How To Prevent Oral Problems & Expensive Treatment

Posted on Apr 28, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Let’s face it – health care is expensive. Although insurance coverages help, just the price of the coverage is a strain for many people. The 2014 National Health Expenditures report estimated that U.S. adults spend over $9,523 per year on health care.

Caring for your smile requires a monetary commitment as well. The Government Accountability Office reported that between 1996 – 2010, the average out-of-pocket dental costs per individual per year increased 26%, from $520 to $653.

While these expenses are hefty amounts for most, caring for our health does require an investment and one that is well worth the cost. Even though people are typically committed to annual screenings and exams, many often fail to place an equal priority on their oral health.

Your smile influences far more than facial appearance. The presence of teeth is vital for maintaining jaw bone mass, processing a healthy diet and feeling confident in social settings. It is a fact that people who wear dentures have more gastrointestinal problems, take more medications and eat out less.

However, a deeper problem can emerge from having poor oral health. The bacteria of periodontal (gum) disease have been found to create internal inflammation elsewhere in the body. These inflammatory reactions trigger a higher risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies and impotency.

Gum disease is also the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss. And, it’s running rampant in the U.S. It is estimated that over 47% of adults over the age of 30 have some level of gum disease. For those who are over age 65, 64% are said to have moderate to severe gum disease.

As a Periodontal Specialist, the majority of the problems I see and treat could have been prevented altogether. By taking proactive measures, it’s actually easy to prevent oral problems and costs for repairs. Simply spending a few minutes each day and having 6-month check-ups can save you greatly.

Your dentist structures your regular oral hygiene visits to remove buildup that can lead to problems or catch ones that may have emerged at early stages. Early treatment can help to keep time and expenses needed for repairs to a minimum.

The ‘way to save’ begins at home, for the most part. Your oral care routine at home can help you avoid problems by keeping oral bacteria to minimal levels. When performed correctly, twice-daily brushing and flossing are very effective in reducing oral bacteria and preventing buildup. Brush (for at least two minutes each time) using a soft to medium bristle brush and fluoridated tooth paste.

However, brushing without flossing is like rinsing off in the shower but not using soap. After brushing, food particles can remain between teeth, which provide oral bacteria the sustenance they need to thrive and reproduce. When you feel a sticky film on teeth and gums (known as plaque), it is actually an accumulation of oral bacteria.

For those who are in the habit of flossing, it takes about a minute a day. And this one minute can make a world of difference in helping to keep oral bacteria from damaging tooth enamel and gum tissues. If you would like, our dental 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 but still very effective.

Oral bacteria can also be greatly reduced by using a tongue scraper. This tool gently uproots oral bacteria that are embedded in the tongue. Scrape 2 – 3 times over the tongue, starting at the back of the tongue where most bacteria exist and rinse after each pass. You can also brush your tongue after brushing your teeth, if preferred.

For many, a surprising cause for oral bacterial growth is ‘dry mouth.’ The natural flow of saliva in the mouth is designed to continually rinse oral bacteria. When saliva levels are low, oral bacteria can accumulate quickly. Smoking, alcohol, caffeine, some medications and mouth breathing (such as snoring) are all drying to oral tissues. The aging process and some health conditions, including anemia, hypertension, arthritis and diabetes also contribute to causes of dry mouth.

To lessen the negative effects of dry mouth, drink plenty of water throughout the day. If you take medications that are drying to the mouth, ask your doctor about alternative options. Also, consider using an over-the-counter mouth wash designed specifically to replenish oral moisture.

To protect the tooth’s enamel, delay brushing after eating for 20 – 30 minutes. The reason? Each time you eat, an acid attack begins in your mouth. While this is a helpful part of the digestive process, these acids tend to soften tooth enamel for about 30 minutes. Brushing during this time can wear away precious tooth enamel.

It may seem expensive to absorb the cost for crowning a tooth, but it can actually prevent costly future problems or even tooth loss. A tooth that is too laden with fillings or has cracks is vulnerable to breaking. If the break extends below the gum line, the tooth must be removed. This leaves you with an entirely new set of expenses.

Missing teeth affect the alignment of surrounding teeth and increase the risk for broken, chipped or worn teeth. Misaligned teeth can lead to night-time clenching and grinding as well as migraines, headaches, sore jaw joints, pain in facial and neck muscles, dizziness and ear ringing.

The added bonus of a healthy mouth is fresh breath and the ability to avoid preventable problems from occurring – thus, saving you time and money. Be committed to your dental health every day. You will be greatly rewarded!

