Could Gum Health Make You More Likely To Develop Cancer?


Posted on Jul 18, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Periodontitis is commonly referred to as gum disease or periodontal disease. It begins with Gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gums, typically due to inadequate oral hygiene. Periodontitis creates an infectious cauldron of bacteria that attacks the structures supporting your natural teeth.

According to research published by the National Institutes of Health (and the U.S. National Library of Medicine), evidence indicates that chronic infections and inflammation such as periodontal disease create an increased risk for developing some cancers. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3917197/)

Along the same lines, there is considerable evidence that shows a relationship between bacterial and viral infections and cancer development. Because periodontitis is a bacterial infection, it has warranted more attention in recent decades as a source for other health problems.

For example, it has been determined that arthritis, an inflammation of the joints, and periodontal disease show similarities. When the tissues of both gum disease and RA are examined, their clinical structures are similar with the pathological processes being nearly identical.

Periodontitis creates a cycle that leads to the chronic release of inflammatory cytokines (a substance secreted by immune system cells that effect other cells), prostaglandins (designed to aid in tissue damage recovery), growth factors and enzymes. The combined reactions are closely associated with the development of cancer.

While all of this sounds very scientific and complex, it boils down to something that research has noted time and time again — the oral bacteria of gum disease can trigger harmful reactions elsewhere in the body.

The bacteria of gum disease can enter the bloodstream through weakened oral tissues. Once bloodborne, it can travel throughout the body and create systemic inflammation. Research has already found links between the inflammatory triggers of gum disease and heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, preterm babies, diabetes, arthritis, erectile dysfunction and impotency.

There has also been research to support a correlation between periodontitis and pancreatic cancer, lung cancer and prostrate cancer. While more research is needed to pinpoint the cause-&-effect, the connection with oral bacteria and the chronic inflammation that can result is established.

Although over 47 percent of American adults have some level of periodontal disease, more education is needed so a stronger proactive stance can be taken. In addition to twice daily brushing and daily flossing, a particular caution should go out to denture and partial wearers. Why?

These appliances can become loose over time due to bone loss that occurs when tooth roots are no longer present in the jaw bone. They can rub sore spots on tender gum tissues in an attempt to chew, which increases susceptibility to gum inflammation.

One of the reasons we are strong proponents of dental implants is their ability to halt bone loss by recreating the presence of missing tooth roots. Additionally, they do not move when eating or speaking, eliminating the possibility of sore spots.

Your oral health is an important component of your overall health. Think of your mouth as the front door to your body. By keeping a healthy smile, your overall health will benefit. And the time and expense to have excellent gum health is so little! Just minutes per day and twice a year visits to your dentist should help you enjoy all the benefits of a clean, fresh smile!

If you’ve fallen behind on dental visits or suspect you have gum disease, begin with a thorough examination by a Periodontist. A Periodontist specializes in gum health and is the expert in treating all levels of gum disease.

Signs of gum disease include sore or bleeding gums (including seeing blood in the sink when brushing), swollen gums, gums that turn red in color, persistent bad breath, pus pockets on gums, gums that recede from teeth, and teeth that eventually loosen.

Remember — gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. It will only worsen without treatment. Please see a periodontal specialist promptly if you’re experiencing any of these signs. Your entire body will benefit through your commitment to having health gums!

Call 828-274-9440.

Special Care Of Oral Health Needed For Moms-To-Be & Unborn Babies


Posted on May 16, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

With pregnancy comes a long list of guidelines to ensure a healthy baby. From day one, pregnant women must monitor what they eat, drink and breathe as well as medications they should and should not take.

A growing number of obstetricians are adding a very important item to the mom-to-be list. For their patients who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, they are recommending a thorough periodontal examination to reveal signs of gum disease.

Periodontal (gum) disease bacteria is a potent threat to any individual, as research continues to show. It is the nation’s’ leading cause of adult tooth loss and has been linked to heart disease, stroke, some cancers, diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure and impotency.

Gum disease bacteria can be a destructive force far beyond the mouth. How?

It is felt that the infectious bacteria of gum disease can enter the bloodstream through tears in weakened gum tissues. Once bloodborne, oral bacteria can trigger inflammatory reactions that can be the catapult for a number of serious health problems, including those listed above.

