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.

If you smoke, you already know your risk for heart and lung disease is much greater than for adults who don’t smoke. You may be surprised, however, to learn that you also have a greater risk for developing gum disease.

Current smokers are 4 times more likely to have periodontal (gum) disease than those who have never smoked. Ex-smokers who have not smoked in over a decade also have no increased risk, according to the findings published in the Journal of Periodontology. Overall, nearly 53% of gum disease of those in a recent study was attributed to current and former smoking.

The findings of this study found:
• Fifty-five percent of the study’s participants with gum disease were current smokers and nearly 22% were former smokers.
• Current smokers of more than 1-1/2 packs per day were nearly 6 times more likely to have gum disease than non-smokers.
• Those who smoked less than half a pack daily were nearly 3 times more likely to have gum disease.

Tobacco tends to suppress the body’s immune system, reducing its ability to fight infection. Smoking also inhibits the development of blood vessels, slowing the healing of damaged gum tissue.

The US Surgeon General has said, “Smoking cessation [stopping smoking] represents the single most important step that smokers can take to enhance the length and quality of their lives.”

Smoking is not an easy habit to kick because it becomes an addiction. However, many people quit, successfully, every day. For helpful tips to quit, go to: http://www.cancer.org/healthy/stayawayfromtobacco/guidetoquittingsmoking/index

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.

If you’re not familiar with the signs of early periodontal (gum) disease, they include persistent bad breath, gums that bleed while brushing or flossing, gum tissue that has pulled away from teeth (receded gums) and gums that are tender and sore.

Gum disease begins when oral bacteria is not removed on a regular basis from the mouth. As it accumulates, it forms a sticky film that eventually hardens on teeth, called plaque. Once plaque forms, it can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist with special tools.

Plaque buildup will continue if not removed and attack tooth enamel and gum tissues. Eventually, this onslaught of bacterial mass will work its way down into tooth roots and the bone that supports them.

Although there are several causes of bad breath not related to gum disease, persistent bad breath is typically associated with it. This is a breath odor that exists even after brushing, chewing gum or swishing with mouth rinses.

If untreated, eventual tooth loss can occur and oral bacteria can create inflammation elsewhere in the body. The bacteria of gum disease had been associated with heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis and preterm babies.

If you know someone with this problem or feel you have persistent bad breath, early treatment will be the best way to save time and cost to restore your mouth to a healthy state. Call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation and examination as soon as possible.