How Gum Disease Begins, And How To Prevent It!

Posted on Jun 27, 2018 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

When we wake up in the morning, we all have a bit of a coating in our mouths that makes us feel ‘not-so-fresh.’ Morning breath occurs because, during the night, oral bacteria accumulate and form a film that coats the teeth, tongue and gum tissues.

For people who are diligent about twice-daily brushing and flossing before bedtime, this helps to minimize the amount of bacteria that accumulate throughout the night. However, during sleep, saliva flow is at a minimum.

Saliva helps to move bacteria out of the mouth on a continual basis. This means that the rinsing action you get from saliva during the day is less helpful during sleep. Thus, oral bacteria build up over the course of 8 or so hours.

For those who do not have a thorough brushing and flossing routine, oral bacteria amass at a much faster rate, of course. The level of bacteria vary tremendously from an individual who has a thorough oral hygiene regimen versus someone who is less frequent and/or less thorough.

Keep in mind that oral bacteria are living organisms. Bacteria thrive in an environment that is warm, moist and dark. In the mouth, they subsist on gum tissues and food particles (the reason why you should floss to dislodge that bit of pork chop caught between teeth). And, bacteria breed – in your mouth. The more there are, the faster they reproduce in number.

As oral bacteria grow, they form a film that coats the teeth and gums, known as plaque. Plaque forms quickly, so quickly it can be felt just by running your tongue over teeth at the end of the day before brushing.

If plaque is not removed on a daily basis, it can harden into a substance known as tartar, or calculus. This cement-hard mass of bacteria attaches to teeth. It can no longer be brushed or flossed away and is only removable by dental caregivers using special tools.

Once tartar is attached to teeth, bacterial growth continues, attacking tooth enamel and gum tissues. When the bacteria levels accumulate to more than the immune system can manage, the gum tissues become tender and swollen. This is gingivitis, the beginning of gum disease.

As a normal part of the digestive process, an acid attack begins in the mouth, which helps to break foods down as we chew. This occurs every time you eat or drink. For those who snack often or consume food and beverages slowly (such as sipping a cola or sucking on a piece of hard candy over an extended period of time), these acids are a continual bombardment of acid to tooth enamel. You may be surprised to learn that these acids are so potent they can actually soften tooth enamel.

As the growth of bacteria penetrate beneath the gum line, they are able to attack the structures that support teeth. As bacterial growth continues, the inflammation spreads and the gums become sore and bleed easily when brushing teeth.

As it progresses, bad breath becomes a frequent problem with inflamed gums and the gums will turn red. At this point, the infection in your gums can no longer be overcome with at home care.

As the infectious bacteria spread further, it can cause pus pockets to form. The damage to gum tissues and bone structures that support teeth will cause some teeth to loosen, requiring eventual removal.

Decades ago, it was found that this potent bacteria is able to penetrate gum tissues and enter the bloodstream. Once bloodborne, oral bacteria are able to travel throughout the body and trigger inflammatory reactions far beyond the mouth. This is known as systemic inflammation and is now known to cause a number of health problems.

Research has shown links between oral bacteria and heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies, some cancers, high blood pressure, impotency and even Alzheimer’s disease. As a matter of fact, the make-up of tissues from oral bacteria and that of affected arthritis joints are nearly identical — both being inflammatory diseases.

Yet, this destructive process can be easily avoided. By devoting 2-3 minutes twice a day to proper brushing (at least two minutes each time) and daily flossing (which requires a minute, typically), you can prevent this barrage of inflammatory bacteria growth, risk of tooth loss, and risk for serious health problems.

Gum disease is the nation’s number one cause of adult tooth loss even though it is one of the most preventable of all diseases. Even so, nearly half of American adults have some level of gum disease. Are you one of them?

Make a commitment to take charge of your smile and your overall health through a thorough oral hygiene regimen of brushing, flossing, and having 6-month dental checkups. Know the signs and symptoms of gum disease and react quickly to have treatment.

