds to have the crown re-cemented properly by a dentist, the glue residue must first be removed. This requires resurfacing of the remaining natural tooth structure, which results in less structure to support the crown. Because of the change in tooth height, a new crown is commonly needed.

Dentists use special dental adhesives to provide the safest and most lasting option.

---

• Scrubbing teeth rigorously when brushing:

Brushing teeth hard in a back-&-forth motion isn’t the way to do a good job. This can wear away tooth enamel and cause the gums to recede. Gum recession exposes tender and sensitive tooth root areas. This detracts from a smile’s appearance and also leaves the tooth vulnerable to the entry of oral bacteria.

A circular motion that allows the bristle tips to sweep the teeth is preferred. Other damaging actions when brushing are or using a hard bristled toothbrush or abrasive substances, such as baking soda.

---

• Using home remedies to whiten teeth:
Natural teeth have a protective coating – enamel. Enamel is a hard, outer shell that prevents penetration of oral bacteria into the tooth. Without this protection, cavities can occur and teeth weaken, making cracks and fractures more likely. As hard as enamel is, it can be worn away. And, when it’s gone, it’s gone for good.

Although brushing too soon after eating can wear down enamel, there is nothing worse than the thoughts of a toothbrush with a peroxide-&-baking soda mixture scrubbing across precious tooth enamel. This is like sandpaper rubbing against a tooth!

For people who want to whiten their teeth, it’s typically more than surface stains that are discoloring teeth. Thus, sacrificing tooth enamel in an attempt to remove stains is going to be of little benefit. For many people with dull, brown or yellow teeth, the aging process and years of coffee, tea, smoking and red wine can require a deeper whitening process. This is why many dental offices offer whitening systems that are safe to teeth and gums.

---

• Assuming blood in the sink is normal:
Your gum tissues serve as a sealant covering inside the mouth. Gums that are pink and wrap snugly around the base of teeth indicate healthy gums. Gum tissues that redden and become sore, swollen or bleed are gums signals that something is wrong. Seeing blood in the sink when you spit out toothpaste during brushing is NOT a sign you are doing a good job. It is a sign that bacteria has attacked and weakened your gum tissues.

As this bacteria progresses, gum tissues become spongy and breath odor is frequently bad. When oral bacteria has accumulated to the point of causing soreness and bleeding, prompt attention can restore the gums to a healthy state. This includes a dental cleaning and thorough at-home oral hygiene regimen. Untreated, the gums will become more and more damaged by oral bacteria and develop into periodontal (gum) disease.

Beneath the gum line, gum disease bacteria attack the bone structures that support teeth. And, these infectious bacteria can enter the bloodstream through tears in weakened gums. The oral bacteria of gum disease has been shown to cause inflammatory triggers in the body. Research has linked it to heart disease, stroke, some cancers, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies, impotency and even Alzheimer’s disease.

---

If you have symptoms of gum disease, please be seen by a periodontist promptly. Symptoms include tender gums that bleed easily when brushing, frequent bad breath, swollen and tender gums and gums that redden in color from a healthy pink. Gum disease will only worsen without treatment and is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss.

Maintaining good at-home care of your oral health is easy and takes just minutes a day. Follow a thorough oral hygiene regimen by brushing twice a day (two minutes each time) and floss daily. Drink plenty of plain water throughout the day and limit sugar. Have dental cleanings every six months and follow your dental hygienist’s recommendations to keep oral bacteria at minimal levels between visits.

If you suspect you have gum disease or have delayed (or avoided) having regular dental care, call our Asheville periodontal dental office to schedule an examination. Or, ask to begin with a consultation appointment.

During this time, we can discuss any concerns. If dental fear is a factor, we offer several sedation options, including I.V. sedation (“twilight sleep”). Or, if there are financial constraints, we offer several payment plans that are interest-free with no down payment required. Call 828-274-9440.