Blog

Most people take care of their teeth and gums in hopes for a white, beautiful smile. But did you know that when you brush, floss, and visit Dr. Michael Harrison in Raleigh, NC, you’re also doing your heart a favor? Gum disease is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Inflammation caused by gum disease may be responsible for heart disease. The bacteria that occurs when gums are infected is also found in the heart and is harmful to the rest of your body. If the gum layer is disrupted, bacteria from the mouth travels into your bloodstream, moving throughout the body. The bacteria found in gum disease can play a role in strokes and heart problems. According to a recent study in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, treating gum disease can lead to better health among those with certain conditions. Analyzing health and dental records from 339,000 people who had gum disease and one of the following: type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease (stroke), rheumatoid arthritis, and pregnancy, had lower medical costs and less hospitalizations within four years of treatment of gum disease than those that weren’t treated. Specifically, those with cardiovascular disease who also had gum disease treated had medical costs 20-40% lower than those who did not have their gum disease treated. Though more research is needed to declare a cause and effect relationship between gum health and heart disease, experts do agree that there is a link and at the very minimum, gum health can be an indicator of heart problems. Those with poor oral health have more heart attacks than those with better hygiene and gum health. Symptoms of gum disease include: • Constant bad breath • Red, swollen, tender gums • Bleeding gums • Loose teeth • Change in bite • Gum and teeth separation Though it’s not always intuitive, the body is all connected. Treating one aspect or condition can only improve other parts of the body. It’s important to see a dentist regularly to keep your teeth and gums healthy and to spot any potential heart problems. If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease or it’s been more than 6 months since your last dental checkup, call our Raleigh, NC dentist office today to schedule a cleaning. Next Post Previous Post Call Now (919) 346-7113 Schedule Appointment Meet Dr. Harrison

Contrary to everything you learned as a child, chewing gum (the right kind) can actually reduce tooth decay! Raleigh, NC Dentist Dr. Michael Harrison recommends only sugar free gum that has the ADA seal of approval on the label. Studies have shown that chewing sugar free gum for up to 20 minutes after meals can help prevent tooth decay. Increasing the flow of saliva, washing away food, and neutralizing acids produced by bacteria, sugar free gum is a great way to increase your oral hygiene. These acids destroy tooth enamel over time, which is why it’s important to brush at least twice a day. In addition to preventing cavities, sugar free gum also helps strengthen enamel and reduce tooth sensitivity. Look for gum with the first active ingredient xylitol – the xylitol in sugar free gum stays behind on teeth and reduces acids from foods and drinks. This promotes healthy teeth by supplying minerals to the teeth, ultimately preventing enamel erosion. The increase in saliva from chewing gum also reduces tooth sensitivity, particularly sensitivity caused by teeth whitening. In addition, some people experience improved concentration and cognitive performance, and less daytime sleepiness from chewing gum. Those with TMD (temporomandibular disorder) symptoms such as jaw pain, loose dental work, metal braces, or gastrointestinal issues should stick to brushing after meals instead of chewing gum to avoid aggravating symptoms or damaging dental appliances. Of course, chewing gum with sugar has the opposite effect – leaving sugar and bacteria on your teeth, which leads to tooth decay- so choose your gum wisely. It is important to note that chewing sugar free gum should never replace daily tooth brushing and flossing, but be considered an added layer of protection for your teeth. Don’t forget to visit our Raleigh, NC dentist office at least twice a year for preventive dental care, including a professional dental cleaning and exam to look for developing problems. Keeping your mouth healthy plays an important role in maintaining good physical health and well being.

We have all heard the phrase “the eyes are the window to the soul.” This is also true of the mouth, which is a window into the state of your overall health. During a routine visit to our Raleigh, NC dentist office, Dr. Michael Harrison performs a thorough dental exam which includes screening for a variety of dental concerns and the signs of overall health issues. Most patients are unaware that while Dr. Harrison and his staff spend a few brief moments inspecting the teeth and gums, they are looking for the signs of change on tooth surfaces and in the soft tissues of the mouth which can indicate early decay or disease. There are a range of both dental and overall health concerns that provide early oral signs. When you visit with Dr. Harrison regularly, we can monitor your oral health more efficiently and spot these early warning signs before more complex problems develop. Oral cancer is one of the most common health concerns that we look for during routine exams and an important reason to come in twice a year to our Raleigh, NC office. Dr. Harrison can spot the common signs of oral cancer and enable you to seek early treatment for this often deadly disease. Oral cancer has a high survival rate when treated early. Common Signs Of Oral Cancer Red or white spots in the throat or on the tongue Persistent sore throat or feeling of something stuck in the throat Difficulty swallowing Lump in the neck area An oral cancer screening is quick and painless, in fact many patients do not realize they have been screened during their dental exam. Get Screened for Oral Cancer in Raleigh, NC If you have not been to the dentist for some time or have recent concerns about oral cancer, schedule a visit with Dr. Harrison and get screened for oral cancer while restoring your dental health. It could save your life!

