Major Study On Connection Of Periodontal Disease & Cardiovascular Disease

Posted on Jun 01, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As a Periodontal Specialist, I frequently read about research that shows a connection between the bacteria of gum disease and other severe diseases, such as heart disease. The connection makes perfect sense.

Largely unknown by the general population, gum disease bacteria can trigger inflammatory reactions elsewhere in the body. Oral bacteria has been associated with heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, preterm babies, diabetes, arthritis, depression, and even impotency.

Although most infections are obvious, periodontal disease begins silently. Most people do not suspect it until a dentist or periodontist diagnoses it. The National Institutes of Health cites that nearly 75% of American adults have some level of periodontal (gum) disease.

A recent study on periodontal disease included more than 15,000 adults. Their dental health was monitored to determine if one’s oral health could be a risk marker for cardiovascular disease.

Of the 15,828 participants (all with chronic coronary heart disease), 16% had no teeth and 41% had less than 15 remaining teeth. Over one-quarter of the participants had gums that bled when brushing. According to the findings, as the number of remaining teeth declined, the higher the levels for heart disease and diabetes. There was also an increase in higher glucose and cholesterol levels.

While the exact link between oral bacteria and serious diseases is yet to be pinpointed, the evidence of an association has been overwhelming, thus far. It is known that oral bacteria is a definite part of the equation when it comes to heart disease. As research continues, we will share the findings on the link of one to the other.

One thing is certain – your oral health and overall health are connected. Protect both through a thorough regimen of oral hygiene at home along with regular dental check-ups. If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease or are behind on regular dental care, call us at (828) 274-9440.

Smile Your Way To A Healthier Heart

Posted on Apr 13, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Want a healthy heart? Start with your smile!

There are a number of studies that suggest that oral health and gum disease are related to serious conditions like heart disease.

The link between periodontal (gum) disease and heart disease hasn’t been pinpointed, however, there is strong evidence that the two do, indeed, have a connection. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, people with gum disease are nearly twice as likely to have heart disease. One study found that the presence of common oral problems such as gingivitis, cavities and missing teeth, were as good at predicting heart disease as cholesterol levels.

The culprit seems to lie in the way oral bacteria can trigger inflammatory reactions elsewhere in the body. It begins when the bacteria of gum disease enters the bloodstream through gum tissues weakened by gum disease.

Inflammation in the body is a normal, healthy reaction, to an extent. For example, when you cut yourself, pro-inflammatory hormones in the body recruit white blood cells to battle infection and damaged tissue. Normal inflammation of pain, redness, and swelling are indications that your immune system is acting appropriately. As healing progresses, the inflammation subsides.

However, when inflammation is turned on and remains that way, it is like being on fire from the inside out. Symptoms of inflammation that don’t recede mean your immune system is in continual fighting mode. What began as a healthy reaction to protect your body is now stuck in the ‘on’ position. The inflammation has now gone from a healthy reaction to a damaging presence.

Precisely how oral bacteria triggers an inflammatory response is still under the microscope. Until more is known, take every measure to ensure your oral health is excellent. Brush and floss, eat a healthy diet, drink lots of water, have dental check-ups and cleanings every six months, and tend to oral problems promptly, such as crowning cracked teeth or repairing cavities.

Think of your mouth as the opening to your entire body, because it is! Make a healthy smile a priority to reduce your risk of chronic inflammation in the body so your smile goes all the way to your heart!

Call (828) 274-9440 if you have not had regular dental care and wish to develop a ‘clean slate’ for lasting oral wellness! Your smile and your heart will thank you!

Is Dental Fear Destroying Your Smile?

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

Fortunately, many of today’s dentists are more sensitive to patient concerns when it comes to dental fear and anxiety. Most understand the need to be communicative before and during procedures, take ample time during numbing procedures and offer options to enhance comfort. However, for those who are ages 50 and over, memories of a traumatic experience in the past can remain embedded for decades. These memories can interfere or even prevent people from receiving the care they need to enjoy a healthy, confident smile.

For those who’ve avoided regular dental care because of fear, your smile isn’t the only thing that takes the brunt of its effects. Not having regular dental cleanings and check-ups places you at a higher risk for gum disease. This destroys gum tissue, teeth and supporting bones. It also increases your risk for more severe health problems. The bacteria of gum disease can enter the bloodstream through tears in oral tissues, triggering inflammatory reactions elsewhere in the body. It has been attributed to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies and impotency.

We are committed to helping you achieve a healthy smile while instilling a sense of trust. The LAST thing we want is for you to feel uncomfortable! Begin by arranging a consultation appointment. This way, I can answer your questions thoroughly and discuss comfort options to help you relax.

Your smile should be a positive part of your health, appearance and self-confidence. Don’t let an unfortunate experience from your past keep you from the terrific smile you deserve! Call (828) 274-9440 to speak to our caring phone staff.

Chain Reaction Of Oral Bacteria

Posted on Mar 05, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Keeping a clean, healthy mouth should be a top priority for American adults. Yet, it is often taken lightly until something hurts. To illustrate the domino effect of oral bacteria’s buildup in the mouth, follow its typical path:

• Failure to brush and floss on a regular basis allows bacteria in the mouth to reproduce, LEADING TO…

• Plaque, a sticky film on teeth, forms from bacteria accumulation. This hardens into a cement-hard substance known as calculus (or tartar), LEADING TO…

• Calculus eats into tooth enamel and gum tissues, causing cavities and gum disease, LEADING TO…

• Early symptoms of gum disease are frequent bad breath, sore and swollen gums, gums that bleed easily when brushing, and pus pockets, LEADING TO…

• The number one cause of adult tooth loss is gum disease. When teeth are lost, the jaw bone supporting them resorbs, or shrinks in mass, LEADING TO…

• Declining bone from tooth loss contributes to bite misalignment, LEADING TO…

• Chipped and worn teeth, jaw joint disorder, headaches, migraines, ringing ears, dizziness, and facial pain are attributable to bite misalignment, LEADING TO…

• Untreated gum disease hastens the process of tooth loss and discomfort with an increased potential for gum disease bacteria to become bloodborne. Oral bacteria in the bloodstream can LEAD TO…

• Inflammatory reactions can be triggered by the bacteria of gum disease. It has been linked to heart disease, stroke, arthritis, diabetes, preterm babies, impotency and more, LEADING TO…

• Costly and debilitating (even deadly) health problems that originate with oral bacteria can be prevented with good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups and tending to repairs while problems are still small.

Don’t let the chain reaction of oral bacteria put your health at risk, cost your enormous amounts of money, destroy your smile and make you more susceptible to life long health struggles. Take charge of your overall health by tending to your oral health! Call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a thorough examination. This is your first step to a confident smile and healthier you.