Don’t Let Lupus Compromise Your Smile

Posted on Mar 22, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Over the years, I’ve shared many findings that have revealed links between the infectious bacteria of periodontal (gum) disease to other serious health problems. The culprit tends to originate in how oral bacteria can trigger systemic inflammation elsewhere in the body. Because the bacteria can become bloodborne through tears in weakened gum tissues, it can freely travel throughout the body and lead to chronic inflammatory reactions.

Periodontitis is an advanced stage of periodontal (gum) disease. In the mouth, it causes destructive inflammation that leads to the loss of the structures that support teeth. Eventually, this leads to tooth loss and is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the U.S.

A person with Lupus, depending on the type of disease, faces a variety of oral health challenges. As an autoimmune disease, Lupus affects the collagen tissue in the entire body. This includes the collagen that exist in the tissues of the mouth. This adds to the problems of Lupus patients with longer healing times required after oral procedures as well as the common symptom of dry mouth.

When a mouth is dry, oral bacteria can more easily accumulate. Having a dry mouth contributes to an increased risk of developing cavities, gum disease and candidiasis, a fungal mouth infection. Dry mouth can cause the gums to become red and leukoplakic lesions to form on gum tissues. These are white, scaly patches that appear on the gum tissues inside the cheeks and/or on the palate and inner border of the lips.

To overcome the challenges of dry mouth, Lupus patients should practice ways to stimulate the production of saliva flow. This can be done by chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugarless hard candy.  They should drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep the mouth wet, preferably taking frequent sips. To soothe dry, cracked lips, a petroleum-based lip balm is recommended.

Dry mouth can be made worse by consuming caffeinated foods and beverages, spicy foods and alcoholic beverages. The worst drying agent to oral tissues is smoking or ‘chew.’

In addition to actions to prevent the problems associated with dry mouth, a saliva substitute may be helpful to replenish low saliva production. These products mimic some of the properties of saliva and help make the mouth feel wet. Some also contain fluoride, which can help to prevent cavities.  However, the benefits of saliva products are limited since they are eventually swallowed.  Because the effects last only a few hours, it may be necessary to use them several times a day.

Although the challenges that Lupus patients face are many, keeping good oral health can occur by devoting mere minutes to proactive oral health measures. In addition to helping to keep your mouth moist, be committed to a thorough at-home oral hygiene regimen. This includes daily flossing, twice daily brushing (at least two minutes each time), and limiting snacks.

We believe every person, regardless of their challenges, can enjoy a healthy, confident smile. If you have Lupus or any disease that creates hurdles when it comes to your oral health, let us help. Together, we can develop a plan that is appropriate for your individual needs. Call 828-274-9440 to arrange an examination to begin.

Diabetics Wise To Give Oral Health Added Attention

Posted on Mar 13, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Diabetes is a metabolic disease that occurs when the body is unable to properly process carbohydrates, fats and proteins.. It stems from insufficient insulin secretion or being resistant to insulin.

The American Diabetes Association reports these statistics among adults in the U.S. (http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/statistics/):

Diabetes is a leading cause of death due to the vascular complications it causes. The most common types of diabetes are type 1, which requires insulin control, and Type 2, which is the non-insulin dependent form.

Diabetes is far from being a problem isolated to the United States. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared diabetes to be at a pandemic level with a prevalence that has risen dramatically over recent decades. They estimate that the number of those affected by diabetes will triple over the next decade.

Regardless of the advancements in treating diabetes, the U.S. National Library of Medicine & National Institutes of Health reports that it is “a growing public health concern and a common chronic metabolic disease worldwide.”

Although diabetes affects all age groups, it is most common in adults. According to the American Diabetes Association, the largest segment of those who suffer with diabetics have Type 2 diabetes, which usually begins after age 45. However, over 18,000 youth are diagnosed with diabetes each year.

In a study study published in the journal Diabetes Care, the Centers For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) noted that the annual medical expenses for youth with diabetes to be over $9,000, compared to less than $1,500 per year for youth without the disease.

