Diabetes Linked To Gum Disease, And Vice Versa

Posted on Jan 04, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Diabetes is a metabolic disease that stems from insufficient insulin secretion and/or insulin resistance. This results in the body’s abnormal metabolic processing of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

Regardless of the advancements in treatment, a report published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine/National Institutes of Health states that diabetes is “a growing public health concern and a common chronic metabolic disease worldwide.”

Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared diabetes to be at a pandemic level. The prevalence of diabetes has increased dramatically over the past few decades and is expected to triple in the next decade.

Diabetes is considered a leading cause of death due to vascular complications attributed to the disease. The most common types of diabetes are type 1 (known as insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin-dependent).

While diabetes affects all age groups, it is more common in adults. According to the American Diabetes Association, the majority of diabetics suffer from Type 2 diabetes, which usually begins after age 45. Initial indications of this disease are bad breath and bleeding gums.

Initial emergence of diabetes in the form of oral problems makes perfect sense to those in the medical and scientific fields. Various inflammatory diseases and periodontal (gum) disease have shown connections for decades. Not only are periodontal diseases said to be the 6th greatest complication of diabetes, one triggers the other. Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition that can create inflammatory reactions elsewhere in the body.

Gum disease has been found to be more frequent and severe in patients with diabetes with poor glycaemic control. Proper management of diabetes for controlled glucose levels is helpful in preventing or treating periodontal disease.

It is advised that diabetics have more-frequent dental check-ups to avoid the inflammatory reactions of gum disease, and vice versa.

Symptoms of gum disease include seeing blood when brushing, persistent bad breath, gum tissue that pulls away from teeth (exposing tender tooth root portions) and sore gums. Any of these signs are reason for any individual to see a dentist before gum disease worsens. However, for diabetics, the need is more dire due to their existing vulnerability to inflammatory reactions in the body.

A periodontal examination will determine the presence of gum disease. If it exists, a treatment plan will be discussed. Call 828-274-9440, and at your earliest convenience. Gum disease will only worsen without treatment. Delayed care can result in greater treatment time and expense.

Some Causes Of Dry Mouth May Surprise You

Posted on Nov 03, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As a periodontal specialist, I’m acutely aware of the factors that contribute to oral bacteria. Oral bacteria is the reason for gum disease, cavities, leading cause of tooth loss and an inflammatory trigger for health problems elsewhere in the body. Obviously, oral bacteria is no small issue.

One of the biggest factors when I see a new patient with gum disease is typically dry mouth. Even though poor oral hygiene is a major contributor when it comes to bacteria in the mouth, dry mouth is so common because it has many causes.

Saliva is necessary for a number of reasons. It helps to move food around in the mouth as you chew and delivers an acid that aids in the digestion. It also serves as a constant rinse that removes food particles from the mouth. This helps to keep bacteria under control.

When saliva flow is compromised, the reproduction of oral bacteria runs rampant. Some factors, such as smoking, alcohol, caffeine (coffee, colas, chocolate), and some medications are known to be drying to oral tissues.

When saliva flow is insufficient to overcome these agents, bacteria reproduce at an alarmingly rapid rate. Once saliva becomes unable to efficiently rinse these elements from the mouth, oral bacteria can quickly multiply. This is why you may feel a film on teeth before brushing at night. This film is a buildup of bacteria that has accumulated in just the short amount of time since you brushed that morning.

While some causes of dry mouth are obvious, others are not. Mouth breathing is one. Some illnesses or health conditions, such as snoring or sinus conditions, can lead to frequent mouth breathing.

People who have Sjogren’s Syndrome or are undergoing certain HIV or cancer treatments are more susceptible to dry mouth. And, with the aging process comes less oral moisture.

Obviously, good saliva flow is necessary to help in the prevention of gum disease, cavities and even tooth loss. It’s important to drink plenty of water during the day or use oral rinses that replenish moisture. Certain prescription types may be advised for individual needs. However, it is important that you are proactive when dry mouth becomes an ongoing or even temporary condition.

Consider this – if oral bacteria can form a sticky film of bacteria between brushing in the morning and at night, imagine the damage they are capable of without the continual cleansing action of saliva. As a Periodontist, I know this is a common cause for problems that can be expensive and time consuming to treat. And, with the right measures, we can help you prevent them.

Let’s work together to avoid the problems that come from dry mouth. If you feel your mouth is occasionally dry during the day or are aware of the factors that contribute to dry mouth, call us at 828-274-9440 to schedule an exam. Preventing problems in the first place is the best way to save both time and money!

Pregnant Women – Beware Oral Bacteria

Posted on Oct 20, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

I was watching a health segment on a morning news program recently. The topic of that day surrounded things that women should avoid during pregnancy, such as soft cheeses, smoking and alcohol. I am pleased that modern medicine has created more awareness when it comes to things that have the potential to be harmful to a developing fetus.

What was disappointing, as a Periodontist, is how the hazards of periodontal (gum) disease have not been given the same ‘red flag’ for its potential harm to unborn babies. Numerous studies have shown that women with gum disease may be at risk for pre-term babies or having a low-birth weight baby.

Babies born with a birth weight of less than 5.5 lbs. have a higher risk of long-term health problems. These include delayed motor skills, social development and learning disabilities. Additionally, a baby born at least 3 weeks earlier than its due date can have similar complications as well as respiratory problems, vision and hearing loss and digestive problems.

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition that stems from oral bacteria. The bacteria attack gum tissue and bone structure that supports teeth. Periodontal disease is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss and is linked to other serious diseases, such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

According to the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), medical and dental communities agree that maintaining good periodontal health during pregnancy is important. If a woman who is pregnant or planning to become pregnant is not current on her dental examinations and cleanings, this should be a high priority.
This is also supported by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, who now encourage pregnant women to achieve and maintain good oral health. This includes regular dental care, including dental cleanings, during pregnancy. If signs of gum disease are present, non-surgical periodontal therapy is safe for pregnant women and can improve gum health.

Typical signs of periodontal disease include gums that are tender, red or swollen. Other symptoms include gums that bleed when brushing, gums that have pulled away from one or more teeth, frequent bad breath and loose teeth. These signs should create a sense of urgency for anyone who experiences them, however, these are especially important during pregnancy.

Through all phases of your pregnancy, it is necessary to maintain a thorough oral hygiene regimen. This includes twice-daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups. If you are behind on your dental visits, seeing a Periodontist can help to decrease the chance of adverse pregnancy complications. This will help to reduce your own risk for health problems as well as enjoy a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby.

You may want to learn more about gum health as it relates to pregnancy at the web site of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP).

https://www.perio.org/consumer/AAP_EFP_Pregnancy

Oral Bacteria – The Source Of Problems (in the mouth & beyond)

Posted on Oct 06, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Our bodies are full of bacteria. Certain bacteria are good, such as bacteria in the gut. This is why some people take a probiotic supplement to ensure they have a sufficient level so digestion functions efficiently.

While bacteria in our bodies is a fact of life, it is our job to control the levels. By eating a proper diet, keeping our bodies clean and tending to cuts and illnesses, we support our health with bacteria levels under control.

Too much bacteria sends signals to us. For example, if you don’t take a shower for several days, the bacteria buildup on skin creates an odor. An excess of bacteria in the mouth sends signals, also.

Saliva in the mouth is designed to help wash away some of the oral bacteria that occurs from food particles left behind. Our job is to remove this debris on a daily basis before oral bacteria begin a come-one-come-all feast. Brushing and flossing help accomplish this.

Bacteria are living organisms. They eat, reproduce and excrete waste. As they multiply, they form colonies that attack anything that can be consumed. This includes tooth enamel and gum tissues.

Saliva can only do so much. It’s ability to work efficiently can easily be hampered by factors that decrease saliva production. These include smoking, some medications, mouth breathing, drinking alcoholic beverages and some illnesses.

Your mouth will send signals when too much bacteria has accumulated. Your breath will smell bad and your gums may become sore and bleed when brushing. When prompt action is not taken to conquer the overload of bacteria, the destruction continues and becomes more severe.

As oral bacteria eat away at tooth enamel and gum tissues, cavities occur and gum disease penetrates tissues at a deeper level. Pus pockets form at the base of teeth, gums turn a darker color and teeth eventually begin to loosen. Periodontal (gum) disease is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss.

Yet, oral bacteria from gum disease can cause problems far beyond the mouth. They can become bloodborne through tears in diseased gum tissues. Research has found that oral bacteria can trigger inflammatory reactions that put your overall health at risk. Oral bacteria has been linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, arthritis, diabetes, preterm babies and impotency.

The health problems that originate with oral bacteria can so easily be avoided. Twice daily brushing, flossing daily, drinking plenty of water and seeing a general dentist twice a year can help keep oral bacteria levels under control. These simple measures are so minimal when considering the broad spectrum of problems they can help you avoid.

If your mouth is sending you warning signs – persistent bad breath and sore and bleeding gums – act promptly to avoid much in time and expense while protecting your overall health.

As a dental specialist with advanced training and skills to treat gum disease, a Periodontist is your partner in helping you restore a healthy mouth and maintaining it.

Call 828-274-9440 to schedule an examination. And, the sooner the better. Gum disease will only worsen without treatment.