Did you know that every year there are over 3 million new cases of gum disease? Gum disease is an extremely common problem among adults in the United States, and one of the most prevalent oral health issues dealt with today.

If gum disease is left untreated, you are at a higher risk for heart disease, stroke, lung disease, and more. That’s why it’s so important to catch it as early as possible because the extent of damage caused by the disease is directly related to how long it remains untreated.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, contact our periodontist in 27615 today to schedule a consultation immediately with our doctor.

1.   Related Health Issues: Conditions that can be linked to periodontal disease include heart disease, stroke, lung disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and more. It is possible you could be experiencing untreated periodontal issues if you are suffering from any of these conditions.

2.   Persistent Bleeding: A common sign of periodontal infection is if you experience regular, unexplained bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating.

3.   Recession of Gums: If you are experiencing receding gums, this may be from bacteria infecting your gums. If this bacteria reaches your jawbone, it can lead to greater infection and the eventual loss of teeth.

4.   Long-Term Bad Breath: If you find yourself brushing your teeth and still experiencing bad breath, it may be from an untreated infection or gum disease.

5.   Inflamed or Sensitive Gums: Swollen, infamed, irritated, or sensitive gums could be a sign of an infection under the surface of your gums.

6.   If You’ve Never Visited a Periodontist: According to the CDC, nearly half of adults

over 30 years old suffer from some degree of gum disease. Very few realize the benefits of visiting a periodontist. Your best way to prevent developing periodontal disease is to develop an oral healthcare routine including brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, dental cleanings twice a year, and regular periodontal exams.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of periodontal disease listed above, you could be at risk or may already be infected without knowing.  Contact our periodontics office in Raleigh, NC today to schedule an examination with our doctor. We will recommend a plan of action focused on protecting your oral health.

When we think of vaping, we often think of it as a safer option to smoking cigarettes. Unfortunately, recent studies found by our 27615 periodontist suggest that e-cigarette vapors could have a damaging effect on your mouth.

Ingredients in E-Juice

Electronic cigarettes are not regulated in the same way that other tobacco products are, meaning that there is little knowledge of the exact ingredients. There are a number of harmful substances found in E-juice including nicotine, glycerin, chemical flavoring, propylene glycol, and more.

Some of these ingredients can be proven safe in things like artificial flavoring in foods, but the effects they can have when heated, turned into a vapor and then inhaled, have not been researched fully.

Vaping and Oral Health

According to a recent study done from UCLA, vapors from an e-cigarette can kill the cells in your oral cavity which is the area of your mouth even beyond your teeth and gums. There was an experiment conducted where e-cigarette smoke was placed with oral cells in an environment

for 24 hours, and 85% of the exposed cells died.

As these cells die, or become less effective, your mouth can become more likely to develop oral diseases. What is worrying about this is that these oral cavity cells function as an important part of your body’s natural defense system.

According to another study run by the University of Rochester Medical Center, it was concluded that e-cigarettes can be equally as bad for your gums as regular tobacco products. A known factor contributing to gum disease is nicotine which is found in all types of cigarettes.

What Steps Can You Take?

It is best to avoid smoking regular cigarettes and e-cigarettes, because they have both been shown to cause similar oral health problems. By using these products you are putting yourself at risk by negatively impacting the cells in your mouth that your body uses to defend itself against dangerous bacteria.

If you are a smoker of any type, make sure you are regularly visiting our office. Our experienced dental team will give you a complete oral exam and check for signs of oral diseases, including cancer.

Contact our periodontal office in Raleigh, NC today for more healthy mouth tips and to schedule your next visit.

Do you see flecks of blood while brushing or flossing your teeth? Swollen, red, or tender gums can bleed during your regular oral hygiene routine, even if you feel you are being gentle. It is important that you do not ignore these symptoms as they may indicate a periodontal issue. 

Here are four reasons shared by our periodontist in 27615 about why your gums may be bleeding, and what you can do to prevent it. 