Early warning signs of Type 2 diabetes are bad breath and bleeding gums, which are also symptoms of gum disease. Gum disease has been found to be more frequent and severe for patients who have poor control of their diabetes. By properly controlling glucose levels, diabetics can greatly help in the prevention of periodontal (gum) disease, which is the nation’s leading cause of tooth loss. Well-controlled glucose levels also help when it comes to the successful treatment of gum disease.

For many years, the medical and scientific fields studied the connections between inflammatory diseases such as diabetes and periodontal disease. With gum disease being the sixth greatest complication of diabetes, they noted that diabetes would initially reveal symptoms in the form of oral problems. However, continued research has shown that one can even trigger the other.

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition that can create inflammatory reactions elsewhere in the body. This is because its bacteria can enter the bloodstream through tears in weakened gum tissues. As it travels throughout the body, it can cause inflammatory triggers elsewhere.

Because of the connections between diabetes and periodontal disease, diabetics are strongly urged to have dental exams every 3-4 months (versus the standard of every 6 months) to avoid the inflammatory reactions of gum disease, and vice versa. Diabetics should also respond to any signs of gum disease promptly, rather than wait for their next visit.

Symptoms of periodontal disease include gum tenderness, bleeding gums when brushing, frequent bad breath, receding gums and gums that darken in color. When these signs are present, seeing a Periodontal specialist is advised so the most appropriate treatment can be discussed.

Because diabetics have a greater vulnerability to inflammatory reactions in the body, the need for prompt treatment warrants immediate response. Call 828-274-9440 to arrange an appointment. And remember, gum disease only worsens without treatment, resulting in greater treatment time and expense with delays.

If You Have Arthritis (RA), Your Oral Health Could Influence Its Severity

Posted on Feb 28, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As a Periodontal Specialist, I treat all stages of periodontal (gum) disease as well as have particular expertise in the diagnosis and placement of dental implants. Over the years, I’ve watched miraculous progress made in the development of dental implant systems, becoming a dependable, safe and successful alternative to dentures and partials.

Where I’ve not seen much progress is the nation’s understanding of the hazards of periodontal disease. Still today, nearly 47% of American adults have some level of gum disease. And, this is in spite of research findings that have found a correlation between the bacteria of periodontal disease and a long list of serious health conditions. Because of the inflammatory triggers associated with gum disease bacteria, it has been linked to heart disease, stroke, memory loss, preterm babies, diabetes, some cancers and impotency.

In early stages, the condition causes gums to bleed when brushing, bad breath and gum tenderness. As gum disease progresses, gum tissues darken in color and pus pockets form at the base of teeth. Eventually, teeth loosen and require removal. To no surprise, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among American adults.

Research is now showing a remarkably close connection between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and gum disease. While the connections may seem unlikely, it’s been determined that gum disease and RA share a genetic likeness. Apparently, their clinical structures are similiar, primarily in pathogens, which are agents that causes disease or illness. Studies have noted that the pathological processes that occur in gum disease and RA are nearly identical.

While it has also been established that both conditions cause chronic inflammation in tissues that connect to bone, researchers have found that the two diseases also have a similar inflammatory trigger. The particular species of bacteria found in periodontally-compromised oral tissues and the tissues surrounding RA joints is nearly identical.

RA is a debilitating disease that destroys joints and is disabling and painful. RA typically emerges gradually, often beginning with morning stiffness along with weak and aching muscles. Eventually, joint pain emerges with sore and stiff feelings, typically found in the fingers, wrists, elbows, hips, knees, ankles, toes, shoulder and neck.

As RA-related inflammation worsens, joints become swollen with symptoms including fever, disfiguring of hands and feet, numbness and tingling. While there is no cure for RA, treatment options may include medications, physical therapy, or even surgery to ease the discomfort or slow its progress.

Like RA, gum disease causes pain, swelling, and tenderness. As it worsens, the associated inflammation can destroy the bone that supports teeth along with surrounding tissues. One study even showed a particular pathogen associated with periodontal disease could activate the same destructive process of rheumatoid arthritis. It has also been shown that, by treating periodontal disease in RA patients, RA symptoms often improve. It is suspected that this occurs because the system has a reduced burden of oral inflammation.

