Study Links Pancreatic Cancer And Oral Health

Posted on Jan 02, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Numerous studies have found links between oral bacteria and serious health problems that extend far beyond the mouth. The inflammation triggered by infectious oral bacteria have been linked to heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, preterm babies and even impotency.

Now, findings from one study reveal periodontal (gum) disease bacteria as a potential contributor to pancreatic cancer. While this has been suspected from the results of previous studies, this long-term study focused primarily on how the risk exists.

The study analyzed DNA from saliva samples from over 360 adults who eventually developed pancreatic cancer. Researchers compared these samples to the DNA in saliva of a similar number of adults who remained healthy.

Adjustments were made in both groups for variations in age, race, sex and body mass as well as alcohol use, smoking and being diabetic. Subjects who developed pancreatic cancer within two years after the DNA samples were taken were omitted to eliminate pre-existing factors that could influence statistical outcomes.

With the findings from prior research, this study allowed researchers to zero in on two specific types of periodontal disease pathogens. Researchers noted that one pathogen was more prevalent in the saliva of participants who developed pancreatic cancer, who showed a fifty-nine percent greater risk of developing pancreatic cancer. The second pathogen was shown to increase this risk by fifty percent.

Because it is typically not diagnosed until at advanced stages, pancreatic cancer has a deadly track record. This year, over 50,000 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Less than ten percent will survive more than five years.

For years, research showed that the infectious bacteria of periodontal disease could enter the bloodstream through tears in diseased gum tissues. It was found to be a trigger for inflammatory reactions elsewhere in the body. This has been linked to heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies, impotency and other cancers.

In early stages, periodontal disease begins with tender gums that bleed easily when brushing and frequent bad breath. As it progresses, the gums become tender and swollen, deepen in color from a healthy pink to red, and cause persistent bad breath. Eventually, teeth will loosen and may require removal. Because over sixty-five percent of American adults have some level of periodontal disease, it is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss.

Hopefully, the general public will learn of extensive research results that show that periodontal disease bacteria is destructive and deadly. As findings from further studies continue to be revealed, it is important to be proactive when it comes to the symptoms of periodontal disease. Remember, gum disease will only worsen without treatment.

Call 828-274-9440 to arrange a consultation. I’ll be happy to answer your questions and recommend ways to help you achieve a healthy, confident smile.

Arthritis & Gum Disease Linked According To Research

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

Periodontal (gum) disease is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss. However, the oral bacteria that lead to gum disease have been found to cause problems far beyond the mouth. Through tears in weakened gum tissues, this infectious bacteria can enter the bloodstream and move through the body. Research has found that the inflammation of gum disease bacteria can trigger inflammatory reactions elsewhere.

So, what does this have to do with arthritis? Let’s go back and start at the beginning. Gum disease forms from an accumulation of oral bacteria that becomes infectious. Initially, symptoms include gums that bleed when brushing, frequent bad breath and gum tenderness. As it progresses, the gums darken in color and pus pockets form at the base of teeth. Eventually, teeth loosen and may require removal.

Over the years, research has found a correlation between the bacteria of periodontal disease and a number of serious health problems. Due to the inflammatory triggers associated with the oral bacteria of gum disease, it has been linked to heart disease, stroke, memory loss, preterm babies, diabetes and impotency.

While the association between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and gum disease seems unlikely, research is showing a remarkably close connection. Apparently, gum disease and arthritis share a genetic similarity in their clinical makeup. Both have similar clinical structures, primarily in pathogens, which are agents that cause disease or illness. What has been found is that the pathological processes that occur in both gum disease and RA are almost identical.

While it is apparent that both conditions cause chronic inflammation in tissues that connect to bone, researchers have found that both also have a similar inflammatory trigger. Another likeness is in the bacteria found in gum disease tissues and tissues surrounding joints in arthritic patients.

In one study, a particular pathogen associated with gum disease was found to activate the same destructive process of rheumatoid arthritis. It has also been shown that, by treating periodontal disease in RA patients, symptoms often improve. This has been attributed to a reduced burden of oral inflammation to the system.

RA is a disabling and painful disease that destroys joints. It typically emerges on a gradual basis, often beginning with morning stiffness and weak, achy muscles. This is commonly followed by joint pain along with sore and stiff joints.

As RA inflammation increases, joints become swollen with symptoms of fever, disfiguring of hands and feet, numbness and tingling. Arthritis is traditionally felt in the fingers, wrists, elbows, hips, knees, ankles, toes, shoulder and neck.

There is no cure for RA and lifelong treatment is required. Treatment may consist of medications, physical therapy, or even surgery.

Like RA, periodontal disease causes pain, swelling, and tenderness. As it worsens, the associated inflammation can destroy gum tissues, teeth and the bone structures that support teeth (including surrounding tissues).

What’s exciting about these research findings is how oral health is so closely correlated to one’s overall health. Yet, it should also be a wake-up call to adults to take note of how the presence of gum disease can significantly increase one’s risk for serious health conditions.

Even in today’s advanced age of modern medicine, nearly 75% of the American adult population have some level of periodontal disease. Be committed to sharing your knowledge of the link between oral health and good overall health. Promote the need for a thorough oral hygiene regimen at home as well as a commitment to 6-month dental check-ups and exams.

If you have signs of gum disease, call for an examination at your earliest convenience. Gum disease only worsens when treatment is delayed, which often requires more treatment time and expense as it progresses. As a periodontal specialist, a Periodontist has unique expertise to treat all stages of gum disease to restore your smile to a healthy state.

Call 828-274-9440 for more information or to schedule an examination.

Sores In The Mouth

Posted on Nov 03, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Tis the season! Not only is it cold season, it’s a stressful time of year. This means your likelihood of getting a cold or canker sore increases.

