Dental Fear?

Posted on Jun 25, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

It’s not surprising that the percentage of American adults with some level of dental fear (estimated at 75%) nearly parallels the percentage of adults ages 65+ who have some level of gum disease (70%), the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss.

The high number of adults who have dental fear is also likely related to the prevalence of tooth loss in mature adults.  Those born before 1949 have the highest percentage of lost teeth and being totally toothless (25%). Could this be because the 65+ age group endured dentistry in a time when patient comfort was very different than what is expected today?

Most of today’s 35 and under adults have experienced dental care by modern dentists who are more attuned to a patient’s need for comfort. However, for adults in the 65+ age group, a greater number can recall traumatic experiences in the dental chair. These often carry over into adulthood, making a trip to the dentist overshadowed by the perception of pain.

Dental fear deters people from having regular dental check-ups. Lack of regular dental care leads to the formation of cavities, gum disease, tooth loss and health risks from oral bacteria, which can trigger systemic inflammation. The bacteria of periodontal (gum) disease can enter the bloodstream through tears in diseased gum tissues. The bacteria moves through the body, creating inflammatory reactions have been linked to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, arthritis, preterm babies and impotency.

For a large percentage of aging adults, dental fear plays a key role in the frequency of dental visits. If fear has kept you from regular dental visits, regardless of your age, you will find the majority of today’s dental environments are highly sensitive to your comfort throughout each visit. Although sedation options are an appealing way for fearful patients, we believe that finding a dentist or dental specialist whom you trust will help you conquer your fears and achieve the smile you desire.

Most patients who have avoided dental care have some level of gum disease. Until your gums are healthy, no dental procedure is going to provide long-term benefits. Begin with a periodontal exam by a specialist in Periodontics. Once your mouth is restored to a healthy state, we can make recommendations to help you with other needs for a confident smile.

Decades of dental fear isn’t going to disappear in a blink of an eye. Getting over it requires a pace you feel is right for you. If preferred, begin with a consultation appointment. Knowing you are empowered to control this pace may help you move through it comfortably.

Call (828) 274-9440 to discuss your needs or to arrange an appointment.

Connection Between Arthritis & Periodontal Disease

Posted on Jun 11, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease of the joints, affecting more than 1.3 million American adults. RA can lead to longterm joint damage, persistent pain and compromised function. Because RA can affect manual dexterity, oral hygiene routines at home can be difficult. Insufficient oral hygiene is the leading cause of periodontal disease, which, in turn, is the number one cause of adult tooth loss.

Research has indicated that RA sufferers have a higher incidence of periodontal (gum) disease compared to individuals with a healthy oral condition. Studies have also shown that RA patients are nearly 8 times more likely to have gum disease. However, researchers suspect that poor oral hygiene is not the only factor in an increased occurrence of gum disease in Arthritis sufferers. Study results have shown that while oral hygiene is a determining factor in acquiring gum disease, other parameters point to a deeper association between RA and gum disease.

Because both RA and gum disease create internal inflammation, a connection between the two makes sense. Inflammation is already suspected to be a correlating factor between periodontal disease and other conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Even though research hasn’t proven a definitive gum disease-arthritis connection, findings increasingly show that periodontal disease doesn’t always occur as a result of RA, it may very well precede it.

The link between RA and gum disease are most prevalent when examining the joints and oral tissues. Oral tissues with the presence of periodontitis compared to tissues of RA-affected joints show a number of similarities. Research has also discovered a genetic link between the two.

Does oral bacteria trigger the development of arthritis? Does oral inflammation cause inflammation in the joints? While there is no definitive proof that one triggers the other, one study does show that treating periodontal disease can help in the prevention of RA. In a study of 40 people, with participants having both RA and gum disease, researchers found that those who who were given non-surgical gum disease treatment showed significantly more improvement in RA symptoms than those who were treated for RA only.

