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Will Years of Energy Drinks Make Me Lose All My Teeth?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

A woman working on a laptop at night while holding an energy drink in one handI’ve worked nights for years and use energy drinks to keep me going. After 15 years, I have had some serious tooth decay from the sugar in the drinks. My gums are swollen and bleed when I brush and floss. Am I at risk of losing all my teeth? I know that I need to see a dentist. I’m just so exhausted and sleep through the day until it’s time to eat, get dressed, and return to work. Thanks for your help. Nikki from TN

Nikki,

You have a challenging schedule. We commend you for recognizing that you need dental care. However, prompt action can help preserve your teeth and prevent the need for dentures.

How Can You Minimize the Effects of Sugary Drinks on Your Teeth?

Sugary drinks become harmful when they linger in your mouth. Decay often appears around the necks of back teeth, particularly on the inside of the lower molars, where sugar and bacteria collect easily.

Frequent sipping without swallowing gives bacteria repeated opportunities to flourish. Even after getting tooth fillings, the same habit can cause decay to return around the margins of the fillings.

You don’t necessarily need to eliminate these drinks. Adjusting how you consume them can dramatically reduce their impact on your teeth.

  • Drink in fewer, larger swallows
  • Avoid holding the liquid in your mouth
  • Minimize all-day sipping
  • Drink more water and rinse your mouth with water after drinking something sugary

Do Sugary Drinks Cause Bleeding Gums?

Bacterial buildup at the gumline causes gingivitis. Consuming lots of sugar breeds bacteria. Fortunately, gingivitis often improves with consistent care. Left untreated, it can progress to more serious periodontal disease.

Avoiding the gums when brushing may feel protective, but it allows bacteria to remain. Gentle brushing at the gumline, daily flossing, and routine professional cleanings remove the bacterial irritants so the tissue can recover.

Please prioritize scheduling a dental cleaning and exam.

The Monroe, Louisiana, dentists at Bayou Dental Group sponsor this post. Please read how Dr. Finley and his team strive to offer some of the best dental care in Monroe.

What Are the Alternatives to Extracting All My Teeth?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I have periodontitis and severe bone loss after going years without insurance or regular dental care. In September, my dentist completed two sessions of scaling and root planing, and the hygienist saw real progress—pink gums and a deepest pocket of 9 mm. Three weeks later, I saw a periodontist whom my dentist had referred me to. She measured pockets up to 12 mm and said almost every tooth had blood and pus around it. How did the numbers change so quickly from my hygienist’s measurements? The specialist said my teeth wouldn’t withstand laser therapy and recommended extracting all of them. She also warned me that dental implants do not guarantee that I won’t get gum disease again.

I expected a periodontist to try to save my teeth, not give up on them immediately. Shouldn’t she have prescribed antibiotics for the infection? Would perio trays help reduce the pockets? Losing all my teeth feels overwhelming. I haven’t decided whether to accept the periodontist’s recommendation for extractions. What are the alternatives? I asked for a few weeks to process all of this. Thanks. Kyla from NY

Kyla,

A jump from a 9 mm pocket to a 12 mm pocket in three weeks is unusual. Periodontal measurements can easily vary. Tartar along the root can stop the probe early, creating a shallower reading. On the other hand, when gums are severely inflamed, a probe may slip through fragile tissue, making the pocket seem deeper than it is.

What Causes Differences in Periodontal Measurements?

Pocket depth readings can shift depending on tissue health and root conditions. These issues often include:

  • Tartar deposits that block the probe and create a misleading shallower reading.
  • Inflamed or delicate tissue that allows the probe to puncture through, making the pocket appear deeper.

Concerns About the Recommendation to Remove All Your Teeth

We can’t determine whose measurements are most accurate, but your experience raises reasonable concerns.

A probe in the gum tissue to measure periodontal pocket depth

Periodontal pocket measurement

Recommending the extraction of every tooth is a serious diagnosis. Usually, a tooth becomes unsavable when it’s loose or has lost too much supporting bone. Your description doesn’t suggest that every tooth meets that standard.

