Quit Smoking For Your Smile – And More

Posted on Nov 09, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Wow – we are nearing the end of another year already. As is common for many Americans, new year’s resolutions are being considered as the holiday season is upon us. For smokers, cutting back or quitting altogether is a common resolution, for good reasons.

When you quit, NOT smoking can cut your risk for heart attack in half. If you quit before age 40, you can also reduce excess mortality that’s attributed to smoking by 90%. Quit before you turn 30 and you’ll reduce this by more than 97%. However, it’s not just YOU who benefits when you quit. Second-hand smoke contains at least 50 known carcinogens and other harmful chemicals.

Smokers shorten their life expectancy by 10–15 years on average. It is responsible for an estimated 30% of all cancer diseases and deaths and 90% of all lung cancers and increases the risk of lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, cervical cancer, cancer of the  kidneys, liver cancer, bladder cancer, stomach cancer and leukemia. Smoking or chewing of tobacco causes 80 – 90% of oral cancers (mouth, lips, throat).  Smokers who are also alcohol drinkers have a risk of oral cancer greater than the combined risk of those who only smoke and those who only drink alcohol. Smoking is also a cause for emphysema and other respiratory diseases, heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Pregnant women who smoke create heightened risks of first trimester spontaneous abortions, placenta abruption, preterm births, low birth weight babies and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Women are also at risk for early menopause. Men who smoke have a higher risk for sperm abnormalities and impotency.

Tobacco contains chemicals that are known to be harmful to the body. Smokers also have an increased risk of periodontal (gum) disease, bad breath, stained teeth, an increase in dental plaque, and slow healing after extractions, gum therapy or oral surgery.

Smoking dries out the oral tissues, creating a vulnerable environment for the rapid growth of oral bacteria. Once gum disease begins, you can expect persistent bad breath, sore gums, gums that bleed easily when you brush and gums that turn red in color. As the disease progresses, pus pockets will form at the base of teeth. The teeth will become loose as the bacteria destroys bone and tissues that support tooth roots. Eventually, these teeth will require removal.

If you ever needed a reason to quit, look at the loved ones around you who not only breathe in the deadly smoke you exhale. Then, consider the health problems they’ll likely see you endure. Finally, imagine losing your smile and having to wear dentures or partials to replace the teeth you lost due to the effects of smoking.

There are a number of online support sources for those who wish to quit. Begin there, and be committed to keeping this resolution. Your life, literally, depends on it.

Pregnant Women – Beware Oral Bacteria

Posted on Oct 20, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

I was watching a health segment on a morning news program recently. The topic of that day surrounded things that women should avoid during pregnancy, such as soft cheeses, smoking and alcohol. I am pleased that modern medicine has created more awareness when it comes to things that have the potential to be harmful to a developing fetus.

What was disappointing, as a Periodontist, is how the hazards of periodontal (gum) disease have not been given the same ‘red flag’ for its potential harm to unborn babies. Numerous studies have shown that women with gum disease may be at risk for pre-term babies or having a low-birth weight baby.

Babies born with a birth weight of less than 5.5 lbs. have a higher risk of long-term health problems. These include delayed motor skills, social development and learning disabilities. Additionally, a baby born at least 3 weeks earlier than its due date can have similar complications as well as respiratory problems, vision and hearing loss and digestive problems.

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition that stems from oral bacteria. The bacteria attack gum tissue and bone structure that supports teeth. Periodontal disease is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss and is linked to other serious diseases, such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

According to the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), medical and dental communities agree that maintaining good periodontal health during pregnancy is important. If a woman who is pregnant or planning to become pregnant is not current on her dental examinations and cleanings, this should be a high priority.
This is also supported by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, who now encourage pregnant women to achieve and maintain good oral health. This includes regular dental care, including dental cleanings, during pregnancy. If signs of gum disease are present, non-surgical periodontal therapy is safe for pregnant women and can improve gum health.

Typical signs of periodontal disease include gums that are tender, red or swollen. Other symptoms include gums that bleed when brushing, gums that have pulled away from one or more teeth, frequent bad breath and loose teeth. These signs should create a sense of urgency for anyone who experiences them, however, these are especially important during pregnancy.

Through all phases of your pregnancy, it is necessary to maintain a thorough oral hygiene regimen. This includes twice-daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups. If you are behind on your dental visits, seeing a Periodontist can help to decrease the chance of adverse pregnancy complications. This will help to reduce your own risk for health problems as well as enjoy a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby.

You may want to learn more about gum health as it relates to pregnancy at the web site of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP).

https://www.perio.org/consumer/AAP_EFP_Pregnancy

Oral Bacteria – The Source Of Problems (in the mouth & beyond)

Posted on Oct 06, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Our bodies are full of bacteria. Certain bacteria are good, such as bacteria in the gut. This is why some people take a probiotic supplement to ensure they have a sufficient level so digestion functions efficiently.