Summer is approaching and temperatures are warming up! A great way to avoid the heat is by enjoying an ice-cold snack. While these snacks may be refreshing, not all summer snacks are the best for your oral health. Dr. Michael Harrison in Raliegh, NC wants patients to know that some of those popular summertime ice-cold snacks can also affect oral health, increasing the risk of tooth decay. A favorite cold snack is ice cream, which is full of sugar. Dr. Harrison has tips and tricks for buying and eating ice cream so you can still enjoy this delicious snack while not putting your oral health at risk. Consuming too much sugar can lead to tooth decay, cavities and gum disease. A cavity arises due to the destruction of the outer surface, or enamel, of the tooth. Tooth decay is very common; in fact, 90% of people have at least one cavity. Although tooth decay occurs often and is treatable, it is much easier to prevent tooth decay than to treat it. Dr. Harrison‘s first tip to avoid tooth decay is to brush your teeth whenever possible after consuming ice cream or other sugary treats. This helps get some of the sugar from the ice cream off the enamel of the teeth. If you are unable to brush your teeth, rinsing with mouthwash or simply water will still help wash away some of the sugars remaining on surfaces of the teeth and gums. Another tip to prevent cavities is to avoid adding extra sugar to ice cream. Dr. Harrison recommends eating ice cream without the extras, which includes caramel or chocolate sauce. Since ice cream is already full of sugar, adding even more sugar increases the chance of tooth decay. Although ice cream is full of sugar, this summer snack is a good source of calcium. Having a diet supplemented with calcium keeps teeth healthy, prevents bone loss and strengthens teeth. Limiting ice cream consumption is important for overall oral health, however it does not need to be avoided completely. Dr. Harrison also recommends buying ice cream that is either sugar-free or low in sugar. Even with prevention, tooth decay can occur. Dr. Harrison places dental fillings to repair tooth decay and prevent further deterioration. Remember to also maintain good at home oral health! This includes brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and rinsing with mouthwash to prevent tooth decay. Visit our Raleigh, NC dentist office twice a year for routine care- professional cleanings and exams that will keep your smile looking its best for the long run.

Summer is approaching and temperatures are warming up! A great way to avoid the heat is by enjoying an ice-cold snack. While these snacks may be refreshing, not all summer snacks are the best for your oral health. Dr. Michael Harrison in Raliegh, NC wants patients to know that some of those popular summertime ice-cold snacks can also affect oral health, increasing the risk of tooth decay. A favorite cold snack is ice cream, which is full of sugar. Dr. Harrison has tips and tricks for buying and eating ice cream so you can still enjoy this delicious snack while not putting your oral health at risk. Consuming too much sugar can lead to tooth decay, cavities and gum disease. A cavity arises due to the destruction of the outer surface, or enamel, of the tooth. Tooth decay is very common; in fact, 90% of people have at least one cavity. Although tooth decay occurs often and is treatable, it is much easier to prevent tooth decay than to treat it. Dr. Harrison‘s first tip to avoid tooth decay is to brush your teeth whenever possible after consuming ice cream or other sugary treats. This helps get some of the sugar from the ice cream off the enamel of the teeth. If you are unable to brush your teeth, rinsing with mouthwash or simply water will still help wash away some of the sugars remaining on surfaces of the teeth and gums. Another tip to prevent cavities is to avoid adding extra sugar to ice cream. Dr. Harrison recommends eating ice cream without the extras, which includes caramel or chocolate sauce. Since ice cream is already full of sugar, adding even more sugar increases the chance of tooth decay. Although ice cream is full of sugar, this summer snack is a good source of calcium. Having a diet supplemented with calcium keeps teeth healthy, prevents bone loss and strengthens teeth. Limiting ice cream consumption is important for overall oral health, however it does not need to be avoided completely. Dr. Harrison also recommends buying ice cream that is either sugar-free or low in sugar. Even with prevention, tooth decay can occur. Dr. Harrison places dental fillings to repair tooth decay and prevent further deterioration. Remember to also maintain good at home oral health! This includes brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and rinsing with mouthwash to prevent tooth decay. Visit our Raleigh, NC dentist office twice a year for routine care- professional cleanings and exams that will keep your smile looking its best for the long run.