Frequently Asked Questions

Oral health is important to a person's overall health and well being. We use our mouth to eat, speak and breathe. Our mouth is the gateway to our body – so it is extremely important to keep it healthy. When you visit a dentist regularly we are able to identify problems before they progress to more complicated concerns.

Good periodontal health during pregnancy is important for a healthy mother and baby. Research has also shown a link between periodontal disease and other conditions such as diabetes, stroke, respiratory infections, osteopenia, pre-term and low birth-weight babies.

Periodontal Disease

If you have been diagnosed with periodontal (gum) disease, you’re not alone. An estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of gum disease, ranging from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that can result in major damage to the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth. Not only is gum disease a threat to your oral health that can lead to tooth loss, but research also points to health effects of periodontal disease that go well beyond your mouth.

The Correlation between Misaligned Teeth and Periodontal Disease

Did you know that a major cause of periodontal disease is poorly-aligned teeth? This is because the bacteria living in the gums around crowded teeth are much more toxic and destructive than the normal bacteria found in healthy mouths! In fact, the misalignment that leads to periodontal disease continues to remain one of the most overlooked risk factors in dentistry.

Research has shown that mouth infections and inflammation caused by periodontal disease can play havoc throughout the body. There is a proven association between periodontal disease and other chronic inflammatory conditions, such as:

Diabetes
People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes, probably because diabetics are more susceptible to contracting infections. In fact, periodontal disease is often considered the sixth complication of diabetes. Those people who don't have their diabetes under control are especially at risk.1

Stroke
Additional studies have pointed to a relationship between periodontal disease and stroke. In one study that looked at the causal relationship of oral infection as a risk factor for stroke, people diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia were found more likely to have an oral infection when compared to those in the control group.

Respiratory Infections
Bacteria in your mouth can be aspirated into the lungs to cause respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, especially in people with gum disease.

Severe Osteopenia
Osteoporosis may lead to tooth loss because the density of the bone supporting the teeth may be decreased.

Pre-term or Low Birth-weight Babies
Pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that is born too early and too small.

Treatment is Key

If your teeth are misaligned, it is more than a cosmetic issue. Undergoing orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth is a critical part of ensuring your overall health.

Straighter teeth are Healthier Teeth

Healthier Gums
Properly positioned teeth are easier to brush and floss than teeth that are crowded, crooked, or spaced too far apart. Properly aligned teeth can help gums “fit” tighter around them, which may lead to better periodontal health.

Easier Cleanings
With maintenance of good oral hygiene, the chances of having plaque retention, tooth decay, and periodontal disease can be reduced.

Straighten your teeth and protect your health with Six Month Smiles Cosmetic Braces!

1. Journal of Periodontology, November 1999, Vol. 70, No. 11, Pages 1313-1321. Heightened Gingival Inflammation and Attachment Loss in Type 2 Diabetics with Hyperlipidemia. Christopher W. Cutler, MD, Robert L. Machen, Ravi Jotwani, Anthony M. Iacopino.

2. Ong et al., 1998 Boyd and Baumrind. 1992. Zachrisson and Zachrisson, 1972.

Dental health isn't just for kids! Adults of all ages can have cavities, too.

Adults often suffer from periodontal disease (gum and bone disease) more frequently than children. This is because periodontal disease progresses slowly over time as plaque and tartar build up in your mouth.

Adults should look for bleeding or swollen gums and see their dentist immediately if they notice signs of gum disease. When caught early, gum disease can be treated. If not, you could lose one or many teeth.

The best prevention for cavities and gum disease is brushing and flossing daily with regular dental check-ups.

As you grow older you may also notice that it is harder to keep your teeth clean and white. This is because plaque builds up faster and in greater amounts as we age. To limit tooth discoloration, consider teeth whitening.

In stressful times many adults clench and grind their teeth – this leads to chipped and cracked teeth. If these teeth are not restored soon – it can lead to a domino effect and you could end up losing even more teeth.

Older adults may also experience dry mouth which can be a side effect of medications. Dr. Koppikar can recommend ways to restore moisture which is important because prolonged dry mouth can damage your teeth.

YES. Oral cancer is one of the fastest growing cancers in America – especially among NON-smokers. We provide oral cancer screenings regularly for patients. The earlier a malignancy is diagnosed – the more successful the treatment.

A cavity is caused by plaque buildup on your teeth. Plaque is the sticky film of bacteria that you often feel on your teeth. When you eat or drink foods containing sugar the bacteria in your mouth use the sugar for energy. As the bacteria multiply they release acids that break down your enamel. The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in constant contact with your teeth – which eventually causes a cavity.

The good news is that cavities and tooth decay can often times be prevented through regular brushing, flossing and dental visits. If detected early, a cavity can often be repaired with a filling. However more extensive decay could require a root canal, crown or even removal of the tooth.

Both smoking and chewing tobacco can cause detriment to your health. Both have been proven to cause heart disease, stroke and cancer.

Spit tobacco causes tooth decay and gum disease. It also increases your risk of oral cancer. The tobacco ingredients break down gums and teeth leaving roots exposed and decayed.

Smoking causes bad breath and stains teeth. People that smoke are more likely to have plaque and suffer from gum disease which may lead to tooth loss. Smokers are also slower to heal after any type of surgery such as a tooth extraction or root canal.

If you smoke, talk to your dentist about quitting. At Biltmore Dental Center we can discuss various options for eliminating harmful tobacco in your life.