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Wishing everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving. In observance of the holiday, our offices will be closed on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

As adults age, they may notice a variety of oral health changes, from mild tooth decay to oral cancer. There are many possible causes of declining oral health. Fortunately, there are solutions as well.

Oral Health Changes

Some common dental health issues for older adults include gum disease (a.k.a. periodontal disease). This condition is an infection that impacts the bone and tissue supporting the teeth. It is quite common in mature adults.

Did you know that Dr. Singletary, as suave as he appears, was an aggressive snorer until a couple of years ago? Believe it or not, he is the reason we began our Sleep Solution Program here at North Raleigh Perio. In no uncertain terms, his wife let him know his snoring (and associated sleep apnea) was a big problem. Thanks to treatment, he no longer snores, and he’s enjoying more energy and a happier marriage.

Snoring is more than an annoyance; it is the most common sign of sleep-related breathing problems and a warning sign for a more serious, chronic health problem called obstructive sleep apnea. Check out these red flags to see if you think you may have sleep related breathing issues:

As any expecting mother can attest, pregnancy causes a lot of changes to one’s body, including to one’s oral health. Mothers may notice changes to their gum tissue, including heightened sensitivity, inflammation, or swelling. These symptoms can be indicative of the early stages of gum disease known as gingivitis. In fact, at least sixty to seventy-five percent of women who are with child may develop gingivitis during gestation. But what does bearing children have to do with one’s gingival health?

A common sign of gum disease is inflammation, and the hormonal changes that accompany child-bearing intensify this symptom. Hormonal changes experienced during pregnancy cause the body to circulate more blood than usual throughout the body, including to the gums. In turn, this increased blood flow can cause gum tissue to become more tender and swollen.

As the trimesters progress, gingival swelling will grow worse if not attended to. Not only is inflamed gum tissue uncomfortable, but it increases the risk of developing a bacterial infection. This is because the capillaries in swollen gums make an ideal entry point for bacteria to easily enter the bloodstream through the mouth and spread throughout the body.

This is especially problematic for pregnant mothers, because bacteria that enters the bloodstream through gum tissue can bypass the placental barrier that guards the passage of substances between a mother and her baby in the womb. Such bacteria may have a direct impact on the uterus, resulting in premature birth and a low birth weight.

Consequently, it is crucial to recognize the importance of maintaining good periodontal health and developing a consistent oral hygiene regimen. Such habits include proper and regular brushing (insert spear video titled “Proper Brushing Technique”) and flossing (insert spear video titled “Proper Flossing Technique”) techniques.

In addition, expectant mothers should be on the lookout for signs of gum disease such as tender, inflamed, and swollen gums, persistently bad breath, and a lingering bad taste in the mouth, and should seek early treatment should any of these symptoms manifest.

Have questions? Give us a call at 919-518-8222! Serving the greater Triangle area – Raleigh, Cary, Apex, and Wake Forest.

For more information on this topic, listen to the Gum Guru Podcast by clicking the link below:

Oral Health Myth Busters

Have your teeth and gums been giving you trouble? Are you feeling down and you aren’t sure why? It might surprise you to learn that there may be an association between depression and periodontal disease. On the other hand, a simple smile will help boost your mood more than you might realize. Unfortunately, the people least likely to smile are those who suffer from gum disease. Read on to learn about the mood-boosting benefits of a smile, the connection between depression and gum disease, and the steps you can take to achieve a confident smile.

Humans are the only species where smiling actually makes you feel better,even when you may not feel like smiling in the first place. Research suggests that emotional facial expressions like smiling impacts one’s overall emotional experience. A smile — even a fake one — releases mood-boosting neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Moreover, individuals who smile more frequently while under stress enjoy lower stress levels than those who maintain neutral expressions while engaged in difficult tasks. This is true even if you do not feel like smiling. Fake it till you make it!

However, people who feel insecure about their oral health are less likely to want to sport a beaming grin. Many people are self-conscious about the appearance of their teeth, especially if they have missing teeth due to complications from periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is a gum infection caused by bacterial plaque that attacks the tissue and bone structures supporting and stabilizing the teeth. Left untreated, the disease causes the gums to become inflamed and puffy and recede from the teeth, and it ultimately leads to tooth loss. Understandably, individuals with receded and swollen gums or tooth loss due to periodontal disease simply may not feel like smiling.

Additionally, evidence suggests that the connection between periodontal disease and poor mental health is a vicious cycle. For an individual with depression, the body’s ability to fight off inflammation decreases. Such a person may also experience a lack of motivation to maintain healthy habits, including oral health regimens at home. Worse, some people avoid seeking professional treatment for gum disease once it has set in due to anxiety and self-consciousness. I understand these anxieties because I have experienced them myself!

Fortunately, the solution to achieving a healthy mouth, and a better mental state, is simpler than you might think. The best way to prevent gum disease is to visit an oral health professional regularly. But even if you have avoided the dentist like the plague and are now experiencing oral health issues, coming into the office for an evaluation is the best step you can take. We will assess your oral health, diagnose any issues, and get you started on the path to achieving a confident, healthy smile. Not only will your smile look better, but you will feel better too.

Have questions? Give us a call at (919) 518-8222.  Serving the greater Triangle area – Raleigh, Cary, Apex, and Wake Forest.

For more information on this topic, listen to the Gum Guru Podcast by clicking the link below:

Three Painless Ways To Improve Your Smile