Smokers – Why Your Smile Needs You To Quit!

Posted on Dec 13, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

The new year is right around the corner. For many Americans, we are contemplating New Year’s Resolutions. Common resolutions are losing weight, getting fit and to quit smoking. For those who smoke, the beginning of a new year is a good place to reclaim their health.

If you smoke, however, you probably don’t feel like another lecture about its hazards. In our office, we pride ourselves on being a ‘lecture-free zone,’ so you won’t get one here. However, as a Periodontist, I probably have a better picture of what it’s doing inside your mouth so allow me a minute to give you that information. No lectures, though — promise.

When it comes to your smile, smokers have a greater risk of periodontal (gum) disease, more frequent bad breath, higher plaque levels, stained teeth, and slower healing following extractions, gum treatment and oral surgery.

Smoking has a drying effect on oral tissues, which provide an ideal environment for oral bacteria to breed. As oral bacteria accumulate in the mouth, the infectious bacteria inflame the gum tissues. This is the beginning of gum disease.

In early stages, gum disease causes persistent bad breath, sore gums and gums that bleed easily when brushing. As it progresses, gum tissues darken in color and pus pockets form at the base of teeth. Eventually, oral bacteria attack supporting bone and tissues surrounding tooth roots, causing teeth to loosen. It’s no surprise that gum disease is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss.

Losing teeth is very detrimental to your overall health. Although some people assume that losing natural teeth is a ‘normal’ part of the aging process, studies now show that people who wear dentures die an average of ten years earlier than those with natural teeth. Denture wearers take more medications, have more gastrointestinal problems and are less socially involved.

On average, smokers decrease life expectancy by 10–15 years. Smoking is attributed to nearly one-third of all cancer diseases and deaths. Pregnant women who smoke have an increased risk for first-trimester spontaneous abortion, preterm births, low birth weight babies and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Women who smoke are at risk for early menopause while men who smoke have a higher risk of impotency.

For those who decide to kick the habit, the positive effects are almost immediate. In 48 hours, damaged nerve endings start to regrow. The sense of smell and taste begin to return to normal. In 3 days, the lungs begin to repair and breathing is easier and with fuller air intake. Within 2 weeks, blood circulation in your gums and teeth is similar to that of a non-smoker. Your heart attack risk is now also declining. In a month or so, your circulation greatly improves, walking is easier and your chronic cough is gone.

The incentive to quit, for some adults, is because they realize their loved ones are breathing in their ‘second-hand smoke.’ Second hand smoke contains no less than 50 known carcinogens and other harmful chemicals. Children of smoking parents commonly wake up with ‘smoker’s cough.’

Rather than lecture, we believe it is more helpful to share the facts so adults can choose as they feel best. Some smokers accept the risks for the sake of their habit, and that’s their right. However, for those who truly wish to overcome this addiction, there are excellent online sources.

A good one is: http://smokefree.gov/

Best of luck in your 2017 goals!

Surprising Oral Health Risks From Holiday Celebrations

Posted on Dec 05, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

The holiday season is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy friends, family and yummy indulgences. Rich food and alcoholic beverages are common features of these gatherings. However, you may be surprised to learn just how risky these gatherings can be when it comes to your smile. But, don’t despair. The precautions below can lower your risk for cavities, bad breath and gum disease.

Alcoholic beverages – Alcohol (including beer, wine and liquor) has a drying effect on oral tissues. Without sufficient saliva flow, oral bacteria is not being efficiently rinsed from the mouth. The more bacteria in your mouth, the more are there to reproduce. This leads to bad breath and can progress to gingivitis (an initial stage of gum disease).
When sugary mixers are added to alcohol, you increase your potential for developing cavities and gum disease even more. And, while wine may seem a healthier choice, it’s anything but smile-friendly. Red wine is known to stain teeth. Even white wine has a tint and can contribute to discoloration.
Wine is also highly acidic. When this acid mixes with digestive acids in the mouth (naturally produced each time you eat or drink), you get a one-two punch of acid that can erode tooth enamel. As a matter of fact, this acid level is so potent it can soften enamel in a mere ten minutes after that initial sip of wine.
The good news is that you CAN minimize the risks to your smile. First, ask for a glass of water along with your cocktail and take several swallows every 10-15 minutes. To dilute the acid’s intensity, allow the water to wash over your teeth before swallowing or swish with water in the restroom between drinks.

