Signs Of Gum Disease

Posted on Aug 19, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

When something is wrong with our vehicles, we typically see a warning light. These may indicate low oil, a door not shut tight or even a tail light outage. Seeing these lights gives us reason to react promptly since ignoring the problem could have serious, and even deadly, outcomes.

Your mouth also sends off warning signs when something is wrong. For example, an ache coming from a tooth may indicate a cavity or crack. A sore spot in the mouth could be caused by a canker sore or warning sign of oral cancer.

Warning signs of periodontal (gum) disease can occur and should not be taken lightly. Gum disease begins with sore spots on gum tissues. You may notice some blood in the sink when brushing teeth. Your mouth may feel ‘icky,’ having a sticky feeling. You may sense you have bad breath more frequently, even shortly after brushing.

Unfortunately, these signs are often ignored, allowing gum disease to progress further, which it will. Signs of its advancement includes gum tissues that pull away from teeth, typically exposing tender, darker root sections of teeth. Your gums will bleed easily and swollen spots may appear near the base of teeth. The gum tissue will likely darken from a healthy pink color to a deeper red.

Gum disease is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss. Additionally, it has been associated with a number of serious health risks. The oral bacteria of gum disease has been linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, memory loss, arthritis, diabetes, preterm babies and impotency.

Gum disease will not improve without treatment and will eventually lead to tooth loss. Don’t delay care when you experience the very first warning sign. Early treatment will save you in time and expense – and may save your teeth! Once your mouth is restored to a healthy state, we’ll help you maintain it by recommending home care steps combined with periodic check-ups.

Call 828-274-9440 if you have any symptoms of gum disease. Time is of the essence.

Men’s Prostrate Health Improved By Healthy Gums

Posted on Aug 04, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

You may have read warnings about internal inflammation. Inflammation is actually the body’s reaction to protect against a harmful presence. It’s a good thing. An example would be the redness and slight swelling around a cut. The body is trying to heal itself by sending its guardian force of white blood cells to combat bacteria during the process.

However, medical research has found that sometimes this inflammation is unable to turn itself off. This is known as chronic inflammation, which has now been linked to serious health problems, including cancer, heart disease, allergies, diabetes and depression.

With chronic inflammation, white blood cells are called to respond to an infection even though no infection exists. This confused immune reaction then causes the white blood cells go rogue. They begin to attack internal organs and even other cells.

Like other infections in the body, the root cause of periodontal (gum) disease is bacteria. When an overload of oral bacteria gather, white blood cells are signaled to begin the healing process. Like other diseases, gum disease can worsen beyond what a troop of white blood cells can handle. This creates oral bacteria that can enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammatory reactions elsewhere.

Prior research has linked the inflammation of gum disease bacteria to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies and impotency. Now, a recent study at Case Western University shows a potential correlation between prostatitis (an infection of the prostate) to gum disease bacteria.

Prostatitis causes difficulty urinating and a frequent urge to urinate. In the study, participants were all males showing periodontal disease symptoms as well as elevated PSA levels (prostrate specific antigen). Notable improvement in PSA levels was shown within one month after they received treatment for gum disease. This improvement occurred just as notably in those who received no prostrate treatment during this time.

Because of prior research, many cardiologists urge their patients to have screening and treatment, if needed, for periodontal disease prior to surgery. These latest findings related to prostrate health may cause urologists to encourage patients with prostrate problems to achieve and maintain good oral health as well.

If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, the condition will only worsen without treatment. Gum disease is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss. Common symptoms of gum disease, in early stages, include tender gums that bleed while brushing, persistent bad breath, swollen gums around teeth and gums that turn from a healthy pink to red. As periodontal disease advances, pus pockets will form on gum tissue and teeth will begin to loosen.

A Periodontist has advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease. Through this care, your mouth can be restored to a healthy state, giving you the foundation needed to maintain good oral health for a lifetime. Call (828) 274-9440 for an examination or visit the web site of the American Academy of Periodontology: www.perio.org.

The Challenges Of Dentures

Posted on Jul 16, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

At every age, it is important to stay socially active. Being involved with others is good for our overall well-being as it nurtures our innate need for community. So many social activities seem to include food as the centerpiece. When unstable dentures cause an individual to feel uneasy when eating or speaking, they begin to decline invitations due to fear of embarrassing slips or clicks.

