String Floss Vs. Water Flossers

Posted on Oct 20, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Dental floss has been around for almost 200 years. With nearly two centuries of dentists pleading to excuse-laden patients, no wonder water flossers were invented.

The goal, whether using dental floss or a water flosser, is to remove food debris caught between teeth and scrape away the bacterial film formed during the day. This film is the beginning of plaque and, when not removed daily, hardens into calculus. Calculus is the cement-like substance that adheres to teeth. It consists of reproducing oral bacteria that feed on tooth enamel and gum tissue. Once formed, calculus cannot be brushed or flossed away. Only a dental professional can remove it using special tools.

When water flossers first emerged, the debate was whether they were as effective as dental floss. However, as water flossers have been fine-tuned over the years, they have proven to be more effective than standard flossing.

Although the companies who developed these water flossers provided early research showing the benefits of their product versus dental floss, dental researchers wanted their own proof. One study found that a water flosser combined with tooth brushing was nearly 93% more effective than using floss with brushing. It also showed that adults can have up to 52% better results at reducing gingivitis, which is the early stage of periodontal (gum) disease. Additionally, international research showed that combining a water flosser with brushing provided twice the effectiveness at reducing gingival bleeding than using brushing and dental floss.

For adults who have arthritis or find using floss is too awkward, water flossers are an excellent alternative. When combined with thorough twice-daily brushing, today’s water flossers can do a better job at removing oral bacteria, food particles and preventing the sticky film that forms plaque.

However, it is the commitment of the individual that makes the most difference. A thorough, committed oral hygiene regimen at home and twice a year visits to your general dentist is the best way to prevent oral bacteria buildup and the problems that result. In addition to cavities and gum disease, research has shown that oral bacteria can trigger inflammation elsewhere in the body, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies and impotency.

Adequate brushing and flossing (whether standard floss or a water flosser) can help you avoid cavities, gum disease, tooth loss and the heightened risk of health problems elsewhere in the body. Rather than plead with patients to floss daily, I’d much rather recommend an easy-to-hold device that has proven safe, effective, and promotes more compliance than that of string floss.

If you have delayed dental check-ups and suspect gum disease, call (828) 274-9440 to schedule an examination.

Gum Disease Can Exist Without Obvious Symptoms

Posted on Sep 22, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Like most diseases that form in our bodies, periodontal (gum) disease begins silently. People who develop cancer or heart disease typically have no warning signs during the earliest stages of formation. The same is true for gum disease. By the time symptoms are obvious, some people ignore them, such as gums that bleed when brushing or tender, sore gums. While many tend to assume these problems as normal, this merely allows gum disease to progress further.

Initial signs of periodontal disease, once they emerge, include gums that bleed when you brush, persistent bad breath, tender gums, swollen spots around teeth and gums that pull away from teeth. If you find dental cleanings are uncomfortable, it may have less to do with the technique of your Hygienist and more to do with heightened gum sensitivity. People with healthy gums rarely complain of discomfort during oral hygiene visits.

The earliest form of gum disease is Gingivitis. It begins with a buildup of plaque, which is a sticky film that forms on teeth. This film is an accumulation of oral bacteria. When not removed on a regular basis (such as with twice daily brushing and daily flossing), plaque hardens into calculus. Calculus attaches to teeth and is impossible to brush or floss away. When a dental hygienist scrapes at teeth with a special instrument, she is likely removing calculus buildup.

Calculus, if not removed, continues to amass as bacteria reproduce in your mouth. Calculus bacteria not only attack tooth enamel, they eat away at tender gum tissues. For people who are not regular with their 6-month oral hygiene exams and cleanings, the delay in calculus removal allows for a steady progression of oral bacteria growth and damage.

Gum disease also has the ability to be an inflammation trigger once bloodborne. Oral bacteria of gum disease can enter the bloodstream through tears in weakened gum tissue. Numerous studies have associated this bacteria with an inflammatory effect that can trigger an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies and much more.

Although research findings have created more awareness and emphasis on maintaining good periodontal health, gum disease is still rampant in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that half of all American adults age 30 and over have some level of gum disease.

If you have missed or delayed regular dental check-ups, you are advised to have a thorough periodontal exam. A Periodontist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of all levels of gum disease and can restore your mouth to a healthy state (and help to protect your overall health in the process!). Call (828) 274-9440 for more information.

Keeping Teeth Important As You Age

Posted on Aug 25, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

More aging adults are keeping their natural teeth, which is great news. According to the Coalition for the Oral Health for the Aging, the number of older adults with no natural teeth has declined — from 41% in 1986 to 21% in 2004. The importance of proper oral health for the U.S. population will become even more important over the next 20 years as the age group over 65 is expected to grow, from 12% in 2000 to 20% in 2030.

Keeping natural teeth is not the only component for a healthy mouth. Teeth rely on healthy gums and soft tissues of the mouth for a sound foundation. Periodontal (gum) disease, the nation’s leading cause of tooth loss among older adults, is treatable at any age.

The well-being of an aging mouth also correlates to your overall health. There’s evidence of an association between gum inflammation and serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Older adults with periodontal disease even face a 25% higher risk of death from pneumonia.

React quickly to symptoms of gum disease, including sore gums that bleed when brushing, receded gums, persistent bad breath, and gums that are dark red in color rather than a healthy pink. Gum disease does not improve without treatment and the earlier your mouth is restored to a healthy state, the less treatment will be required.

Call (828) 274-9440 to request an examination if you are experiencing any signs of gum disease.

Your Mate’s Oral Health Is Important To YOURS!

Posted on Aug 04, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Does your mate give affectionate kisses even though his or her oral hygiene gets minimal attention? Does a Grandparent with persistent bad breath worry you when sharing a drink with your child?

Kissing and sharing food or beverages not only intermingle saliva, these actions can transfer oral bacteria. Research has shown that the bacteria of periodontal (gum) disease can be transferred from one person to another this easily.

Prior research has established that the HPV virus can be transferred through oral sex. However, simple acts of sipping from the same straw or a good-night kiss can affect your oral health regardless of your oral health regimen.

If you suspect a loved one has gum disease, urge them to have an evaluation by a Periodontal Specialist. We are trained to accurately diagnose the presence of gum disease as well as determine appropriate treatment to restore good oral health.

If YOU have been slack when it comes to your oral health, this should be a wake-up call. Those you love can be affected because of transferred bacteria. This bacteria has been associated with heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, memory loss, pre-term babies, and more.

Be sure you and your loved ones enjoy oral health that enhances overall health! Call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation or examination.