If you’re behind on dental checkups and are experiencing any of the symptoms of gum disease mentioned earlier, don’t wait until “something hurts” to schedule a periodontal exam. A periodontist is a dental specialist who has advanced training in treating all stages of gum disease and in the placement of dental implants. He or she is your surest way to a healthy, confident smile.

We’ll begin by restoring your mouth to a healthy state so it’s easy to maintain. Call 828-274-9440 to schedule an initial exam.

 

 

 

Flossing – Why You Should

Posted on Apr 15, 2018 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

If you could do something that required two minutes or less a day, knowing it could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year, you’d do it – right? Then, why is daily flossing such a dilemma for so many people?

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), only 20 percent of American adults floss on a daily basis. (https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2014-archive/october/survey-finds-shortcomings-in-oral-health-habits)

As a periodontal specialist with advanced training in the treatment of gum disease, I know the destructive nature of infectious oral bacteria. When an overload of bacteria accumulate in the mouth, cavities form and the gums become food for bacteria.

While many people assume that brushing twice a day is sufficient for maintaining good oral health, brushing often fails to remove food particles that are caught between teeth. These particles begin to rot rather quickly, leaving even more sustenance for bacterial growth and reproduction.

When oral bacteria amass past the point that is manageable by the immune system, the bacteria become infectious. This causes inflammation in the gum tissues, which can eventually lead to the formation of periodontal (gum) disease.

So, if the 1-2 minutes a day required for the act of flossing teeth would prevent cavities and gum disease, then why don’t more people do it? Well, first of all, flossing is not something anyone particularly enjoys. But, like some other basic hygiene tasks, it’s well worth the time and energy – perhaps more than you realize.

The inflammatory effects of the oral bacteria of gum disease don’t just remain in the mouth. Through tears in diseased gum tissues, they are able to enter the bloodstream. As the bacteria travel throughout the body, their toxic nature can trigger inflammatory effects elsewhere.

It is this action that has been the focus of a numerous amount of research over the years. Studies have found that oral bacteria of gum disease are linked to serious health problems. These include heart disease, stroke, preterm babies, arthritis, diabetes, some cancers, Alzheimers disease, erectile dysfunction (ED) and impotency. As research continues, more serious, and even deadly, connections are being made.

Oral bacteria accumulation creates a sticky film in the mouth that is known as plaque. When not removed thoroughly and frequently, plaque can form cement-hard bacteria colonies that attach to teeth. This hardened form of bacteria is known as tartar (or calculus) and, once formed, can no longer be brushed or flossed away.

They key is to keep oral bacteria levels to a minimum, which is why brushing and flossing are an important part of your daily care routine. Yet, as a dental specialist, I understand why it is difficult for some people to develop the habit of daily flossing.

For some, the tight floss around fingers is uncomfortable. For others who have large fingers or problems with manual dexterity, the act of flossing is rather challenging. Yet, for those who floss on a daily basis, it becomes a simple maneuver that is as simple as brushing teeth.

I’ve carefully followed studies that claim flossing provides little benefit. These studies have been under debate within the dental profession due to what some deem as flawed protocols. For example, study participants not being followed long enough to determine true effectiveness or the failure to monitor proper flossing techniques.

What is not, and has never been, debatable, however, is how the action helps to keep oral bacteria levels to a minimum.

As a periodontist, I have a unique view of what the mouth deals with on a day to day basis. If you flossed your teeth, for example, and put the floss under a microscope, you’d likely floss several times a day! Oral bacteria are menacing critters that are destructive in nature – not a pretty sight.

Relook at the advantages you can enjoy as a result of this minutes-per-day action and commit to performing it for a minimum of 2 weeks. You may want to begin by watching a brief video by Colgate on proper flossing techniques at: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/basics/brushing-and-flossing/how-to-floss

Our hygienists are also available to assist you personally. They will be happy to help you find a technique that is comfortable and effective. Call 828-274-9440 to begin by scheduling an examination appointment.

