Helping Patients Understand What They Can’t See

Posted on Sep 09, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

For many of us, we not only want to know how to do something, but why it’s beneficial to do it a certain way. For instance, if I understand that using a higher octane gas in a new car will give more efficient mileage than a cheaper grade, I’ll likely pay a little more at the pump to get a better value in the long run.

In dentistry, it’s also helpful to understand why a particular treatment is needed in addition to what is needed. Occasionally, we have patients who are referred to us for care but are unaware of the advantages of the care they’ve been sent to have.

We find that, once patients are familiar with the ‘why,’ they tend to feel better about the treatment that is recommended for their particular needs. This applies especially to people who have periodontal disease. Because periodontal (gum) disease can have mild symptoms in initial stages, some people do not comprehend the amount of damage that is actually occurring in their mouths.

Here’s an example… a patient is referred to us with severe periodontal disease. He is experiencing symptoms that include persistent bad breath, sore gums, gums that bleed easily and swollen pockets around the base of some teeth. We begin by explaining how oral bacteria is literally eating away at their gum tissue and supporting tooth structures. It’s not unusual for people to be surprised when we explain that some teeth have become so loose that removal is required.

The biggest surprise for many with periodontal disease is when we explain that oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream through tears in diseased gum tissue. Once bloodborne, the bacteria can trigger inflammatory reactions elsewhere in the body. Research has linked the bacteria of gum disease with heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, impotency and other serious health problems.

It is not only important that patients are aware of what is happening in their mouths, but what will happen if the problem persists. Gum disease, like any chronic disease in the body, does not just go away. It does not repair itself. To the contrary, gum disease runs rampant and is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss.

When natural teeth are lost, an entirely new set of problems begin. Without natural tooth roots in the jaw bone, the bone begins to shrink. This decline in bone mass weakens the ability to bite and chew. For denture wearers, it decreases the foundation a denture is contoured to fit. This results in continual changes that lead to slips and uncomfortable rubbing.

Conquering periodontal disease early saves time and treatment expense. It can also save your teeth! And, by ridding your mouth of gum disease bacteria, you decrease your risks for developing other serious health problems, some that can have deadly consequences.

Keeping you ‘in the know’ gives you the ability to make decisions that are best for your individual goals. We will always strive to help you understand ‘why’ so you are a more-involved participant in your oral health.

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.

Dental Fear?

Posted on Jun 25, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

It’s not surprising that the percentage of American adults with some level of dental fear (estimated at 75%) nearly parallels the percentage of adults ages 65+ who have some level of gum disease (70%), the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss.

The high number of adults who have dental fear is also likely related to the prevalence of tooth loss in mature adults.  Those born before 1949 have the highest percentage of lost teeth and being totally toothless (25%). Could this be because the 65+ age group endured dentistry in a time when patient comfort was very different than what is expected today?

Most of today’s 35 and under adults have experienced dental care by modern dentists who are more attuned to a patient’s need for comfort. However, for adults in the 65+ age group, a greater number can recall traumatic experiences in the dental chair. These often carry over into adulthood, making a trip to the dentist overshadowed by the perception of pain.

Dental fear deters people from having regular dental check-ups. Lack of regular dental care leads to the formation of cavities, gum disease, tooth loss and health risks from oral bacteria, which can trigger systemic inflammation. The bacteria of periodontal (gum) disease can enter the bloodstream through tears in diseased gum tissues. The bacteria moves through the body, creating inflammatory reactions have been linked to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, arthritis, preterm babies and impotency.

For a large percentage of aging adults, dental fear plays a key role in the frequency of dental visits. If fear has kept you from regular dental visits, regardless of your age, you will find the majority of today’s dental environments are highly sensitive to your comfort throughout each visit. Although sedation options are an appealing way for fearful patients, we believe that finding a dentist or dental specialist whom you trust will help you conquer your fears and achieve the smile you desire.

Most patients who have avoided dental care have some level of gum disease. Until your gums are healthy, no dental procedure is going to provide long-term benefits. Begin with a periodontal exam by a specialist in Periodontics. Once your mouth is restored to a healthy state, we can make recommendations to help you with other needs for a confident smile.

Decades of dental fear isn’t going to disappear in a blink of an eye. Getting over it requires a pace you feel is right for you. If preferred, begin with a consultation appointment. Knowing you are empowered to control this pace may help you move through it comfortably.

Call (828) 274-9440 to discuss your needs or to arrange an appointment.

Connection Between Arthritis & Periodontal Disease

Posted on Jun 11, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease of the joints, affecting more than 1.3 million American adults. RA can lead to longterm joint damage, persistent pain and compromised function. Because RA can affect manual dexterity, oral hygiene routines at home can be difficult. Insufficient oral hygiene is the leading cause of periodontal disease, which, in turn, is the number one cause of adult tooth loss.

Research has indicated that RA sufferers have a higher incidence of periodontal (gum) disease compared to individuals with a healthy oral condition. Studies have also shown that RA patients are nearly 8 times more likely to have gum disease. However, researchers suspect that poor oral hygiene is not the only factor in an increased occurrence of gum disease in Arthritis sufferers. Study results have shown that while oral hygiene is a determining factor in acquiring gum disease, other parameters point to a deeper association between RA and gum disease.

Because both RA and gum disease create internal inflammation, a connection between the two makes sense. Inflammation is already suspected to be a correlating factor between periodontal disease and other conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Even though research hasn’t proven a definitive gum disease-arthritis connection, findings increasingly show that periodontal disease doesn’t always occur as a result of RA, it may very well precede it.

The link between RA and gum disease are most prevalent when examining the joints and oral tissues. Oral tissues with the presence of periodontitis compared to tissues of RA-affected joints show a number of similarities. Research has also discovered a genetic link between the two.

Does oral bacteria trigger the development of arthritis? Does oral inflammation cause inflammation in the joints? While there is no definitive proof that one triggers the other, one study does show that treating periodontal disease can help in the prevention of RA. In a study of 40 people, with participants having both RA and gum disease, researchers found that those who who were given non-surgical gum disease treatment showed significantly more improvement in RA symptoms than those who were treated for RA only.

Of course, more research is needed to determine whether treating periodontal disease improves or even helps to prevent RA. In the meantime, people with RA should pay particular attention to oral health. If you have RA, caring for your teeth, both at home and through regular dental checkups, is important. If you have trouble caring for your teeth due to painful joints in the hands, ask your dentist or hygienist to recommend ways to overcome any challenges. Water flossers, electronic tooth brushes and oral rinses may make the task easier.

Although patients with RA are encouraged to maintain a diligent oral home-care regimen, it is highly recommended that any signs of gum disease be immediately treated by a periodontal specialist. These symptoms include gums that bleed when brushing, tender spots or pus pockets on gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession and gums that darken in color. It is also important that the oral care of RA patients is in coordination with their medical professionals.

Do you have Rheumatoid Arthritis? Begin by ensuring your oral health is at its best. A periodontist specializes in the care and treatment of oral tissues and is your expert in overcoming any level of periodontal disease. Call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation.