Study Links Pancreatic Cancer And Oral Health

Posted on Jan 02, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Numerous studies have found links between oral bacteria and serious health problems that extend far beyond the mouth. The inflammation triggered by infectious oral bacteria have been linked to heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, preterm babies and even impotency.

Now, findings from one study reveal periodontal (gum) disease bacteria as a potential contributor to pancreatic cancer. While this has been suspected from the results of previous studies, this long-term study focused primarily on how the risk exists.

The study analyzed DNA from saliva samples from over 360 adults who eventually developed pancreatic cancer. Researchers compared these samples to the DNA in saliva of a similar number of adults who remained healthy.

Adjustments were made in both groups for variations in age, race, sex and body mass as well as alcohol use, smoking and being diabetic. Subjects who developed pancreatic cancer within two years after the DNA samples were taken were omitted to eliminate pre-existing factors that could influence statistical outcomes.

With the findings from prior research, this study allowed researchers to zero in on two specific types of periodontal disease pathogens. Researchers noted that one pathogen was more prevalent in the saliva of participants who developed pancreatic cancer, who showed a fifty-nine percent greater risk of developing pancreatic cancer. The second pathogen was shown to increase this risk by fifty percent.

Because it is typically not diagnosed until at advanced stages, pancreatic cancer has a deadly track record. This year, over 50,000 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Less than ten percent will survive more than five years.

For years, research showed that the infectious bacteria of periodontal disease could enter the bloodstream through tears in diseased gum tissues. It was found to be a trigger for inflammatory reactions elsewhere in the body. This has been linked to heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies, impotency and other cancers.

In early stages, periodontal disease begins with tender gums that bleed easily when brushing and frequent bad breath. As it progresses, the gums become tender and swollen, deepen in color from a healthy pink to red, and cause persistent bad breath. Eventually, teeth will loosen and may require removal. Because over sixty-five percent of American adults have some level of periodontal disease, it is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss.

Hopefully, the general public will learn of extensive research results that show that periodontal disease bacteria is destructive and deadly. As findings from further studies continue to be revealed, it is important to be proactive when it comes to the symptoms of periodontal disease. Remember, gum disease will only worsen without treatment.

Call 828-274-9440 to arrange a consultation. I’ll be happy to answer your questions and recommend ways to help you achieve a healthy, confident smile.

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.

Dental Fear Can Lead To Complex, Costly Problems

Posted on Oct 21, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

It is estimated that over 70% of American adults have some level of dental fear. Some are so afraid of dental visits that it interferes with their ability to have a healthy, confident smile. This is unfortunate, especially because people who feel good about their smile tend to smile more often. And, research has shown that smiling boosts one’s mood, self-esteem and self-confidence.

For those who have dental fears, achieving and maintaining a healthy, confident smile is a challenge. In many cases, we see patients who have developed periodontal (gum) disease or lost natural teeth because fear kept them from dental care. We understand that perceived pain can be just as real to some as actual pain. This is why we offer a number of comfort options, including Oral and I.V. Sedation (twilight sleep).

Both forms of sedation help patients relax before and throughout treatment while erasing most or all memory of the procedure afterward. With the help of sedation, many procedures are completed in just one or two visits.

Although some procedures require more than one appointment, our technology helps reduce treatment time while increasing your comfort level. For lengthier procedures, some patients combine several appointments into just one or two. With the help of sedation, they can enjoy total relaxation with a pleasant recovery afterward.

Not only does dental fear create delays in treatment for many, it can greatly increase the costs required for more complex treatment. For example, your 6-month exams and cleanings are structured to help you avoid problems in the first place and catch problems while they’re still small. Keeping gums healthy through regular care is a small investment when compared to the expenses to treat gum disease.

Today’s dentistry, in the right hands, should not hurt. In our office, we take great pride that many new patients with dental fear find that sedation is not necessary after a visit or so. This comes from developing a relationship of trust and helping the patient to know our commitment is to their comfort at every visit.

Call 828-274-9440 to schedule an examination. If fear has kept you from regular dental visits, you likely have some form of gum disease. If not treated, this will only worsen. Gum disease is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss. Plus, the potent bacteria of gum disease has been shown to trigger systemic inflammation. This can create serious health problems far beyond the mouth.

Your Comfort Is Always A Priority

Posted on Sep 20, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As a Periodontist, it’s not unusual to see a new patient who has developed gum disease because he or she was too afraid to go to a dentist for regular care. What’s truly sad about this is that, by the time they arrive at my office, far more extensive work is needed than that required for routine 6-month checkups and cleanings.

Our office is a judgement-free zone. This means that we do not lecture patients nor judge them for the state of their oral health. We understand that many people do the best they can at having a healthy mouth and circumstances aren’t always in their favor.

We also know that many people avoid dental care because of a deep rooted fear associated with dental visits. Much of this stems from a traumatic experience in the past, often with a dentist who was rough, too rushed or uncaring. This is a shame, especially since it can be the catalyst of otherwise healthy adults who end up suffering with oral decay, gum disease and tooth loss.

As a periodontal specialist, I try to help patients to understand that it’s not just their smiles that suffer when oral bacteria run rampant. Periodontal (gum) disease is an inflammatory disease. This potent bacteria can enter the bloodstream through tears in weakened gum tissues, triggering inflammatory reactions elsewhere in the body.

The bacteria of gum disease has been associated with heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, memory loss, arthritis, diabetes, preterm babies, some cancers and impotency. As research continues, new correlations are revealed at an alarming pace.

Regardless of a patient’s fear level – or even patients with no dental fears – we make comfort a priority at every visit. In addition to standard relaxation and numbing measures, we offer oral and I.V. sedation.

Oral sedation is a pill form of sedation. It is taken prior to the patient arriving at our office. By the time the patient is seated in the treatment chair, they are typically in a fully relaxed state.

I.V. sedation, also known as ‘twilight sleep,’ is an in-the-vein sedation. This puts patients in a deeper, sleep state.

While both oral and I.V. sedation erase most (if not all) memory of the procedure afterward, oral sedation has a quicker recovery period. However, I.V. sedation puts the patient ‘under’ to a greater degree. With both, you are monitored by advanced equipment and trained staff members to ensure your safety and comfort.

Our goal is to make every visit for every patient one that is a pleasant experience. And our track record is very high in this regard. We like that our patients know that we want them to feel comfortable throughout each procedure.

If you have avoided dental care (or know someone who has) and wish to discuss concerns about comfort, please call 828-274-9440. You’ll find we have a friendly, caring staff and an office that’s structured to make your visit pleasant.