For pregnant women, hormonal changes during pregnancy increase their risk for periodontal (gum) disease. This is why nearly half of pregnant women develop Pregnancy Gingivitis, a form of gum disease. Symptoms include swollen, tender gums that bleed easily when brushing.

Because of their susceptibility, the risk for full-blown periodontal disease is higher for moms-to-be, which extends to their unborn babies. As a matter of fact, nearly one-third of pregnant females will acquire periodontal disease because of their vulnerability to inflammation. Research has shown that gum disease increases the risk for pre-term delivery (prior to 37 weeks) and babies of low birth weight (less than 5.5 lbs.).

One study showed the preterm birth rate for women without gum disease to be approximately 11% compared to nearly 29% for pregnant women with moderate to severe periodontal disease. It has also been shown that gum disease increases the likelihood for late-term miscarriage and pre-eclampsia. When oral bacteria reach placental membranes via the bloodstream, inflammatory reactions can trigger pre-eclampsia or early labor.

As research continues, the links between the oral health of moms-to-be and their unborn babies are becoming more profound. In one study, pregnant women who had higher blood levels of antibodies to oral bacteria also had higher incidences of preterm birth and babies of low birth weight. These elevated antibodies have been found in amniotic fluid and fetal cord blood samples of infants who were preterm or of low birth weight at birth.

When periodontal disease is present, however, successful treatment has shown to lower the risk of preterm births. A periodontal specialist is trained to treat all levels of disease in a way that is safe for pregnant women (as well as all patients).

Symptoms of gum disease include gums that bleed when brushing, swollen or tender gums, receded gums or gums that darken in color. If you have any of these symptoms (whether pregnant or not), you are urged to schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience by calling 828-274-9440. Gum disease will only worsen without treatment.

Protect Heart Health With Healthy Smile


Posted on May 01, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Bacteria in our bodies is normal. Certain bacteria are actually beneficial, such as bacteria in the gut that enhances the digestive process. The body is also equipped to handle ‘bad’ bacteria. However, when too much bad bacteria invade the body, the immune system becomes overburdened.

The body’s natural defense response, white blood cells, aren’t always capable of tackling bacteria beyond certain levels. For example, a cut that becomes infected has surpassed what the white blood cells were able to handle. To give your immune system added reinforcements, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic.

Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection in the mouth. This occurs when oral bacteria’s growth has accumulated beyond what the immune system can manage. As gum disease destroys oral tissues and the structures that support teeth, this infectious bacteria doesn’t always stay confined in the mouth.

Through tears in weakened gum tissues, the bacteria of gum disease can become bloodborne. This allows it to travel throughout the body and cause systemic inflammation. As a result, serioud health conditions can occur. The bacteria of gum disease has been linked to a long list of problems including heart attack, stroke, memory loss, preterm babies, diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, impotency and some cancers.

To understand this connection (related to heart attacks), Harvard Medical School’s newsletter provides an easy explanation: http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/heart-disease-oral-health

In the article, they break the process down as: “In people with periodontitis (erosion of tissue and bone that support the teeth), chewing and toothbrushing release bacteria into the bloodstream. Several species of bacteria that cause periodontitis have been found in the atherosclerotic plaque in arteries in the heart and elsewhere. This plaque can lead to heart attack.

“Oral bacteria could also harm blood vessels or cause blood clots by releasing toxins that resemble proteins found in artery walls or the bloodstream. The immune system’s response to these toxins could harm vessel walls or make blood clot more easily. It is also possible that inflammation in the mouth revs up inflammation throughout the body, including in the arteries, where it can lead to heart attack and stroke.”

The symptoms of gum disease include gums that bleed easily when brushing, tender gums, gum recession, frequent bad breath, gums that darken from a healthy pink to red, and pus pockets that form near the base of some teeth. Gum disease affects nearly 47 percent of American adults. It will worsen without treatment and, to no surprise, is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss.