Another concern is the dentist’s willingness to give up before giving your gums the chance to respond to treatment. You’ve acknowledged going years without care, and that history can easily create severe inflammation. However, improvement can occur once the infection is treated and home care is optimized.

Why a Second Opinion Makes Sense

Dentists vary in their efforts to save teeth. Some see extraction as a last resort; others move toward it too quickly. A periodontist should fall into the first group. The fact that you felt dismissed suggests you may benefit from another perspective.

Look for dentists in your area with numerous positive and detailed patient reviews that demonstrate their commitment to tooth preservation. You get a referral to another periodontist who will work with you to determine how to preserve as many of your teeth as possible

The Monroe, Louisiana, dentists at Bayou Dental Group sponsor this post. Please read how Dr. Finley and his team strive to offer some of the best dental care in Monroe.

Does Plaque Cause Alzheimer’s?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

In a 2019 study published in Science, researchers examined Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), a key player in the development of chronic periodontitis. This anaerobic bacterium thrives in areas where oxygen is scarce, such as the deep pockets that form in the gums when plaque is not thoroughly removed. P. gingivalis produces toxins, called gingipains, that contribute to the destruction of the bone and tissues around teeth. While other bacteria can cause periodontitis, P. gingivalis plays a central and significant role in most cases.

Does Plaque Cause Alzheimer’s?

A diagram illustrating how amyloid plaques can impair brain function in Alzheimer’s disease

An illustration of how amyloid plaques can impair brain function

The Porphyromonas gingivalis study also found P. gingivalis and its gingipain toxins in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. The gingipains were shown to have neurotoxic effects, contributing to amyloid plaque buildup in the brain. These plaques block nerve transmission and are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.

Mice Experiments Support the Periodontal Disease and Alzheimer’s Connection

In follow-up experiments with mice, researchers infected their gums with P. gingivalis. This resulted in the bacteria colonizing the brain and producing Aβ1–42, a peptide involved in the formation of amyloid plaques. This further supports the theory that gum disease may play a role in Alzheimer’s development.

Additional Findings from a 2024 Study

In 2024, a cohort analysis using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) investigated the connection between periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s. The study found that periodontal disease markers, like gum bleeding and attachment loss, were linked to cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s.

The study revealed:

  • Periodontal inflammation was strongly associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s, especially in men and those over 65.
  • Certain demographics may be more susceptible to the cognitive effects of gum disease.

More Is Research Needed

Although studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease, further research is needed to fully understand the relationship. Nevertheless, these findings highlight the importance of preventing and treating gum disease to help maintain overall health.

The Monroe, Louisiana, dentists at Bayou Dental Group sponsor this post. Please read how Dr. Finley and his team strive to offer some of the best dental care in Monroe.

Will I Need Gum Surgery for Lingering Pregnancy Gingivitis?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

Close-up of a woman's face with one finger pulling her lower lip down to show her gum tissueWill I need gum surgery for lingering pregnancy gingivitis? My baby is ten months old, but I still have some gum swelling that developed during pregnancy. While pregnant, you couldn’t see my bottom teeth due to the swelling. Although it has improved, my gums are still noticeably swollen. Will I need a procedure to remove excess gum tissue? Thanks. Tamika from GA

Tamika,

Pregnancy gingivitis is a common condition that affects many expectant mothers. Hormonal shifts during pregnancy can make gums highly sensitive to irritants, causing them to swell, become tender, and bleed more easily. Even though it’s a frequent occurrence, it’s still crucial to maintain excellent oral hygiene.

What Is the Treatment for Pregnancy Gingivitis?

Managing pregnancy gingivitis requires an oral hygiene routine. You may not need gum contouring yet. You can help reduce inflammation and keep your gums healthy with these steps:

  • Brush more often, focusing on cleaning the area where your gums meet your teeth.
  • Floss daily to clean between teeth and along the gum line.
  • Rinse occasionally with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution.