Gingivitis

Plaque and bacteria can build up on your teeth and become inflamed; yet because bleeding gums are usually painless, this symptom is shrugged off as unimportant. It is likely a sign of early periodontal disease known as gingivitis. The good news is that this condition can be treated and even reversed when caught early. It is also preventable by brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily to reduce plaque build-up, and scheduling regular dental examinations and dental cleanings. 

Schedule an appointment with our office or ask for a referral if you suspect you have gingivitis. 

Oral Hygiene Habits

If your gums bleed during your regular at-home oral hygiene routine, make sure you are not brushing too vigorously or flossing your gumline too hard. Don’t skip days of brushing and flossing and then make up for it with an overly vigorous cleaning.

Smoking and Periodontal Disease

Inhaling cigarette smoke can leave toxins on the teeth that irritate gums and cause them to bleed. Smoking can also compromise your immune system and prevent gum tissue from healing correctly. Quitting cigarettes can help reduce bleeding gums. If you smoke, be sure to keep up with oral examinations to evaluate your gum health at regular intervals.

Gum Disease and Your Diet

Good nutrition benefits every aspect of your health. Research shows proper oral hygiene along with a balanced diet can reduce the risk of gum problems. Crisp-skinned fruit and crudites (raw vegetables) are particularly good because they clean tooth surfaces and produce saliva. They make excellent, healthy snacks. Foods and beverages high in sugar, starch and acids, however, can cause tooth decay and lead to poor oral health. 

For a healthier body, start by paying extra attention to your gums. If they bleed regularly, contact our periodontics office in Raleigh, NC or get a referral. Our doctor can provide a complete examination of the gingival tissue and recommend proper treatment.

About 20 percent of total tooth loss cases are linked to diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. This common metabolic disease affects the entire body, including the mouth and teeth. If you’re among the 463 million Americans living with diabetes, keeping blood sugar in check, following your physician’s recommendations, and keeping up with regular dental visits will help you maintain good oral and overall health. 

Here are five ways diabetes can impact your teeth and gums:

Gum Disease and High Blood Sugar Levels

Research suggests that if your blood sugar isn’t under control, it can worsen periodontal (gum) disease. Severe gum disease can break down the bone that supports your teeth and lead to tooth loss, One early warning sign of potential periodontal disease is bleeding while you brush or floss. At this stage, the condition can be treated and even reversed by maintaining proper oral hygiene, following a regular dental exam schedule, and eating a balanced diet. 

Mouth Infections and Diabetes

Diabetes affects your immune system and can make you prone to mouth infections. Oral thrush, or candidiasis, is an overgrowth of normal mouth bacteria and is not uncommon among diabetics. It resembles a white film on the tongue and inside of the cheeks, and is a reaction to the yeast thriving on high sugar levels in saliva. Oral thrush can be treated with antifungal medications. 

Slow Healing and Diabetes

Diabetes can slow the healing process of sores, cuts, and injuries in your mouth. Poor blood sugar control prevents sores from healing quickly and properly. Be sure to see our periodontist in 27615 if a sore in your mouth is not healing properly. 

Diabetes and Dry Mouth

According to studies, many people with diabetes make less saliva. Symptoms may include a dry tongue, cracked lips, and constantly feeling thirsty. Some medications and higher blood sugar levels contribute to dry mouth. You can treat this by carefully managing your sugar levels, drinking plenty of water, and eating healthy, crunchy foods to get your saliva flowing. 

Altered Sense of Taste

Diabetes can change the way you process flavors; some foods may seem blander than they used to. Consider this an opportunity to explore new cuisines, spices, herbs, and textures. However, be cautious about adding sugar to your food, as it could negatively affect your condition. 

If you are among the 10.5 percent of Americans living with diabetes and want more information on how it impacts your gum health, call our periodontics office in Raleigh, NC. We are happy to answer your questions.