While bacteria in our bodies is a fact of life, it is our job to control the levels. By eating a proper diet, keeping our bodies clean and tending to cuts and illnesses, we support our health with bacteria levels under control.

Too much bacteria sends signals to us. For example, if you don’t take a shower for several days, the bacteria buildup on skin creates an odor. An excess of bacteria in the mouth sends signals, also.

Saliva in the mouth is designed to help wash away some of the oral bacteria that occurs from food particles left behind. Our job is to remove this debris on a daily basis before oral bacteria begin a come-one-come-all feast. Brushing and flossing help accomplish this.

Bacteria are living organisms. They eat, reproduce and excrete waste. As they multiply, they form colonies that attack anything that can be consumed. This includes tooth enamel and gum tissues.

Saliva can only do so much. It’s ability to work efficiently can easily be hampered by factors that decrease saliva production. These include smoking, some medications, mouth breathing, drinking alcoholic beverages and some illnesses.

Your mouth will send signals when too much bacteria has accumulated. Your breath will smell bad and your gums may become sore and bleed when brushing. When prompt action is not taken to conquer the overload of bacteria, the destruction continues and becomes more severe.

As oral bacteria eat away at tooth enamel and gum tissues, cavities occur and gum disease penetrates tissues at a deeper level. Pus pockets form at the base of teeth, gums turn a darker color and teeth eventually begin to loosen. Periodontal (gum) disease is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss.

Yet, oral bacteria from gum disease can cause problems far beyond the mouth. They can become bloodborne through tears in diseased gum tissues. Research has found that oral bacteria can trigger inflammatory reactions that put your overall health at risk. Oral bacteria has been linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, arthritis, diabetes, preterm babies and impotency.

The health problems that originate with oral bacteria can so easily be avoided. Twice daily brushing, flossing daily, drinking plenty of water and seeing a general dentist twice a year can help keep oral bacteria levels under control. These simple measures are so minimal when considering the broad spectrum of problems they can help you avoid.

If your mouth is sending you warning signs – persistent bad breath and sore and bleeding gums – act promptly to avoid much in time and expense while protecting your overall health.

As a dental specialist with advanced training and skills to treat gum disease, a Periodontist is your partner in helping you restore a healthy mouth and maintaining it.

Call 828-274-9440 to schedule an examination. And, the sooner the better. Gum disease will only worsen without treatment.

Helping Patients Understand What They Can’t See

Posted on Sep 09, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

For many of us, we not only want to know how to do something, but why it’s beneficial to do it a certain way. For instance, if I understand that using a higher octane gas in a new car will give more efficient mileage than a cheaper grade, I’ll likely pay a little more at the pump to get a better value in the long run.

In dentistry, it’s also helpful to understand why a particular treatment is needed in addition to what is needed. Occasionally, we have patients who are referred to us for care but are unaware of the advantages of the care they’ve been sent to have.

We find that, once patients are familiar with the ‘why,’ they tend to feel better about the treatment that is recommended for their particular needs. This applies especially to people who have periodontal disease. Because periodontal (gum) disease can have mild symptoms in initial stages, some people do not comprehend the amount of damage that is actually occurring in their mouths.

Here’s an example… a patient is referred to us with severe periodontal disease. He is experiencing symptoms that include persistent bad breath, sore gums, gums that bleed easily and swollen pockets around the base of some teeth. We begin by explaining how oral bacteria is literally eating away at their gum tissue and supporting tooth structures. It’s not unusual for people to be surprised when we explain that some teeth have become so loose that removal is required.

The biggest surprise for many with periodontal disease is when we explain that oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream through tears in diseased gum tissue. Once bloodborne, the bacteria can trigger inflammatory reactions elsewhere in the body. Research has linked the bacteria of gum disease with heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, impotency and other serious health problems.

It is not only important that patients are aware of what is happening in their mouths, but what will happen if the problem persists. Gum disease, like any chronic disease in the body, does not just go away. It does not repair itself. To the contrary, gum disease runs rampant and is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss.

When natural teeth are lost, an entirely new set of problems begin. Without natural tooth roots in the jaw bone, the bone begins to shrink. This decline in bone mass weakens the ability to bite and chew. For denture wearers, it decreases the foundation a denture is contoured to fit. This results in continual changes that lead to slips and uncomfortable rubbing.

Conquering periodontal disease early saves time and treatment expense. It can also save your teeth! And, by ridding your mouth of gum disease bacteria, you decrease your risks for developing other serious health problems, some that can have deadly consequences.

Keeping you ‘in the know’ gives you the ability to make decisions that are best for your individual goals. We will always strive to help you understand ‘why’ so you are a more-involved participant in your oral health.