A word of caution: Prolonged daily use of hydrogen peroxide (more than two weeks) can disrupt the oral microbiome and may lead to an oral yeast infection.

When Should You Consult a Dentist for Pregnancy Gingivitis?

If you have pregnancy gingivitis, are already brushing and flossing diligently, and your symptoms are not improving, consult your dentist. Surgical procedures, such as gum contouring, should not be recommended until you and your dentist can control the inflammation.

David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, Louisiana, accredited cosmetic dentist and Academy of General Dentistry Fellow, sponsors this post. Read about what Dr. Finley and his team do to provide some of the best dental care in Monroe.

Will Deep Periodontal Pockets Cause Me to Lose All My Teeth?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I’ve always taken pride in my smile, although I haven’t been the best at caring for my teeth. I often skipped dental checkups and ignored toothaches. Five months ago, a dentist diagnosed me with severe periodontitis. After a couple of deep cleanings, things seemed to be getting better. My gums looked pinker, and I felt more hopeful.

My dentist referred me to a periodontist because he was concerned that my gums weren’t healing as expected. The periodontist measured 12mm huge pockets in my gums, and there was blood and pus everywhere. I was shocked because three weeks ago, my dentist said the pockets were 9mm. The periodontist recommended extracting all my teeth.

I felt like the periodontist was dismissing me without trying to determine if my teeth could be saved. Shouldn’t she have tried antibiotics or other ways to help my gums heal, like perio trays? It felt like she was just ready to punish me for years of neglecting my teeth. Thanks, Sammi from IL

Sammi,

We understand your concerns. Our explanations can help you think about getting a second opinion from another periodontist.

What Are Periodontal Pockets?

A probe in the gum tissue to measure periodontal pocket depth

Peridontal pocket

A periodontal pocket is a gap between the gums and teeth below the gumline. Healthy gum tissue fits snugly around your teeth. However, gum disease causes gum irritation and inflammation that pulls the tissue away from your tooth roots, causing pockets to form.

Does Periodontal Pocket Depth Increase Rapidly?

No, it is doubtful that periodontal pocket depth would increase from 9 mm to 12 mm in just three weeks. Several factors can contribute to discrepancies in pocket depth measurements:

  • Tartar deposits: When tartar builds up on the roots of teeth, it can create a false sense of deeper pockets. A dental probe may hit the tartar and give the impression of reaching the bottom of the pocket.
  • Inflamed tissue: Swollen and inflamed gum tissue can make it easier to probe the underlying bone, leading to an overestimation of the depth of your gum pockets.

Why Are the Periodontist’s Recommendations Concerning?

The blanket recommendation to extract all your teeth is a red flag. While advanced periodontitis is a severe condition, it’s unusual for every tooth to be unsavable. A truly hopeless tooth will typically be loose. If your teeth are not loose, it’s unlikely that all of them are beyond saving.

The periodontist’s eagerness to give up without trying therapy is also concerning. If you had a history of consistent dental care and still developed advanced periodontitis, a more pessimistic outlook might be understandable. However, your admission of going years without professional dental care explains why your gum health is compromised. It’s reasonable to expect that a skilled dentist can create a detailed treatment plan to save some or even many of your teeth.

The Importance of Finding a Caring and Committed Periodontist

Dentists vary significantly in their commitment to saving teeth. Some will go to great lengths to preserve them, while others may opt for extraction as the easiest solution. As a gum health specialist, a periodontist is dedicated to saving teeth. Your current periodontist’s chairside manner during your appointment made you sense a lack of empathy and commitment.

Research online reviews for periodontists who care about their patients preserving their teeth. The periodontist can partner with a skilled cosmetic dentist to develop a treatment plan for saving or restoring as many teeth as possible. Saving your teeth is best for your oral health and will minimize the need for dental implants or dentures.

The Monroe, Louisiana, dentists at Bayou Dental Group sponsor this post. Please read how Dr. Finley and his team strive to offer some of the best dental care in Monroe.

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