A common complaint of long-time denture wear is the unstable fit. Even though a denture may have fit securely when first made, over time it will begin to move while eating. Biting and chewing contributes to uncomfortable rubbing. Just having nuts or seeds become trapped between the gums and denture can painfully pierce tender gum tissues.

Bone loss causes the fit of the denture to change due to an ever-shrinking jaw bone. This is the result of no longer having natural tooth roots in the jaw bone. Without tooth roots to stimulate the bone, it slowly shrinks, or resorbs.

Denture wearers can actually see the extent of bone resorption by looking in the mirror without their denture in place. They’ll likely see deep wrinkles around the mouth with the corners of their mouth turning downward, even while they smile. Jowls form as facial muscles release from the shrinking jaw. The mouth may appear to collapse into the face with the chin becoming more pointed.

Dentures can also make it difficult to eat a healthy diet. To avoid uncomfortable rubbing on tender gums from denture movement, people tend to transition to a diet of soft foods that dissolve easily with minimal chewing. Unfortunately, these foods lack protein and fiber needed for good health. It is not surprising that denture wearers have higher incidences of gastrointestinal problems and take more medications than non-denture wearers.

To minimize ‘rocky dentures,’ relines may help, temporarily. However, modern dentistry offers a far better option that overcomes all the challenges of living with dentures – Dental Implants. Unfortunately, a denture’s cheaper price tag has kept many people stuck in the a miserable situation.

Dentures simply aren’t a good substitute for natural teeth. Although they may seem better than being without teeth, dentures actually contribute to a number of problems. The pressure of wearing dentures speeds up the rate of bone loss and, for those who sleep in their dentures, the pace of resorption is nearly double.

Dentures are an antiquated solution for tooth replacement. No adhesive or reline will ever make a denture a practical alternative for missing teeth. For today’s active adult, Dental Implants provide a dependable option that restores chewing stability and laughing confidence. And even though the cost is higher, for one’s overall health and well-being, they’re a bargain.

Today’s implant dentistry offers many options. Learn those that are best for your needs and budget in a Consultation appointment. Call (828) 274-9440 to schedule a time.

Dry Mouth = Oral Bacteria = Bad Breath

Posted on Jul 08, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Occasionally, we all have breath that is unpleasant. After waking in the morning or drinking a cup of coffee,  our breath is stale.

When bad breath is persistent, it is likely a symptom of periodontal (gum) disease. If gum disease is the reason for your breath odor, you may also notice gum tenderness, seeing blood in the sink when brushing or gums that darken in color. Otherwise, the problem is likely related to dry mouth.

Your mouth is stale and sticky when you wake up because your oral tissues are dry, allowing bacteria to accumulate. As they multiply, bacteria form plaque, which is a smelly film you can feel on teeth.

Naturally, poor oral hygiene allows oral bacteria to accumulate in the mouth. Without regular brushing, bacteria reproduce – rapidly. Remember – bacteria are living creatures that have taken up residence in your mouth. All the while, they are eating, reproducing and emitting waste. Could there be a more motivating image to brush?!!!

Periodic dry mouth can be caused by alcoholic beverages or coffee. Although sugary drinks don’t necessarily dry oral tissues, they are an ideal food for bacteria reproduction.

Also drying are some medications, which can decrease saliva flow that works to move bacteria from the mouth. Many antihistamines and some medications for depression and urinary incontinence, among others, can cause dry mouth.

Medical conditions, such as acid reflux, sinus infections, diabetes and bronchitis can also contribute to dry mouth. A bad cold or just being in the habit of breathing through the mouth are drying as well.

And the worst reason of all for dry mouth? Smoking.

Once the reason for your breath odor has been determined, simple measures can often freshen it up!
 – Brush at least twice daily. Use a tongue scraper or brush your tongue with your toothbrush after brushing teeth.
 – Floss daily. If you find this action difficult, buy an electronic or water flosser.
 – Drink plenty of water! If you take medications that have a drying side effect, use an oral rinse that acts as saliva. There are many available over-the-counter.

Nothing assures you of fresh breath like a clean, healthy mouth. If you have symptoms of gum disease or feel you have persistent bad breath, call (828) 274-9440 to arrange an examination.