Your Heart’s Health May Depend On Number of Natural Teeth!

Posted on Apr 24, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Could tooth loss and bleeding gums set you on a path for cardiovascular disease? In the largest study of its kind, a connection has been revealed that shouldn’t be ignored.

Research results were recently released on how periodontal disorders, such as tooth loss and gingivitis, are associated with risk for cardiovascular disease.

The report was released in April 2014 in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. It published information on a clinical trial involving 15,828 participants, all with chronic coronary heart disease. It found that indications of periodontal disease (few remaining teeth and gum bleeding) were common in these patients.

However, those who had more natural teeth were found to have lower levels of cardiovascular disease risk factors. They also had lower glucose levels and better blood pressure readings. Even participants who had diabetes, consumed alcohol, were under stress or were smokers had healthier numbers when they had more teeth and minimal gum bleeding.

Nearly 70% of these participants with chronic cardiovascular disease were current or former smokers. Sixteen percent of the group had no remaining natural teeth with 41% having less than 15 teeth. Over one-fourth of the group reported bleeding gums when brushing teeth.

These findings reinforce the link between dental disease and coronary heart disease. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. The study’s evidence shows poor dental health among chronic coronary patients increases their risk level. While age and smoking are recognized as risk factors related to both periodontal and cardiovascular diseases, this shows that the association between the conditions goes far deeper.

Although this doesn’t confirm that periodontal disease is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease, it is another reason to make every effort to maintain healthy gums and do everything possible to keep your natural teeth.

If you have bleeding gums, you likely have periodontal disease. Contact us promptly at (828) 274-9440 for an appointment. This will not improve without treatment and can result in eventual tooth loss.

By the way, the next time your dentist recommends a crown to protect your natural tooth, remember this study that shows your heart may reap the benefits as well.

Statistics On Adults & Oral Care

Posted on Mar 30, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Recent statistics on Americans who floss on a daily basis are just slightly more than 50%. With only half of Americans flossing daily, it nearly parallels the averaged percentage of men and women who brush their teeth twice a day. Only 57% of women brush twice daily with only 49% of men brushing twice daily.

Tooth brushing should last for two minutes and done twice each day. Daily flossing takes around a minute once you are in the habit and comfortable with the technique. These measures help you to avoid cavities and the development of gingivitis.

Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal (gum) disease. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) shows that nearly 53% of American adults over the age of 20 have gingivitis.

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums. This begins when bacteria multiply and create a sticky film on oral surfaces, which hardens into plaque if not removed on a daily basis. Signs of gingivitis include gums that bleed easily, become tender and redden in color. If allowed to progress, gingivitis develops into periodontal disease, which is the nation’s leading cause of tooth loss.

Sadly, 24% of adult males in America between the ages of 65 – 74 have had all their natural teeth extracted with females at 27%. These are sad statistics in a country where dental care is plentiful. Yet, as statistics show, it’s not a priority for far too many. If you suspect any form of periodontal disease, call (828) 274-9440. We’ll help you avoid the pitfalls of gum disease.

Oral Bacteria Are Like Termites

Posted on Mar 24, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

It is unlawful to sell a home that has termites; that’s how destructive these little bugs are to the structure of a home. When a homeowner learns they have termites, immediate measures are taken to combat these demons and repair the damage they’ve caused thus far.

Oral bacteria, which are living ‘bugs,’ are no less destructive than termites. They multiply quickly and spend their lives eating away at the structure of your mouth. Oral bacteria begin by eating away at gum tissue and tooth surfaces. As they continue to multiply, they destroy bone structure below the gum line as well.

When oral bacteria enters the blood stream through tears in diseased gum tissues, they can trigger an inflammatory reaction elsewhere in the body. Oral bacteria have been linked to heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and even impotency.

Unlike the home in which you reside, your body is your forever home. When you think of oral bacteria as they truly are – like termites in the mouth – your oral health will have a more prominent part in your overall health commitment.

If you have signs of gum disease, oral bacteria is already causing damage. Symptoms include gums that bleed when you brush, persistent bad breath, sore and tender gums or receded gums. Delaying treatment only allows these oral ‘bugs’ to multiply further and continue their damage.

Call us at (828) 274-9440 for a consultation, or better yet, schedule an examination so we can determine your specific level of gum disease and treatment needed.

Men Over 35 Have More Health Risks

Posted on Mar 17, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

An article in the Journal of Periodontology lists nine risk factors for tooth loss due to periodontal (gum) disease, which is the nation’s leading cause of tooth loos.

Risk factors include:
Being over the age of 35
Being a male
Never getting professional dental care
Never using a toothbrush
Smoking
Having diabetes
Having high blood pressure
Having rheumatoid arthritis

Although age and gender are unchangeable, decisions to not brush your teeth or to smoke, for example, are something you can control.

Why should you worry about gum disease? In addition to causing tooth loss, oral bacteria can enter then bloodstream through tears in diseased tissues in the mouth. Once bloodborne, this bacteria can trigger an inflammatory reaction elsewhere in the body.

The bacteria of gum disease has been linked to heart disease, stroke, memory loss, preterm babies, arthritis, diabetes, and even impotency.

If you aren’t concerned about losing teeth, then these additional health risks should get your attention. Treating gum disease before it becomes severe can be done comfortably and affordably. Payment options are available for those without dental insurance.

Gum disease will only worsen without treatment. Call (828) 274-9440 if you have tender, sore gums that are red in color rather than a healthy pink. You need to be seen promptly.