What Smoking Does To Your Oral Health

Posted on Mar 13, 2018 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

I saw a television commercial recently that caught my attention. It was a court mandated announcement on how low-tar and ‘light’ cigarettes were just as harmful as regular cigarettes.

The announcement, to me, was a reminder of just how much major tobacco companies have concealed the true harm that comes from inhaling cigarette smoke. Although the lungs are assumed to take the greatest impact from these toxic fumes, remember – it is your mouth that is the initial recipient of the poisons from this smoke.

Oral tissues (the soft, pink tissues in your mouth) are moist because they are absorbent. Saliva flow helps to keep the mouth moist along with the liquids you consume that keep the mouth and your body hydrated. Because gum tissues absorb, they take the brunt of the toxic smoke that enters the mouth with each puff.

Tobacco contains chemicals that are known to be harmful, including:

•Nicotine (a rapidly-addictive drug)
•Hydrogen cyanide
•Formaldehyde
•Lead
•Arsenic
•Ammonia
•Benzene
•Carbon monoxide
•Radioactive elements, such as uranium (see below)
•Nitrosamines
•Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/tobacco-and-cancer/carcinogens-found-in-tobacco-products.html

Smokers shorten their life expectancy by an average of 10 to 15 years. Smoking is responsible for an estimated 30 percent of all cancer deaths and is the reason for 90 percent of all lung cancers.

Smoking increases the likelihood of leukemia as well as pancreatic, liver, cervical, kidney, bladder and stomach cancers. Additionally, it causes emphysema and heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Smoking and chewing tobacco also causes 80 – 90 percent of oral cancers (mouth, lips, throat).

Second-hand smoke is harmful to those in range of your smoking. Your exhaled smoke can lead to the development of numerous diseases in loved ones, including cancer and heart disease. Young children take the biggest brunt of secondhand smoke with studies showing children of smoking parents being sick more often, having more respiratory infections (including bronchitis and pneumonia), and having ear infections more often.

As a periodontist, my dental specialty focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of all stages of periodontal (gum) disease as well as the placement of dental implants. When it comes to smokers, I have a unique view of what this does to one’s oral health.

When it comes to a smile, smokers have a higher risk for gum disease, bad breath, stained teeth, and higher levels of dental plaque. A smoker requires longer healing periods after extractions, oral surgery or gum therapy. Smoking is also a noted cause for dental implant failure.

The increased risk for gum disease is primarily the result of the drying effects that cigarette smoke has on oral tissues. A dry mouth creates a welcoming environment for oral bacteria accumulation and reproduction.

In its initial stages, gum disease causes persistent bad breath, tender gums that bleed when brushing, and gums that turn red in color. As it worsens, pus pockets form on gums and the infectious bacteria destroy bone and tissue structures that support tooth roots. Eventually, teeth will loosen and require removal.

In our office, we do not lecture patients. We respect individual preferences and feel it is our job to help patients to be informed rather than reprimanded. However, if you have not included your smile as one of the many reasons to kick the habit, you should.

Please note – Not only is gum disease an inflammatory disease, it has been associated with a number of serious health problems. These include heart disease, stroke, Alzheimers disease arthritis, diabetes, preterm babies, erectile dysfunction, and impotency. Add these to the long list associated with cigarette smoke and you have even more reasons to quit. Although, we know it is not an easy thing to do.

There are a number of online support sources for those who do wish to quit. Consider starting with the American Cancer Society’s online support at:

http://www.cancer.org/healthy/stayawayfromtobacco/guidetoquittingsmoking/index

If you smoke or have noticed signs of gum disease, call for an examination. Be aware that gum disease only worsens without treatment and is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss. Call 828-274-9440 to schedule.

Stroke Risk Higher Due To Gum Disease

Posted on Mar 07, 2018 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Ischemic stroke happens because of a blocked artery to the brain. Because the brain relies on oxygen and nutrients carried through blood, a blocked artery means the brain cells struggle. Thus, a blocked artery can eventually lead to dying brain cells and stroke.