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

Gum Disease & Prostrate Health

Posted on Apr 11, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

All bodies contain bacteria, some are even good for us. However, the human body was built to tackle the bad kind by sending white blood cells to battle the bacteria that can lead to infection. Although this is our body’s reaction to bacterial accumulation, some infection spreads beyond what white blood cells can handle.

This can be seen in a cut that goes unwashed and untreated. As bacteria multiply, inflammation sets in. This is what causes redness and swelling as white blood cells arrive to tackle the enemy. When the white blood cells are overwhelmed, an antibiotic may be needed to overcome the overload that the white blood cells cannot combat.

Systemic inflammation is similar, except it cannot be seen like the redness or swelling from a cut. This internal inflammation in the body can simmer without being obvious. With chronic inflammation, the reaction can’t turn itself off. While the white blood cells will back off when a cut heals, chronic inflammation inside the body continues for no reason.

Although invisible, this continual inflammation can contribute to a number of serious health problems. For example, research has found links between systemic inflammation and heart attacks, arthritis, diabetes, some cancers, preterm babies and even Alzheimer’s Disease.  Now, researchers have begun to take a closer look at periodontal disease, a bacterial infection in the mouth, as being a potential trigger of internal inflammation.

As oral bacteria accumulate in the mouth, periodontal (gum) disease develops, thrives and spreads by eating away at gum tissues, tooth enamel and supporting bones. When the bacteria of gum disease enter the bloodstream through weakened gums, inflammatory reactions can create destruction far beyond the mouth.

Research now shows a potential link between oral bacteria and Prostatitis, an infection of the prostate. Prostatitis, an inflammatory disease, causes a frequent urge to urinate and a burning sensation or pain during urination.

The connection between periodontal disease bacteria and Prostatitis was recently noted in a study conducted at Case Western University. Researchers from Case Western’s School of Dental Medicine and the Case Medical Center’s Department of Urology & Pathology found that the symptoms of Prostatitis could be greatly improved by treating gum disease.

In their study, all participants had moderate to severe levels of periodontal disease. Those in the study also had inflammation of the prostrate gland with higher than normal prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels.

During the study, one group of participants were treated for gum disease while having prostrate symptoms and PSA levels monitored. The other group received no treatment for their gum disease while prostrate symptoms and PSA levels were monitored. Neither group was given treatment for their prostate conditions during the study.

PSA levels were measured in both groups after one month and again after two months. Researchers noted an overwhelming majority with noticeably lower PSA levels in the group who received treatment for gum disease. Hopefully, these findings can help Prostatitis patients achieve better treatment results.

As studies continue, it is obvious that your oral health is closely connected to your overall health. By avoiding bacteria overload in the mouth, you reduce the risk of triggering inflammatory reactions elsewhere in the body. Additionally, your smile will avoid problems that are time-consuming and expensive to treat.

Common symptoms of gum disease are tender gums that bleed when brushing, persistent bad breath, gums that turn red, gums that loosen from teeth and pus pockets that form at the base of teeth. If you have any of these symptoms, you should also know that periodontal disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the U.S.

Obviously, the potent bacteria of gum disease is nothing to ignore, as research continues to find links between it and serious health problems. Take good care of your body AND your smile! Call 828-274-9440 to schedule a thorough examination. If signs of gum disease exist, we can make recommendations for treatment to restore your smile to a healthy state.

Pregnant Women – Take Special Care Of Oral Health

Posted on Apr 04, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Mothers-to-be have many guidelines to follow to ensure a healthy baby. They must monitor what they eat, drink and inhale  – not to mention the vast amount of medications they must cross off their list during pregnancy.

For those who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, an important part of tending to an unborn baby’s health is gaining more attention. This is also why a growing number of obstetricians are recommending pregnant patients to a periodontist for a thorough oral examination to determine signs of gum disease.

The oral bacteria of periodontal (gum) disease is pretty potent stuff, as research continues to prove. Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the U.S. and has been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and arthritis.

For pregnant women, elevated hormones during pregnancy create greater risk for periodontal (gum) disease. This is the reason nearly 50% of pregnant women experience swollen, tender gums that bleed easily while brushing. This is a result Pregnancy Gingivitis, a form of gum disease. Because of their susceptibility, the risk for full-blown periodontal disease is higher for moms-to-be, which extends to their unborn baby.

About a third of pregnant females will acquire gum disease due to pregnancy hormones that make the gums more vulnerable to inflammation. However, studies show that oral bacteria can reach far beyond the mouth. Research has determined that gum disease heightens the risk for pre-term delivery (prior to 37 weeks) and babies of low birth weight.

