Men: Gums Can Impact Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and Heart Health

Posted on Jan 24, 2023 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

It may be an awkward subject, but the issue of erectile dysfunction (ED) seems to appear rather frequently via TV commercials. I see ads for pills and medical clinics rather often. Agreeably, it is a problem estimated to affect a rather large percentage of men. For those ages 40 – 70, it affects over 40%. Nearly 70% of men at age 70 are affected. 

https://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/medicalpubs/diseasemanagement/endocrinology/erectile-dysfunction/

In no way am I wanting to dissuade a male from medications or seeking treatment. However, as an Asheville NC periodontal specialist, I want to relay an issue that may be a bigger influence in ED than many are aware.

Below are findings of several studies showing that periodontitis (advanced gum disease) to be a significant risk factor for erectile dysfunction. Rather telling is as gum disease worsens, so does erection impairment.

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• In a study of 162 males ages 30 to 40, Turkish researchers found that 82 of the participants had normal erection function while 80 who complained of ED, nearly half. Some men in both groups had chronic periodontitis, but the condition was more than twice as prevalent in the ED group. Men with periodontitis accompanied by decayed or missing teeth had the greatest level of ED.

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• In another study conducted at the University of Granada School of Dentistry, 80 male participants who had severe gum disease were more than twice as likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction. This was true even after adjustments were made for other issues that could distort the findings. In the study, 74% of the participants with ED also presented with chronic periodontitis. 

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• Israeli researchers conducted a survey of the erection function of 305 men with an average age 40. The participants were given a thorough examination of their gums. Those with chronic periodontitis had the greatest risk of ED.

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• Research has shown that men with indicators of periodontal disease such as red, swollen or tender gums as well as prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) have higher levels of PSA than men with only one of the conditions. This means that prostate health may be associated with periodontal health, and vice versa.

Men with gum disease showed a higher risk of developing impotence due to inflammation associated with periodontal disease. This inflammation has been known to damage to blood vessels, which can lead to impotency. Men younger than 30 or older than 70 are especially at risk.

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A separate study found that men with a history of gum disease are 14% more likely at risk for cancer than men with healthy gums. Specifically, men with periodontal disease are 49% more likely than women to develop kidney cancer, 54% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, and 30% more likely to develop blood cancers.

For over two decades, medical researchers have closely focused on inflammation in the body and its power to activate health problems, heart and cardiovascular diseases in particular. However, men have notably higher risks in some areas in addition to ED, one being the heart.

When it comes to ED and heart disease, the connection to periodontal disease has emerged as an independent risk factor. Cardiovascular disease raises risk for ED. Thus, anything that increases the risk for cardiovascular disease (such as smoking, obesity, chronic stress, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and chronic sleep apnea) also raises the risk of ED.

Men, especially, need to know that they should be committed to having healthy teeth and gums. Research has found that periodontal disease is higher in men (56.4%) than in women (38.4%) – an 18% difference. https://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease-and-men

According to a survey by the Centers For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), only 66% of males brush their teeth twice or more a day compared with 86% of females who do so.

This was revealed through a study of over 800 participants. Evaluation included a written questionnaire on dental knowledge and oral health habits. It also included an oral exam of each participant to detect signs of periodontal disease. (https://www.perio.org/consumer/gender-differences)

Flossing had even worse numbers, but that pertains to both sexes. Only 49% in the survey claim to floss daily. Only 1 out of 3 assumed that seeing blood in the sink when brushing is normal and unaware of it as a sign of periodontal (gum) disease.

Regardless of gender, over time an inadequate daily oral hygiene leads to an overload of bacteria in the mouth. For people who have habits such as smoking, unhealthy diets, and alcohol consumption, their vulnerability is even greater.

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 rinse away bacteria at sufficient levels, the accumulation runs rampant.

As a Western NC periodontist, I have an up-close view of the damaging affects of insufficient oral hygiene. It often results in tooth loss, which is (contrary to many perceptions) NOT a natural part of the aging process. Having natural teeth for a lifetime is more than achievable and has even been shown to add to one’s lifespan (by up to ten years).

If you haven’t been fully committed to your oral health, there is no better time to begin than the present. Start the year with a thorough periodontal examination. Call 828-274-9440.

If dental fears have caused you to delay or avoid 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. Too, many treatments can include oral or I.V. sedation (sleep dentistry, or “twilight sleep”).

And, if financial constraints are an obstacle in receiving treatment, we offer several payment plans. Most are interest-free with no down payment required (for qualified individuals). Feel free to ask about these during your consultation.

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.
 

Good Oral Health Could Protect Your Heart (Especially for Men!)

Posted on Dec 06, 2022 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) on the health of Americans, it is estimated that over 47% of adults 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. Yes, OVERALL health.

Although the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss is periodontal (gum) disease, the infectious bacteria of periodontitis (advanced gum disease) is associated with a wide range of serious (and even deadly) health problems.

For instance, the American Academy of Periodontology (www.perio.org) has cited studies that show that gum disease is associated with heart disease. Due to its ability to trigger inflammation beyond the mouth, periodontal disease may exacerbate existing heart conditions.

For this reason, cardiologists are often advising their patients to be evaluated by a periodontist prior to heart surgery.

For decades, researchers have probed the link between gum disease and cardiovascular health. People with gum disease have two to three times the risk of having a heart attack, stroke or other serious cardiovascular event.

For patients at risk for infective endocarditis, we often work with their cardiologist when antibiotics are required prior to dental procedures. Your cardiologist will determine if your heart condition requires use of antibiotics prior to dental treatment.

Acting as a contributing factor to heart disease is highly serious. Yet, the risks associated with gum disease don’t stop there. Research has shown this potent oral bacteria can set a path of destruction into motion. It has been linked to some cancers, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies, impotency, and even Alzheimer’s.

Men, especially, need to know that they should be committed to having healthy teeth and gums. Research has found that periodontal disease is higher in men (56.4%) than in women (38.4%) – an 18% difference. https://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease-and-men

And the unfavorable statistics for men don’t stop with gum health. For men, research reveals a connection with gum disease and impotence.

Men with gum disease showed a higher risk of developing impotence due to inflammation associated with periodontal disease. This inflammation has been known to damage to blood vessels, which can lead to impotency. Men younger than 30 or older than 70 are especially at risk.

A separate study found that men with a history of gum disease are 14% more likely at risk for cancer than men with healthy gums. Specifically, men with periodontal disease are 49% more likely than women to develop kidney cancer, 54% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, and 30% more likely to develop blood cancers.

Regardless of gender, over time an inadequate daily oral hygiene leads to an overload of bacteria in the mouth. For people who have habits such as smoking, unhealthy diets, and alcohol consumption, their vulnerability is even greater.

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 rinse 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.

Initially, there can be very few signs of periodontal (gum) disease. Signs that emerge are typically frequent bad breath along with swollen, tender and red gums that bleed when you brush.

Once present, gum disease does not resolve on its own; it will worsen without specific treatment. As the bacteria grow in number, the gum tissues become weaker and are able to penetrate the bloodstream. This is how the inflammatory reactions are possible, able to trigger or worsen health problems far beyond the mouth.

Twice-daily brushing and daily flossing takes mere minutes and is inexpensive to do. Seeing a dentist every 6 months for oral exams and cleanings saves an individual far more by preventing problems than they cost. Still, too many adults fail to devote the investment to this necessary part of a healthy lifestyle.

An estimated 65% of adults ages 18 – 64 see a dentist only once a year. Approximately 55% of adults brush their teeth twice a day, which is too little. https://www.reference.com/health/many-times-day-people-brush-teeth-34d1104798029b7a

As an Asheville periodontal specialist, I have an up-close view of the damaging affects of insufficient oral hygiene. It often results in tooth loss, which is (contrary to many perceptions) NOT a natural part of the aging process. Having natural teeth for a lifetime is more than achievable and has even been shown to add to one’s lifespan (by up to ten years).

If you haven’t been fully committed to your oral health, there is no better time to begin than the present. Start the new year with a thorough periodontal examination. Call 828-274-9440.

If dental fears have caused you to delay or avoid 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. Too, many treatments can include oral or I.V. sedation (sleep dentistry, or “twilight sleep”).

And, if financial constraints are an obstacle in receiving treatment, we offer several payment plans. Most are interest-free with no down payment required (for qualified individuals). Feel free to ask about these during your consultation.

As a periodontist for over 30 years, the smiles of Western North Carolina residents are very special to me. Let’s make 2023 the year your smile is an asset to a healthy YOU!

 

Boost Immune System By Investing In Gum Health

Posted on Nov 17, 2022 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

There is no argument that the price of about everything has gone up and up over the past couple of years. The challenges that most individuals face at this time have been significant for some people but felt by about all.