An exciting fact on the findings of past research is how oral health correlates so closely to our overall health. Hopefully, as more adults come to realize that the presence of gum disease can so greatly increase your risk for serious health conditions, there will be an increasing trend on achieving and maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

Begin with your own oral health and a healthy body and share this understanding with those you love. Be committed to a thorough oral hygiene regimen at home as well as a your 6-month dental check-ups and exams.

If you have signs of gum disease, seek treatment at your earliest convenience. Gum disease will only worsen and require more treatment time and expense as it progresses. Begin by calling 828-274-9440 to learn more and ask for a consultation appointment.

Afraid Of Going To The Dentist? The Results Can Be Oral Pain AND Pain In The Wallet!

Posted on Feb 21, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

For people who have a fear of heights, it is difficult for those who don’t to understand the emotions that high places can trigger. Or, for people who are afraid of dogs, it can be a rather puzzling problem for those who us who think of our dogs as family.

Fear of going to a dentist is another fear that some individuals have and others do not. And, dental fear is more common than not, with an estimated 75% of American adults having some level of fear or anxiety associated with dentistry.

While people who are fearful of dogs can avoid them much of the time, people who have dental fear pay a high price for avoiding dental care. This ‘high price’ comes in the form of compromised oral health and the need for more-complex treatment that may have been prevented in the first place.

As a Periodontist, I see a great many patients who have acquired gum disease or lost teeth because of dental fear. For most, their fears began following a traumatic experience in a dental chair many years prior. I have also seen some fearful patients who can’t recall exactly when their fears began or why they emerged.

What I have learned in my specialty is that perceived pain can be just as real as actual pain. When someone has been hurt during dental care and the patient felt helpless to halt the pain, it’s logical that they may anticipate similar sensations during subsequent care — UNLESS the patient develops a tremendous amount of trust with their caregivers.

It’s normal that even patients with no fears of dental visits can feel anxious at times. Being positioned on your back on a narrow surface can make anyone feel vulnerable. Added to that? The mouth’s interior is a sensitive area. When you open your mouth for another person to prod around using pointed instruments without knowing what they’re doing, even relaxed patients know there is the potential for an even-slight jab or prick.

I am very proud of the relationship of trust I have with our patients. They know my goal is to NEVER cause them discomfort. Although we cannot always guarantee they’ll have no discomfort at all, my staff and I take extra steps to provide optimal comfort at every visit. This is why we offer oral and I.V. sedation (also referred to as “twilight sleep”) for patients who desire added relaxation throughout their visit.

When it comes to dental problems, the snowball effect begins when patients cannot bring themselves to come into a dental office for care. For those who have fears, just the thoughts of walking in the front door can conjure up uncontrollable reactions. Some patients shake, break out in a sweat, and even cry (both men and women).

From your caregiver’s standpoint, here’s the bigger problem: When dental care is delayed or avoided due to fear, small problems that could have been prevented (or easily treated) become big problems. Big problems require more extensive procedures, more expense and more time in treatment. The fear of going to the dentist simply adds to the need for treatment at the dentist.

Too, when regular dental check-ups and cleanings are avoided, the result can become periodontal (gum) disease and is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss. Periodontal disease occurs when oral bacteria becomes infectious, causing damage to the gums and bone structures underneath the gum tissues. Treatment can be extensive. Additionally, tooth loss can create an entirely new set of procedural needs and expenses.

If you have dental fears, how do you have the care you need when just walking into a dentist’s office is unnerving? We begin with a Consultation in a private room that is removed from the clinical side of the office. We sit in comfy arm chairs and have an open and relaxed conversation. I’ll listen to your concerns and answer your questions and explain comfort options that should work best for your needs. Here, I occasionally find that a patient doesn’t want sedation but just to have treatment administered at a slower pace. That’s fine.

Although we offer relaxation medications in addition to a gentle touch, our patients find that trust is the key to their ability to have the treatment they need. Let us help you overcome your fears or anxiety so you can enjoy the healthy, confident smile you desire.

Remember, delay can result in more treatment, more expense and more time. Call 828-274-9440 to arrange a consultation appointment soon.