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Previously, we’ve covered how periodontal disease impacts men. Ladies, now it’s your turn. Read on to learn how periodontal disease affects women, particularly during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause/post-menopause.

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition that affects tooth-supporting structures. Puberty exacerbates the inflammatory state by increasing blood circulation to the gums due to the production of a higher level of hormones like estrogen and progesterone. This elevated blood flow may heighten the gum’s sensitivity, and the gums may feel more tender, turn red, and swell. The increased blood flow may also cause a more intense reaction to irritants such as food particles.

Similarly, the increase in hormones that occurs during the menstrual cycle can cause some women to experience what is called menstruation gingivitis. This condition causes additional blood flow to the gums, which can exacerbate gum sensitivity and susceptibility to irritation. Women with this condition may experience red and swollen gums, bleeding gums, and sores on the inside of the cheek. Menstruation gingivitis usually starts a day or two before a woman’s period and clears up right as her period begins.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy may make women more susceptible to gum disease as well. Pregnant women may notice changes to their gum tissue, including swelling, heightened sensitivity, or inflammation.This is because hormonal alterations experienced during a pregnancy prompts the body to circulate more blood throughout the body, including the gums, and this increased blood can cause swollen and tender gum tissue.

Finally, menopausal or postmenopausal women may also experience changes in their periodontal health and become more susceptible to gum disease. Typically, this occurs due to declining estrogen levels that not only contribute to weaker bones and loss of bone density throughout the body, but also to bone loss in the jawbone area. This, in turn, places some menopausal women at an increased risk for tooth loss.

To combat the increased risk of periodontal disease during the various stages of their life, women should remain vigilant for the warning signs of periodontal disease: bleeding gums, red, puffy, swollen, and/or tender gums, loose teeth, an unusual bite, or a persistent bad taste. Additionally, good oral hygiene should always be observed, along with regular visits with your oral health care professional.

Have questions? Give us a call at 919-518-8222!

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

Oral Health Myth Busters

Oral surgery and treatment allows the repair of health problems in ways that prior generations could not have imagined. Ideally, however, the goal should be to prevent issues before they arise, instead of having to undergo treatment to deal with the repercussions afterwards. Maintaining your oral health matters, not only for oral but also systemic health. It is imperative to be proactive in caring for your teeth and gums to diminish health complications down the road.

Tooth decay and gum disease usually stem from lack of proper cleaning at home. After eating or drinking sugary substances and while you sleep, your teeth become coated in a sticky layer of bacteria called plaque. The bacteria in plaque creates acids that attack teeth enamel, eventually causing decay. Plaque also irritates the gum tissue, which causes gingivitis (the swelling or bleeding of the gums). Left untreated, gingivitis develops into periodontitis (gum disease). Periodontitis causes the gums to recede from the tooth line, resulting in periodontal pockets between the teeth and gums in which bacteria thrives. Left untreated, bone loss occurs and the teeth will fall out.

To prevent these complications and avoid surgical treatment, you must take steps to consistently and thoroughly remove bacterial plaque. First, visit your oral health professional for regular checkups to preemptively spot potential issues. Your dentist or periodontist will be able to pinpoint possible problems and recommend next steps.

Second, establish a consistent cleaning routine at home. You should brush your tooth at least twice a day, but ideally after each meal. Bacterial plaque acts fast, attacking your teeth and gums rapidly whenever you consume food or beverages. Therefore it is crucial to remove that plaque immediately.

Use a soft bristle brush that you can easily handle. If you have mobility issues, an electric powered toothbrush may be easier to handle. It does not take much pressure to properly brush your teeth. In fact, vigorous scrubbing may irritate your gums and cause gum recession, undermining the purpose of brushing in the first instance. Also, use a toothpaste that contains fluoride to strengthen your tooth enamel. Finally, because worn bristles do not remove plaque as effectively, replace your toothbrush every three months or so.

Last but certainly not least, floss between each tooth after you brush. Brushing only removes plaque and debris on the front, back, and chewing surfaces of the teeth, but it cannot reach between the teeth. So you must floss to remove all the plaque that loves to lurk between your teeth. Here are some tips for effective brushing and flossing. If you are unsure if you are using proper technique to brush and floss effectively, ask your hygienist for tips at your next visit.

If you have not flossed for a while, you may experience sore or bleeding gums for the first few days that you begin regularly flossing. This bleeding and soreness occurs because of plaque buildup between the teeth, allowing bacteria to populate on your gum line and cause irritation and inflammation. This bleeding should stop once you break up the bacterial colonies with consistent flossing.

In conclusion, a healthy mouth begins with habitual preventive care. By taking these small steps to ensure your oral health, you can avoid greater consequences in the future.

Have questions? Give us a call at (919) 518-8222!

Dr. Singletary with Dr. Franklin Wefald on the Heart Health Podcast.

Dr. Singletary and Dr. Wefald discuss oral health and it’s impact on your overall health, especially concerning your heart.

Click here to listen in.

A tooth may require extraction due to trauma, disease, decay, or other reasons. The steps taken the day of and the days after the procedure are crucial in promoting successful healing.