They are often confused, however. The difference is…

Canker Sores
Small ulcers with a white or gray base and a red border. Unlike cold sores, canker sores appear inside the mouth. They are not contagious but their exact cause is uncertain. Some experts believe that immune system problems, bacteria or viruses may be involved.
Fatigue, stress or allergies can increase the likelihood of a canker sore. A cut caused by biting the cheek or tongue, or reactions from hot foods or beverages may contribute to canker sore development. Intestinal problems, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, also seem to make some people more susceptible.
Canker sores usually heal on their own after a week or so. Over-the-counter topical anesthetics, steroid preparations,  and antimicrobial mouth rinses can provide temporary relief.

Cold Sores
Also called fever blisters or Herpes simplex, these are groups of fluid-filled blisters that often erupt around the lips, under the nose, or around the chin. Cold sores caused by herpes virus type 1 are very contagious.
Herpes lesions look like multiple tiny fluid-filled blisters that are most common around the edge of the lips. An outbreak may follow a fever, sunburn, skin abrasions or emotional upset.
Cold sore blisters usually heal in a week by themselves. Over-the-counter topical anesthetics can provide some relief. Prescription antiviral drugs may reduce the duration of these kinds of viral infections.

However, any change to oral tissue that does not heal within 14 days should be examined without delay! This is a symptom of oral cancer. Nearly 40,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal (throat) cancer each year. These cancers kill about 1 person every hour, every day.

The survival rate is one of the worst of all cancers. Of those who acquire oral cancer, only 57% are estimated to be living 5 years from now. The death rate is higher than cervical cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, laryngeal cancer, cancer of the testes, thyroid cancer, or skin cancer (malignant melanoma).

The death rate for these cancers has seen a slight decrease since 1980. Unfortunately, some symptoms do not emerge until the cancer has reached an advanced stage because symptoms can mimic a bite on the inside of your cheek.

Because tissue changes in your mouth are normal, ignoring symptoms can prove deadly. The most common are:

• white or red patch of tissue
• lesion in the mouth
• difficulty or discomfort when swallowing
• persistent sore throat
• a lump or mass inside the mouth or neck
• wart-like mass
• numbness in the oral/facial region

Although new cases have been dropping over the past few decades, a recent rise has been seen in throat cancers related to HPV (human papilloma virus) in white males under age 50. The average age of most people diagnosed with these cancers is 62, but about a third occur in patients younger than 55.

Lesions or discolorations that are early warning signs are not always visible, particularly in the back portion of the mouth (the oropharynx, the tonsils, and base of tongue), which can be an obstacle to early diagnosis and treatment. This is yet another reason that keeping your regular oral hygiene exam and cleanings is so important. During these times, your dentist and hygienist look for unusual changes in the mouth that can indicate a problem. However, you should never wait until your scheduled appointment to have anything unusual examined.

Although a stubborn canker or cold sore may not be welcome, they tend to go away in a week or ten days. Again, if an unusual spot or sore is still present after two weeks, call 828-274-9440 immediately for an appointment.

Five Easy Steps To Save Time & Money At The Dentist

Posted on Oct 03, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

The reason we change the filters in our home’s air vents is to keep our HVAC system operating efficiently and to avoid expensive repairs.

The reason we have our car’s oil changed on a regular basis is to ensure proper operation and to avoid major problems.

The reason we clean and bandage a cut is to prevent an infection from occurring, which could require the involvement of a doctor and prescription medications.

So, doesn’t it make perfect sense to spend just minutes each day to prevent dental problems from occurring that can be costly and time-consuming to repair?

Your oral health goes far beyond a confident smile. Over the years, extensive research has linked the bacteria of periodontal (gum) disease to heart attacks, stroke, high blood pressure, arthritis, diabetes, preterm babies and impotency.

Symptoms of periodontal disease include seeing blood while brushing, frequent bad breath, tender gums, gums that pull away from teeth and gum tissue that darkens from a healthy pink to red.

Oral bacteria can cause major destruction to teeth and gums, including tooth roots beneath the gum line. Once gum disease begins, it will only worsen without treatment. However, avoiding cavities and gum disease is nothing complicated. Quite frankly, it’s easy with a commitment to a thorough at-home regimen and regular dental check-ups.

Steps to help you avoid dental expenses include:

1). Brush twice a day for a minimum of two minutes using a soft bristle tooth brush and tooth paste with fluoride. At the end of brushing, brush your tongue to dislodge oral bacteria that are embedded there.

2).  Flossing can have a tremendous effect on controlling oral bacteria. Our hygienist can help you with your technique or you may wish to purchase an electronic flosser.

3). Drink plenty of water during the day and minimize colas, tea, coffee and energy drinks. These beverages contain high levels of caffeine, which has a drying affect on oral tissues. Also drying is smoking, which contains a lengthy list of toxic chemicals that are readily absorbed by moist gum tissues.

4). When eating citrus or acidic foods (including tomatoes, orange juice, wine and foods with vinegar), remember that these highly-acidic foods will mix with a digestive acid that’s produced in the mouth. This double-whammy of acid can soften tooth enamel for 20 – 30 minutes. Because brushing your teeth right after consuming these foods can wear down tooth enamel, wait 30 minutes after eating to brush. Rather, swish with water or chew sugarless gum during this time.

5). Sugar and carbohydrates give a super-boost to the reproduction of oral bacteria. Try to limit these foods and sugar-laden drinks to protect your smile and your waistline!

In addition to a thorough at-home routine, be committed to your 6-month exams and cleanings. These visits rid your smile of build-up that has occurred since your last appointment and catches problems while they are easy to treat.

Keep your money in your pocket by avoiding cavity repair and treatment for gum disease. Your smile AND your wallet will thank you!

Call 828-274-9440 for an appointment if you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above.