Hors d’ouevres – Cocktail party nibbling can go on for hours as you sample rich, holiday finger foods. These are often sugary or carbohydrate-laden. As mentioned prior, every time you eat or drink, your mouth undergoes an acid attack, which lasts for 20-30 minutes. This means that an acid onslaught began as soon as you bit into that first sugar cookie and will last for as long as you continue to indulge, plus another 20 or so minutes.
To minimize the acid in your mouth, try to consume those goodies in a brief amount of time rather than over the course of the evening. Rather than selecting sweet or starchy nibbles, look for fresh fruit or veggies. An added benefit when you forgo the Yule log and pretzels is that your waistline will be better off, too!

After the party, remember that eating and drinking puts your tooth enamel at risk for 20-30 minutes after your last bite or sip. That’s why it’s best to wait at least that long before brushing. When enamel is softened, the abrasiveness of toothpaste combined with the scrubbing action of a toothbrush can wear away precious enamel. Give the acid levels time to subside before heading to the sink. Tooth enamel, once worn away, is gone for good. Do everything you can to protect it to avoid costly, time-consuming problems in the future.

As you implement simple steps of caution, enjoy the holidays! Call 828-274-9440 to learn how you can enjoy a healthy mouth, fresher breath and prevent problems from occurring in the first place.

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.

The Lifetime Value Of Dental Implants

Posted on Nov 14, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

When you make a purchase based on quality – how long it will last and how well it will hold up over time – paying more is well worth it when calculating how much you actually receive for the investment made along with future savings. This is true when it comes to replacing teeth. Your decision to get the most from your dollars begins with opting for the best outcome long-term.

As a Periodontist, a dental specialist, I’ve seen how dental fear can be the prevailing reason that causes many people to delay or avoid looking into replacing teeth. This is ironic, mainly because the reason many people lose teeth in the first place is due to dental fear. When dental fears prevent adults from having regular cleanings, exams and repairs, the results are often periodontal (gum) disease and/or tooth loss.

Dental fear is no small problem in this country. Quite frankly, it is estimated that nearly 75% of American adults have some level of fear or anxiety associated with dental visits. There is no ‘typical’ age group, gender or education or income level that predisposes these individuals to having dental fears. It runs rampant throughout all walks of life.

With the addition of I.V. or oral sedation, many fearful adults are able to relax and have much-needed dentistry. Although sedation and the other comfort options we offer provide a way for high fear patients to relax throughout care, the bigger obstacle for many is implant treatment cost.

Because the costs for dental implants are all ‘up front,’ many people perceive them as more expensive. While implant treatment may seem more costly than crown-&-bridge combinations, dentures or partials, it’s actually a far better investment. For example, after a dental implant is placed and the final teeth attached, your investment is intended to last your lifetime.

Dental implants are constructed from a material that biologically bonds with living bone known as titanium. For decades, titanium has been implanted into the body, accepted by surrounding bone, and have had bone grown around it. This process, known as ‘osseo-integration,’ embeds the implant in the jaw bone so it can serve as a replacement tooth root.

Not only is the implant intended to last a lifetime, the replacement teeth attached to it will not experience cavities, need a root canal or cause problems for neighboring teeth. With the treatment costs upfront seeming to be a larger investment, dental implants are actually a savings when considering the future expenses to maintain other tooth replacement options.

Crown-&-bridge combinations are a common way to replace one or several missing teeth in one area. However, a crown-&-bridge requires the crowning of otherwise healthy, neighboring teeth on both sides of the bridge. The potential for future costs includes root canals, crown repair, bridge replacement, etc.

There is another issue that can evolve in future costs that lies beneath the gums. Without the presence of natural tooth roots, the bone that once held them begins to shrink. This process, known as ‘resorption,’ impacts the health of remaining natural teeth and weakens the strength of the jaw bone.

Once set into motion, resorption continues to make matters worse. As bone loss continues, it also creates changes in facial appearance. These include deep wrinkles around the mouth, jowls, and a mouth that appears to sink inward.

Because dental implants are held by the jaw bone, they halt the potential for bone loss. Since they have the same, sturdy foundation that natural teeth enjoy, implants do not reply on neighboring teeth to support replacement teeth.

Dental implants also support good physical and psychological health. Having the ability to properly chew healthy foods is paramount to maintaining a healthy body. Implants make it possible to bite and chew all types of food you love without uncomfortable rubbing or embarrassing slips. 

Eating a diet of foods packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein helps to keep our bodies in tip top shape. And, when chewing is performed with stability and comfort, people feel more confident joining others for meals and outings that include food. Being socially active is a bonus to our mental stimulation and well-being.

If you are considering dental implants, begin with a no obligation consultation. Call 828-274-9440 to discuss your individual needs and goals. From there, I’ll explain options best for your needs and goals so you can decide what is best for you. I’ll also have our Financial Coordinator discuss ways you can make easy monthly payments for your implant treatment, often without a down payment and no interest charged.