Immediately following the extraction, your oral health professional will place a gauze pack on the extraction site. Leave the gauze pack in place 30 to 45 minutes after leaving the office, and do not chew on the pack. The purpose of the pack is to lessen the bleeding and help the mouth begin forming a blood clot. A blood clot is the oral equivalent of a scab forming over a wound, and it is the body’s way of beginning the healing process. The clot forms over the hole where the tooth existed before extraction to protect against bacterial infection. Comprised of platelets and blood cells, the clot also helps produce chemicals that aid in rebuilding gum tissue. The goal is for the gum tissue to close completely around the extraction site.

Because it is important to not disturb the formation of the blood clot, avoid the temptation to disturb the clot with your tongue. For at least twenty-four hours after the surgery, do not suck, slurp, spit, or perform any other action that places pressure on the clot. Actions to avoid include sucking through a straw, smoking, sucking on candies, or rinsing your mouth with excessive force.

If the clot breaks down, you could develop a dry socket. Dry socket is an extremely painful condition that occurs when the bone and nerves are exposed after the tooth extraction. Moreover, disruption of the blood clot allows food to become wedged into the extraction site. Untreated dry socket prevents proper healing and promotes infection.

For twenty-four hours following the extraction, do not clean the teeth next to the healing site. You should still brush and floss your other teeth, and you should brush your tongue as well to remove the bad breath and taste most patients experience after an extraction. Also, during that twenty-four hour period, avoid alcohol (including mouthwashes with alcohol), drink lots of liquids, and do not eat solid foods.

The day after the procedure, you may gently begin cleaning the teeth next to the healing tooth socket. You should use a warm salt water rinse to promote the healing process. To make a salt water rinse, mix one cup of warm water and a teaspoon of salt till the salt dissolves, then gently swish the rinse around the mouth for about a minute. You can also begin eating solid foods, but try to chew food on the side opposite the extraction site for the first few days.

Swelling and some pain are normal after an extraction. Apply a cold compress to your face to reduce swelling and discomfort. Also, do not be alarmed if the site bleeds somewhat. But if heavy bleeding persists for several hours non-stop, call your dentist. Keep in mind, however, that a little blood mixed with saliva can appear more serious than it actually is.

Finally, limit strenuous exercise for twenty-four hours after the extraction. Physical activities such as running or weight lifting stimulates an increase of blood flow, which may prompt the extraction site to bleed more than usual. Heavy physical exercise may also dislodge the blood clot.

By following these steps, you are on your way to a healthy, properly healed extraction site. Have questions? Give us a call at (919) 518-8222.

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

Are You Or A Loved One Missing Teeth?

Your first visit to the periodontist may sound scary. You may not know what to expect, and perhaps you are worried about any issues your periodontist may uncover. The first step in allaying those fears is knowing exactly what to expect when you visit North Raleigh Periodontics for a comprehensive oral evaluation.
First, we will review your dental history with you to make sure we have a thorough understanding of your oral health and any problems or concerns you or your dentist may have. Don’t worry if you cannot remember everything; we will remain in close contact with your dentist as well.

Also, we will discuss your oral habits with you. This includes whether you have a history of clenching or grinding, which is a substantial contributor to jaw pain. We will also give you a comprehensive tutorial on the proper technique for brushing, flossing, and other at-home oral health measures.

Next, we will evaluate your periodontium (the tissue surrounding the teeth). We assess the color, contour, texture, tone, movement, and any defects in the periodontium. Also, we will measure periodontal pockets (the space between the teeth and gums) by gently measuring your probing depths.

Pockets that are three millimeters deep or more indicate the onset of periodontal disease; by measuring the pockets, we can analyze and address underlying periodontal issues head-on. Pocket depths are an important indicator of gum disease, especially since gum disease at its early stages is usually painless and may go undetected until it becomes more serious. If you experience root sensitivity or have inflamed gums, this helps us determine the severity of periodontal disease.

We will also measure your occlusion (your bite). Malocclusion (a bad bite) may threaten your overall oral health by damaging your teeth and gums, and malocclusion manifests as an override, underbite, or crossbite. Assessing occlusion gives us a fuller understanding of the contributors to periodontal issues you may be experiencing.

Moreover, we will review radiographic (x-ray) findings with you. Radiography helps reveal osseous (bone) loss, density of your jaw bone, and any periapical recession. The periapical is the tissue at the apex of the tooth root. Unfortunately, gingival recession at the periapical is common, but catching it early on helps us chart the best course of treatment for you.

After obtaining this full picture of your oral health, we will be able to formulate a course of action for any gingivitis, periodontitis, or other complications that we uncover. Then we will discuss treatment options with you and answer any questions you may have.

For patients, one of the most intimidating parts of a periodontal exam is facing the reality of oral health complications. However, it is much better to tackle these issues and begin a treatment plan tailored to you than to simply do nothing and hope any complications will disappear (they won’t). We look forward to working with you and your dentist to help restore your periodontal health– and your peace of mind!

Have questions? Give us a call at (919) 518-8222. You can also learn a little more about Dr. Singletary here.

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

Golf Bag Of Treatment Options

You’ve Been Diagnosed With Periodontal Disease