Of course, more research is needed to determine whether treating periodontal disease improves or even helps to prevent RA. In the meantime, people with RA should pay particular attention to oral health. If you have RA, caring for your teeth, both at home and through regular dental checkups, is important. If you have trouble caring for your teeth due to painful joints in the hands, ask your dentist or hygienist to recommend ways to overcome any challenges. Water flossers, electronic tooth brushes and oral rinses may make the task easier.

Although patients with RA are encouraged to maintain a diligent oral home-care regimen, it is highly recommended that any signs of gum disease be immediately treated by a periodontal specialist. These symptoms include gums that bleed when brushing, tender spots or pus pockets on gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession and gums that darken in color. It is also important that the oral care of RA patients is in coordination with their medical professionals.

Do you have Rheumatoid Arthritis? Begin by ensuring your oral health is at its best. A periodontist specializes in the care and treatment of oral tissues and is your expert in overcoming any level of periodontal disease. Call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation.

Major Study On Connection Of Periodontal Disease & Cardiovascular Disease

Posted on Jun 01, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As a Periodontal Specialist, I frequently read about research that shows a connection between the bacteria of gum disease and other severe diseases, such as heart disease. The connection makes perfect sense.

Largely unknown by the general population, gum disease bacteria can trigger inflammatory reactions elsewhere in the body. Oral bacteria has been associated with heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, preterm babies, diabetes, arthritis, depression, and even impotency.

Although most infections are obvious, periodontal disease begins silently. Most people do not suspect it until a dentist or periodontist diagnoses it. The National Institutes of Health cites that nearly 75% of American adults have some level of periodontal (gum) disease.

A recent study on periodontal disease included more than 15,000 adults. Their dental health was monitored to determine if one’s oral health could be a risk marker for cardiovascular disease.

Of the 15,828 participants (all with chronic coronary heart disease), 16% had no teeth and 41% had less than 15 remaining teeth. Over one-quarter of the participants had gums that bled when brushing. According to the findings, as the number of remaining teeth declined, the higher the levels for heart disease and diabetes. There was also an increase in higher glucose and cholesterol levels.

While the exact link between oral bacteria and serious diseases is yet to be pinpointed, the evidence of an association has been overwhelming, thus far. It is known that oral bacteria is a definite part of the equation when it comes to heart disease. As research continues, we will share the findings on the link of one to the other.

One thing is certain – your oral health and overall health are connected. Protect both through a thorough regimen of oral hygiene at home along with regular dental check-ups. If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease or are behind on regular dental care, call us at (828) 274-9440.

Extra Attention To Oral Health Needed For Diabetics

Posted on May 18, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Diabetics face a number of challenges every day, including greater health risks. Diabetes can damage the kidneys, eyes, heart and nerves. However, many are unaware of the higher risk for periodontal (gum) disease.

Gum disease attacks gum tissues and tooth supporting bone structures. In early stages, gum disease symptoms cause tender gums that bleed when brushing and persistent bad breath. As the disease progresses, it can lead to painful chewing and eventual tooth loss.

As the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss, periodontal disease also increases your risk for serious problems elsewhere in the body. Like diabetes, gum disease can create an inflammatory reaction in the body. Research has linked gum disease bacteria with heart disease, stroke, preterm babies, and memory loss.

Dry mouth is often a symptom of diabetes even before it is diagnosed. Dry mouth occurs when you do not have enough saliva to keep your mouth moist. Saliva is your body’s oral cleanser that moves bacteria out of the mouth. Dry mouth can cause tender and sore gums, ulcers, infections and cavities. For diabetics who smoke, these problems are far worse.

To prevent gum disease and other health risks, controlling blood glucose levels is highly important. Those with poor glucose control are more prone to gum disease and have it at more severe levels than people with controlled diabetes.

If you are diabetic, you CAN put the odds for a healthy mouth in your favor. Control your glucose, brush twice a day, floss daily and have regular dental check-ups. If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, call us at (828) 274-9440 for an appointment. Once gum disease is underway, it will only worsen without treatment.