One study showed the preterm birth rate for women without gum disease to be approximately 11% compared to almost 29% for pregnant women with moderate to severe periodontal disease. It has also been shown that gum disease increases the potential for late miscarriage and pre-eclampsia.

Apparently, the risk stems from the entry of gum disease bacteria into the bloodstream through diseased gums. When oral bacteria reaches placental membranes, it can trigger inflammation that can activate 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. One study found pregnant females who had higher blood levels of antibodies to oral bacteria also had higher occurrences of preterm birth and low birth weight babies. These elevated antibodies have been found in amniotic fluid and fetal cord blood samples of infants who were preterm or born at low birth weight.

The good news? Successful treatment of periodontal disease helps to lower the risk of preterm births. As a periodontal specialist, I am trained to treat all levels of disease. If gum disease does exist, our periodontal therapy is safe for pregnant women (as well as all patients).

If your gum are tender or you are having symptoms of gum disease (gums that bleed when brushing, swollen or tender gums, or gums that deepen in color), arrange an appointment for a periodontal exam at your earliest convenience by calling 828-274-9440. Gum disease only worsens without treatment.

Important To Keep Your Dentist Updated On Your Medications

Posted on Mar 09, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

So what does the prescription you take for high blood pressure have to do with your dental care? And, why should you bother to tell us if you’re taking a supplement for anxiety?

Many medications don’t interact well with other medications, and even some supplements. It is important that your dentist and dental specialist have an up-to-date list of ALL medications you take. Here is why:

Medications such as Heparin or Warfarin help to reduce blood clotting, which lowers your risk for stroke and heart disease. That’s good. However, it is important that your dentist know about these since they can cause bleeding problems during oral surgery or periodontal treatment.

For those who take medications that help to strengthen bones, these have been associated with a rare but serious condition called osteo-necrosis of the jaw. Simply put, it refers to death of the bone. These prescriptions include Fosamax, Actonel, Atelvia, Didronel and Boniva and are taken to help prevent or treat osteoporosis. There are also versions administered by injection, including Boniva IV, Reclast and Prolia.

Osteo-necrosis of the jaw commonly occurs after dental procedures (tooth extraction, implant placement). Over 90 percent of those who have experienced osteo-necrosis are those who have taken the medication in repeated high doses due to cancer or other diseases. However, 10 percent who experienced osteo-necrosis were taking much lower doses, mostly intended to treat osteoporosis. Those who are taking these medications or have taken them within the past year should reveal this to their dentist.

Certain medications also affect the ability to taste, including cardiovascular agents, central nervous system stimulants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, respiratory inhalants and nicotine skin patches.

Some medications can cause the development of oral sores, inflammation or discoloration of gum tissues in the mouth. These oral sores or discolorations may arise from taking medications for blood pressure, oral contraceptives and chemotherapy agents. Keeping your dentist aware that you are taking these drugs helps he or she monitor these areas closely and appropriately. Some spots and discolorations in the mouth can actually be symptoms of oral cancer. When your dentist is aware of the side effects of the medications you take, you can be adequately monitored without being treated for pseudo illnesses.

Dry mouth is a common side effect of a wide variety of medications, including those prescribed and over-the-counter. These include antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers, high blood pressure medications, muscle relaxants, drugs for urinary incontinence,
anti-depressants and many others. Drying causes the soft tissues in the mouth to become inflamed and makes you more susceptible to infection. When saliva flow is depleted, your risk for tooth decay and gum disease increases.

Supplements that may seem unconnected to your oral health can actually effect your care more than you realize. It is important for your dentist to know if you take…
 • Ginkgo biloba or evening primrose – These herbs can reduce your blood’s ability to clot, possibly leading to excessive bleeding during and/or after a dental procedure.
 • St. John’s Wort – This herb, which is often taken to reduce anxiety, can interfere with the metabolism of other medications, including sedatives, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs such as prednisone and Decadron. When combined with St. John’s Wort, these drugs can be less effective. On the other hand, narcotics such as codeine, Vicodin and oxycodone can become more potent when taken with St. John’s Wort. This can lead to sleepiness, lethargy and dizziness.
• Valerian – This herb has mild sedative effects. If your dentist prescribes drugs for anxiety or painkillers containing codeine, the effects of both together are greatly accentuated. This can lead to severe sleepiness, lethargy and dizziness that can last into the next day.
• Calcium and magnesium – When these supplements are combined with certain antibiotics, they can decrease the antibiotics being properly absorbed. This can compromise your ability to fight off infection.

Your oral health is an important part of your overall health. Always keep your dental care givers updated on your health status and the medications (and supplements) you take.