Gum Disease & Breast Cancer Link

Posted on Feb 26, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Research continues to show how a healthy mouth relates to your overall health. For example, a recent study of 3,000 individuals in Sweden showed those with gum disease and missing teeth had greater than 11 times the risk for breast cancer. Past studies have already associated gum disease with heart disease, stroke, pancreatic cancer, and premature babies.

Gum disease begins with the formation of plaque, a bacterial film on the teeth and gums. As gum disease progresses, it can lead to bad breath, tender and bleeding gums, and eventual tooth loss. Gum disease is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss.

Although poor oral hygiene or failure to have regular dental cleanings are frequently blamed for gum disease, other factors can contribute. These include genetics, certain health problems that affect the immune system (leukemia, diabetes, AIDS, etc.), medical conditions or treatments that deplete saliva, smoking, stress, and diet.

To combat gum disease, your level of gum disease is first established. Naturally, the sooner it is treated, the less time and expense is required. Treatment may involve deep cleaning below the gum line, gum surgery, bone grafts and antibiotics.

If you suspect you have gum disease, it will only worsen without treatment. Call (828) 274-9440 promptly for a complete examination and treatment recommendations. Restoring your mouth to a healthy state is a positive way to avoid the risk for more serious health issues.

Vitamin C & The Heart-Gum Connection

Posted on Feb 24, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

The Heart Attack Connection: According to the American Academy of Periodontology, people who have periodontal (gum) disease are twice as likely to get heart disease. Research has also shown that the more dental problems one has (missing teeth, cavities), the higher their risk of having heart disease.

The Stroke Connection:  A study published by the American Heart Association shows that people with higher blood levels of oral bacteria had greater risks of getting atherosclerosis in the neck’s carotid artery, which increases one’s potential for stroke.

Although it has not been determined how gum disease affects stroke and heart attack risk, it is known that oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream through diseased tissues in the mouth. Once bloodborne, this bacteria causes a plaque clogging artery, leading to a higher risk for major – even deadly – consequences. As a Periodontist, this is further proof that the link to your oral health and your overall health should be taken seriously.

Some helpful news was recently released in the Journal of Periodontology, however. Apparently, people who consume at least 180 mg of Vitamin C per day give gums and teeth a healthy boost. Vitamin C is an anti-inflammatory that binds cells to build connective tissue with collagen. It also increases bone regrowth, which helps to restore healthy gums and teeth.

Recommended sources of vitamin C include coconut water, citrus fruits, red peppers, brussels sprouts, broccoli and oranges. Because chewable vitamin C is highly acidic, it can erode tooth enamel and should be avoided. A non-acidic vitamin C can be purchased in a white powder form if your diet falls short of vitamin C rich foods. Another option is vitamin C chewing gum.

Healthy teeth and gums create a more attractive smile, help you avoid bad breath and help you avoid tooth loss. While foods and vitamins are beneficial in maintaining a healthy mouth, starting with a ‘clean slate’ is to your advantage. If you haven’t seen your dentist on a regular basis and do not floss daily, arrange a periodontal examination by calling (828) 274-9440.

When you also consider that a healthy mouth can help you avoid heart attack and stroke, that’s a significant reason to be committed to your oral health.

Why Save A Tooth That Isn’t Visible In A Smile?

Posted on Feb 12, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

The leading cause of tooth loss in the U.S. is Periodontal (gum) Disease. Yet, our general population is largely unaware of this. Although treating gum disease requires less time and expense in its early stages, the expertise of a Periodontist to treat all stages of gum disease can often save teeth for those who even have advanced stages.

As a Periodontal Specialist, our ultimate goal is to restore your mouth to a healthy state, helping you avoid tooth loss and the health risk of inflammation throughout your entire body. While some general dentists may see a tooth as “hopeless,” we are often able to save many teeth from extraction. Why is it so important to save your natural teeth?

There is a domino effect with tooth loss. Once you lose a natural tooth, studies show the next one lost will be an adjacent tooth, and so on. Replacing teeth can be an expensive process, even for denture and partial wearers. While dentures and partials may seem a less-costly method, over time, they can cause devastating health problems. Not only will biting and chewing become more difficult, your overall health declines after tooth loss.

Denture wears tend to take more medications, avoid social gatherings, and have more gastro-intestinal problems than those with their natural teeth. It is estimated that denture wearers die at an age that is ten years younger than those with their own teeth, on average.

Make every effort possible to save your natural teeth. This begins with keeping a healthy mouth and maintaining regular dental cleanings. When a tooth cannot be saved, replacing it with Dental Implants is your wisest investment. Dental Implants are designed to last a lifetime and are the closest thing to your own, natural teeth.

Keep in mind that there is a good reason your dentist doesn’t wear dentures (and never will!). Saving a tooth is worth all you can give it. Before giving in to removal, see a Periodontal Specialist. You may find your tooth is anything but “hopeless.”

Call (828) 274-9440 for more information or to arrange a Consultation appointment.

Trying To Quit Smoking? Good Move For Oral Health!

Posted on Jan 17, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

If one of your New Year’s Resolutions is to quit smoking, here are some added reasons to stick to your commitment. Your smile — teeth, gums, throat, lips, all soft tissues in the mouth — will thank you as much as your lungs!

Publicity campaigns have helped to make the American population more aware of the deadly and debilitating effects of smoking. Lung cancer is widely associated with cigarette smoking. However, oral cancer takes the life of one person every hour. Oral cancer also has one of the worst survival rates, but is curable if detected in early stages.

Smoking doesn’t just cause bad breath and stained teeth, other problems include a higher risk for gum disease, tooth loss, cavities, breakdown in dental work, and slower healing after dental procedures.

You may already know that plaque is cause of dental decay, however, smoking boosts plaque buildup on teeth, leading to decay. The tar and nicotine in cigarettes stick to gums, teeth and other places in the mouth. This is one reason that smokers often have bad breath.

Smoking also has a drying effect to the mouth, decreasing the flow of saliva. This creates an environment where bacteria breed and thrive. Smoking also causes many challenges to the gums. The results of tobacco use cause a decrease in blood flow, throughout the body as well as to oral tissues. This can cause serious problems to the gum tissue as well as the bones of the mouth’s structure.

Gums can become severely inflamed and send bacteria into the bloodstream through tears in oral tissues. Once this inflammation penetrates areas below the gum line, it becomes a difficult process to treat and eliminate. Gum disease is the nation’s leading cause of tooth loss.

Every dentist wants their patient to enjoy a successful outcome for dental treatments. For smokers, we discourage smoking during healing times since they risk a lower rate of success and higher risk for complications than non-smokers.

The good news is, once you quit smoking, the health of your gums will increase tremendously, which you should notice in a year or less after quitting.

Remember, your gums and teeth are vital parts of your body. They deserve just as much respect and care as other parts of the body. Enjoy your resolution by knowing your smile will improve greatly along with the rest of you!