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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.

• 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.

• 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. 

• 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.

• 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.

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.

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!

 

Overcome Obstacles To Achieve A Confident Smile


Posted on Sep 12, 2022 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

It’s not unusual to see a new patient who has delayed seeking advanced dental care for many years because of perceived obstacles. I say “perceived” because many of these obstacles are not nearly so daunting once people actually learn more there are solutions for about any dilemma.

For example, a bride-to-be with a “gummy smile” realizes, after years of postponement, that she can have her gum line corrected through laser treatment that provides quick recovery with an easy payment plan.

Or, an individual who has worn a self-described “wobbly” denture for many years and overcame misperceptions about the need for pre-placement bone rebuilding. Through specially-designed and uniquely placed dental implants (“All-On-4”), patients may be able to bypass the extended treatment time and added expense to restore bone mass.

In a conversation once, a friend reminded me “we don’t know what we don’t know.” How true. Often, once we learn the details surrounding a big decision in our lives, moving forward becomes an easier process. Achieving goals gets closer and closer.

Below are a few of the common barriers that patients can often overcome when it comes to periodontal treatment or dental implants…

COST: There are few things in life that last a lifetime. When it comes to cosmetic gum enhancement and dental implants, the lasting benefits make these procedures an excellent investment. However, treatment cost can seem challenging to some budgets. For people who wish to enjoy the benefits of their results without straining their budget, payment plans can be the solution.

There are a number of these financial options, most requiring no down payment, are interest-free, and have no prepayment penalty. For some people who see the total treatment fee at first, vocalizing their concerns regarding payment is an uneasy thing to do. Yet, once we are made aware of the need for budget-friendly options, we are able to help many people move forward with treatment that can enhance physical appearance, self-confidence and emotional security. Those are pretty priceless benefits!

DENTAL FEAR: Dental fear and high anxiety associated with dental visits is not rare. As a matter of fact, some estimates rank this as affecting up to 60% of U.S. adults. There are a number of reasons that lead to these fears. For some people, they are able to overcome these fears once in the hands of a gentle, caring dentist. For those whose fears are so deeply embedded they cannot, we offer a special team who administer and oversee the safety of oral and IV sedation (twilight sleep).

In our office, we employe the skills of a a medical doctor to provide sedation and anesthesia for our patients. Dr. Stone has published several articles on techniques and safety in anesthesia as well as a book contribution on intravenous access.

TIME IN TREATMENT: We all live lives that are busy. Schedules seem to be overloaded so much of the time. This is why time in treatment can seem “too much” to add to one’s schedule. However, the advanced skills of a periodontal specialist, coupled with our immense array of advanced technology means we are able to alleviate many of these worries for our patients.

Once the patient’s imaging and treatment plan is in hand, we are often able to schedule patients soon thereafter. With the relaxation provided by our sedation options, we can perform long procedures in a single appointment rather than have the patient return for several appointments to complete treatment. Too, using our advanced imaging and computerized technology, treatment is more precise, often more conservative, and healing time improved.

TREATMENT SATISFACTION: The best way to make a decision that works to achieve your meeds and goals is through a consultation appointment. During this time, we can discuss what options are best for your individual needs, estimated treatment time, costs, and comfort options. This is a time when you can get to know us and we can give you the information that is factual and applicable to you. And, this is where trust is formed. I have a long-standing reputation for my commitment to patient excellence.

Begin by calling our Asheville periodontal dental office and speaking to our friendly staff at: 828-274-9440. Or, tap here to see our beautiful Western NC location.

Some Amazing History & ‘Back Stories” of Dental Implants!


Posted on Mar 11, 2022 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Some “baby boomers” may recall a popular television show, The Six Million Dollar Man. The series ran from 1973 to 1978, with Lee Majors playing the role of Steve Austin, a former astronaut. After a NASA test flight accident, Steve had been rebuilt with bionic implants that gave him a number of superhuman qualities.

When this aired over 40 years ago, it seemed so futuristic; yet today, bionic implants are rather commonplace. One of the reasons is through the refined use of titanium.

Titanium was discovered in Great Britain in 1791 and named after the Titans of Greek mythology. Titanium is 60 percent denser than aluminum, but more than twice as strong. Titanium is non-magnetic, resistant to corrosion and has a strength-to-density ratio that is the highest of any metallic element. 

Titanium can be alloyed (combined with additional element(s), such as iron, aluminum, vanadium, and other elements. These combinations can produce strong, lightweight alloys for a vast number of uses. Titanium is used for jet engines, missiles, spacecraft, and in the military, automotive, agriculture (farming) industries. Titanium is often used in medical prostheses, orthopedic implants, dental instruments used in root canals, and dental implants. Other uses range from components in sporting goods (such as golf clubs), jewelry and mobile phones.

Because titanium alloys have a high crack resistance, they are used in aircraft, armor plating, naval ships, spacecraft, and missiles. About two-thirds of all titanium metal produced is used in aircraft engines and frames. Titanium is also used in nuclear waste storage.

Because titanium is resistant to corrosion by sea water, it is used to make propeller shafts, rigging, and heat exchangers in desalination plants; along with many other uses for salt water components. Titanium is used in the housings and components of ocean-deployed surveillance and monitoring devices for science and the military. 

The human body has also been given the advantages of titanium as it is biocompatible (non-toxic and not rejected by the body). Titanium is often used in surgical instruments, such as those used in image-guided surgery, as well as wheelchairs, crutches, and any other products where high strength and low weight are desirable. Inside the body, titanium is common in surgical implements and implants, such as hip balls and sockets (joint replacement) and dental implants that can remain dependably positioned for decades.