Decades of research have proven that our oral health is intricately related to our overall health. By achieving and maintaining a healthy smile, you’ll be doing your whole body good! Be committed to your 6-month dental exams and cleanings along with a thorough at-home oral care regimen. Twice daily brushing and daily flossing help to keep oral bacteria at manageable levels. Drink plenty of water throughout each day and avoid sugar.

For more information on having excellent oral health, call 828-274-9440.

How To Save Money At The Dentist


Posted on Apr 25, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

When we purchase or lease an automobile, we realize there are maintenance requirements to ensure our investment stays in good working order. We have oil changed, fluids checked, and tires rotated or replaced. We do this because we know the consequences of not tending to the upkeep of an auto can be costly.

Your oral health also requires regular maintenance. In addition to twice daily brushing and daily flossing, 6-month dental check-ups and cleanings are needed to prevent problems from occurring. By avoiding problems, we save ourselves from costly and time-consuming treatment.

Prevention is key when it comes to both oral and overall health. A 2014 report on National Health Expenditures estimated that U.S. adults spend nearly $10,000 annually on health care. And, dental expenses are extra. According to the Government Accountability Office, the average annual out-of-pocket for dentistry increased by 26% between 1996 – 2010, from $520/year to $653/year.

Like tending to our vehicles, caring for our dental health is necessary. If ignored, the result is more than losing natural teeth. Research now shows that the infectious bacteria of periodontal (gum) disease can trigger inflammatory reactions elsewhere in the body. It has been linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, some cancers, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies and impotency.

Gum disease is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss. It is estimated that over 47% of adults over age 30 have some level of gum disease. For those over the age of 65, 64% are said to have moderate to severe gum disease. Symptoms include tender gums that bleed easily when brushing, persistent bad breath, gums that darken in color, gums that recede from teeth and expose darker tooth root sections and pus pockets on gums.

As a Periodontist, the majority of the problems I treat are one that were essentially preventable. With the proper home care and regular dental check-ups, you can save money by avoiding problems and costs for repairs. For those that do arise, early treatment helps to minimize expenses. This is why your regular dental cleanings and exams are so important.

Between visits, the goal is to keep oral bacteria levels to a minimum. While brushing twice daily is important, we urge patients to get into the habit of flossing. This is a significant benefit in the fight to keep oral bacteria buildup from damaging tooth enamel and gum tissues.

For those who floss daily, it only takes a minute. By removing particles caught between teeth, you can reduce oral bacteria growth tremendously. Find flossing awkward? Our hygienist can show you how to comfortably hold floss and move it easily between teeth (even those hard-to-reach teeth). However, for those who have dexterity problems, an electronic flosser can make the task easy yet still effective.

Another way to greatly reduce oral bacteria is to use a tongue scraper. This small tool uproots oral bacteria that are embedded in the tongue. Scrape back to front over the tongue 2 – 3 times and rinse after each pass. Brushing your tongue after brushing teeth is also helpful in removing bacteria from the tongue.

For many, a surprising cause for oral bacterial growth is ‘dry mouth.’ Saliva flow is designed to continually rinse oral bacteria out of the mouth. When saliva levels are low, oral bacteria accumulate and reproduce quickly. When your mouth is dry, you may notice that your breath odor is bad. This results from an overgrowth of oral bacteria.

Causes for a dry mouth are smoking, alcohol, caffeine and some medications as well as mouth breathing, including snoring. The aging process and health conditions such as anemia, hypertension, arthritis and diabetes also contribute to dry mouth.

To lessen the negative effects of dry mouth and enjoy fresher breath, drink water throughout the day. If you take medications that are drying to the mouth, ask your doctor if alternatives are available. For frequent dry mouth, purchase an over-the-counter mouth rinse that is designed to replenish oral moisture. Be sure the ingredients do not include alcohol, which is drying to the mouth even in this form.

Remember, your smile is more than teeth and gums. It is an important part of your overall health and well-worth the care you give it. In addition to avoiding costly dental problems, a healthy mouth will reward you with fresh breath and a confident smile. Plus, when you keep your natural teeth, you avoid a long list of expenses and associated problems for replacement teeth.

If you are missing teeth or have tender gums that bleed easily when brushing, call 828-274-9440 for an appointment.

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