Ischemic stroke is the most common kind of stroke and about 88 percent of all strokes. Most people with ischemic strokes are over the age of 60 and the risk goes up with each year. Certain conditions increase one’s risk for stroke, including high blood pressure, heart disease, smoking, and diabetes.

Having certain health conditions also make an individual more susceptible to stroke. These include narrowing of the arteries, an irregular heartbeat (a-fib), heart attack, abnormal heart valves, injury to blood vessels in the neck, or blood clots.

The very word ‘stroke’ conjures up the image of an individual with a droopy face and a dangling arm that fails to function. Some of us can remember a grandparent going from a busy, self-sufficient person to one who became bed-ridden or was never the same because of a stroke.

Although stroke recovery today is more successful, it remains a dreaded episode with life-altering outcomes in many instances. Of course, the goal is to prevent a stroke from ever occurring. There are a number of ways that today’s adults can lessen the risk, one being good oral health. Does that surprise you?

The oral health-overall health connection has become more front-&-center in scientific research. About half of Americans aged 30 years or older have periodontitis, which is an advanced level of gum disease. Obviously, this has given cause to a diligent pursuit in finding paths of its associated hazards.

Gum disease is actually an inflammatory disease, which has a strong association to one’s risk for stroke. Periodontal disease occurs when oral bacterial accumulate, eventually attacking the soft and hard structures that support teeth. Think of the inflammatory triggers of gum disease as similar to those of high blood pressure, for instance.

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease of the oral gum tissues. It can be mild or severe and begins with swollen, tender gums that may eventually lead to tooth loss. The oral bacteria of gum disease has been linked to a wide array of serious health conditions through past research.

These include heart disease, some cancers, Alzheimers disease, diabetes, preterm babies, arthritis and erectile dysfunction (ED). These are in addition to already-established links between gum disease and heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke.

Prior studies have also shown an association between periodontal disease and incident stroke risk. While a recent, U.S. based study reinforces the link between gum disease and the risk for stroke, it also shows that regular dental care may actually lower the risk for stroke. (https://www.diabetesdaily.com/blog/research-shows-link-between-periodontal-disease-and-stroke-538122/)

Researchers in the ARIC study (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities), beginning in the 1980s, analyzed data from 10,362 middle-aged adults. None had experienced a previous stroke and participants were given dental evaluations and regular follow-up.

All were screened on their level of dental care and classified as either ‘regular’ (having routine dental visits more than once a year) or ‘episodic’ (those who saw a dentist only when something hurt, required repair, or didn’t see a dentist at all).

Researchers noted that the relationship between gum disease and myocardial infarction has been shown through previous studies as well as an association between gum disease and stroke.

So, could having good periodontal health reduce the stroke risk?

During the 15-year follow-up period, 584 participants had an incident ischemic stroke. The results indicated that adults who had regular dental care had half the stroke risk of those in the episodic category.

The study also showed that the more severe the periodontal disease was present, the higher the risk of future stroke.

Researchers surmised that a proper dental hygiene regimen combined with regular dental care can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. (https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/891550#vp_2)

Even after adjustments were made for race, age, sex, body mass index, hypertension, being diabetic, smoking, and education, those receiving regular dental care showed lower rates of ischemic stroke. The highest rate of stroke was seen among those who developed the more advanced levels of gum inflammation.

We all want to avoid health problems, especially something with consequences as severe as stroke. That’s why we have annual physicals, periodic screenings, and tests that can catch problems at early stages so only minimal treatment is needed.

Apparently, regular dental checkups play a major role in helping you avoid problems far beyond the mouth. As a periodontist, I have a unique understanding for how intricately the health of your mouth effects the health of your body.

When it comes to your overall health, good oral health obviously gives you a ‘leg up’ for whole-body health. If you’re behind on having 6-month dental checkups and cleanings, call 828-274-9440 to schedule a complete periodontal exam. Or, begin with a consultation. I’ll be happy to answer your questions and discuss treatment and comfort options during this time.