For orthopedic implants, the use of titanium means that skeletal loads are more evenly shared between bone and implant. This lowers the potential for bone degradation due to stress, reducing the risk of bone fractures, which have a tendency to occur at the boundaries of orthopedic implants. 

Patients with titanium implants can be safely examined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

When you think of dental implants – or other implants-in-bone, such as knees, hip joints, etc. – titanium has the remarkable ability to osseointegrate. Osseointegration is a term used when an artificial implant is surgically anchored into bone, in which the bone then grows around the implant. This restores strength and stability to the bone that can offer a lifetime solution. 

The bone in which an implant is placed also benefits from the presence of titanium. In the jaw bone, where natural tooth roots are missing, their absence leaves the bone mass without stimulation once provided by the tooth’s roots. This stimulation is what helps the bone to maintain its mass.

Once bone loss begins, the pace of bone shrinkage, known as resorption, accelerates over time. The declining bone mass soon begins to cause a number of problems, including a change in the way a denture or partial fits.

Additionally, losing jaw bone mass causes changes in facial appearance. It may first appear as deep wrinkling around the mouth and as the corners of the mouth begin to turn downward, even when smiling. Jowls form as facial muscles detach from the shrinking bone. Over time, the mouth begins to sink inward and the chin moves closer to the tip of the nose.

Placing a dental implant into the bone halts the process of resorption. It recreates the stimulation once provided by natural tooth roots. And, because of the strength and stability of the implanted portions, patients with dental implants can rely on eating the foods they love again, biting and chewing with confidence.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titanium

Having teeth is important for a number of reasons (eating, speech, appearance), which has been recognized throughout history. The first evidence of dental implants is attributed to the Mayan population roughly around 600 AD where they excelled in utilizing pieces of shells as implants as a replacement for mandibular teeth. Radiographs of Mayan mandibles show compact bone formation around the implants. It has also been found that, around 800 AD, a stone implant was shaped and placed in the lower jaw in early Honduran culture.

In addition to being the first U.S. president, George Washington is famous for his “wooden” teeth. History reveals that Mr. Washington suffered from dental problems from his twenties on. As a matter of fact, in his First Inaugural Address speech in 1789, Washington had only a single remaining natural tooth. Over the years, he wore several sets of dentures, but none made of wood. These were fashioned out of materials that included ivory, gold, lead, and human teeth.

In a letter to Washington from dentist John Greenwood (who fabricated dentures for Washington), he pointed out the staining of the dentures, likely due to consumption of Port wine. Dr. Greenwood cited the staining was what gave the dentures a grained, wooden appearance.

https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/wooden-teeth-myth/

Today, most of the “teeth” portions (restorations) are made of porcelain. Porcelain provides the most natural look and feel of “real” teeth with a similar luminosity of that of natural teeth. Porcelain is also highly durable the most resistant to staining.

To clarify a “dental implant”, it is a term that sums up what is actually a combination of components. Dental implants are typically three segments – the implanted portion that is held in the jaw bone, a post (abutment) that is positioned inside the implant and extends above the gums, and the attached replacement teeth (restorations).

A periodontist has have three years of specialized training beyond dental school to make them experts on both soft and hard tissues. Thus, they have the ideal combination of experience and knowledge to make sure you get a dental implant solution that looks and feels like your own teeth.

Because many people have lost one or more teeth due to periodontal disease, periodontists are an ideal choice in helping restore the gums to a healthy state while determining the best type of dental implant, and then placing the implant at the proper angle and depth. 

Additionally, a periodontist can perform pre-implant placement procedures, which may be needed in certain cases. These can include:

Sinus Augmentation – The upper back jaw has traditionally been one of the most difficult areas to successfully place dental implants due to insufficient bone quantity and quality and the close proximity to the sinus. Sinus augmentation can help correct this problem by raising the sinus floor and developing bone for the placement of dental implants.

Ridge Modification – Deformities in the upper or lower jaw can leave you with and inadequate amount of bone in which to place dental implants. To correct the problem, the gum is lifted away from the ridge to expose the void where bone is missing. The void is then filled with bone or bone substitute to build up the ridge. Ridge modification has been shown to greatly improve the jaw’s appearance and increase the chances of successful implants.

Dental Implant Procedures

Once your dental implant(s) is in place, your periodontal specialist can create a plan to help you maintain healthy implants, particularly in the prevention of peri-implant disease.

Peri-implant diseases are inflammatory conditions affecting the soft and hard gum tissues around dental implants. Similar to a natural tooth, bacteria can build up on the base of the implant, below the gum line. Over time, the bacteria irritate the gum tissue, causing it to become inflamed, damaging the tissue and if not caught early, causing the bone structure below the implant to deteriorate.

The history of dental implants is interesting, yet, what people want is to have their smile back and to enjoy the function of “real” teeth. Although the back stories of dental implants are many, what is most important is that we restore your smile and help you enjoy it for your lifetime.

Begin with a consultation in our comfortable Asheville periodontal dental office. Here, we can discuss what may be best for your needs in a private setting. We can discuss comfort options (including sedation), and estimated costs and treatment time. Here, you will be respected and treated with the compassion we would want for ourselves and loved ones.

Call 828-274-9440 to begin. You’ll speak with a member of our staff who will be happy to assist you.

 

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