Yet, there are still reasons to “spend less now so we’re not spending more later.” This is true with things such as auto maintenance, home repairs and taking good care of our health. A signifiant part of maintaining good overall health is having good oral health. The key, however, is to make the investment while the costs are still low, and avoid the big expenses later to pay for repairs and more extensive treatment.

I’d like to point out the need to bolster our immunity system, brought front-&-center during the pandemic, is actually supported by your oral health. Although the Covid virus continues to be a threat, the experience has made populations more aware of the benefits of vaccines and healthy habits such as hand-washing. Still, it is in our immune system that makes people more or less vulnerable.

By investing in having healthy gums, the immune system is actually supported more than is largely known. I’ll explain.

The bacteria in the mouth, or “oral cavity,” is intricately connected to your overall health; so much so that “bad” oral bacteria can disrupt the healthy balance in the digestive system. This bacteria comes from oral plaque, which is a cesspool of sorts formed from bacteria accumulation.

As a layer of biofilm, plaque coats teeth and gums. It is the sticky coating you feel in your mouth when you wake up, during which time the bacteria has had an opportunity to amass during sleep. Plaque, mot removed, becomes tartar. This hardened mass of oral bacteria continues to grow, doing damage in the mouth and far beyond.

Researchers have tracked oral bacteria as it enters the bloodstream. This occurs through weakened gum tissues, allowing the bacteria to travel throughout the body. Studies have shown that the bacteria are able to activate or worsen the development of a number of serious health problems.

These include heart disease, stroke, arthritis, diabetes, preterm babies, some cancers, erectile dysfunction and dementia. Research is currently being conducted to further the connections suspected between periodontitis to Alzheimer’s disease.

How does oral bacteria become destructive? Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease. Symptoms typically include gums that are tender in spots and some bleeding when you brush. These are warning signs that signal an immediate need for attention.

Periodontal (gum) disease and (often) its subsequent tooth loss are, simply put, products of bacterial overload in the mouth. The mouth is constantly being supplied with sustenance for these organisms. Bacteria are able to thrive through food that enters, especially sugars, and other bacteria-laden items put into the mouth.

The bacteria that cause cavities that feeds on sugar from the foods and drinks you consume. This weakens tooth enamel due as bacteria convert sugar into acids. As bacteria thrive, they are able to reproduce very rapidly.

When bacteria levels become more than the immune system can tackle, infection can set in. Accumulation of bacteria can evolve into gum disease, which is an inflammation that attacks teeth, oral tissues and the bone structures that support tooth roots.

Gum disease symptoms are those more prominent than gingivitis. These include sore gums that bleed when brushing, persistent bad breath, gums that pull away from the base around teeth, gums that darken in color.

As it worsens to the stage known as periodontitis, 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.

The reason that 6-month dental check-ups and dental cleanings is to remove tartar buildup before damage can occur. Your hygienist and dentist can look for signs of gum disease so measures can be taken before the disease explodes into the need for more costly treatment to resolve the problem. Since gum disease is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss, the associated expenses of replacing teeth can also be avoided by maintaining good oral health.

Prevention begins at home: Begin by 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.

You can remove a tremendous amount of oral bacteria by using 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.

Drink lots 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. Oral dryness is the enemy. 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.

Oral dryness gives bacteria a favorable environment for reproduction. The chemicals in cigarette smoke are very drying to oral tissues. If you smoke, consider using an oral rinse that replenishes moisture in the mouth. Some oral rinses are specifically designed for moisture.

Lowering treatment costs begins with early care: If you have delayed or avoided regular dental care, it is recommended that you begin by having a periodontal examination. A periodontist is a dental specialist who can determine your precise level of gum disease and the most appropriate treatment to restore good oral health. We can detect all stages of gum disease and provide comfortable, thorough treatment to restore your gums to a health state.

If you have lost teeth due to periodontal disease, a periodontist also specializes in the diagnosis and placement of dental implants. This ideal method to replace teeth provides a lifetime solution, making them an excellent investment.

Call 828-274-9440 if you have questions about your gums or if you are experiencing any symptoms associated with gum disease. Also, visit our web site to learn more about our sedation options (including “twilight sleep”) and advanced technology, which often reduces treatment time while enhancing comfort.

Visit: https://www.biltmoreperiodontics.com/