Though not often discussed, oral cancer is a serious problem:  more than 28,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer each year, and roughly one-quarter of those people do not survive for more than five years.  Oral cancer may occur in any part of the mouth, such as the throat, lips, gums, and salivary glands.

Oral cancer is most effectively treated in its earliest stages, so it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the following possible oral cancer symptoms:

• Sore throat
• Pain in one ear
• Numbness in the mouth or jaw
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty chewing
• Sores or bumps inside the mouth
• Pain in the mouth
• Bump in the neck

During a regular dental examination, every dentist conducts an oral cancer screening.  He or she will look for abnormal changes in the teeth, gums, and mouth.  The early stages of oral cancer typically present as white or red spots in the mouth, and can be difficult to see with the naked eye.  Fortunately, there are a number of oral cancer screening systems available to detect oral cancer in its infancy.  If you have a family history of oral cancer or are especially susceptible to this form of cancer, it’s a good idea to find a dentist who features these tools.

Oral cancer is diagnosed through a biopsy, performed by either a dentist or an oncologist.  Treatment of oral cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation.  Often, radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be used to destroy any cancer that was not removed during surgery.  Many patients who have successfully treated their oral cancer may need reconstructive surgery to improve both the functionality and the appearance of the treated area.

The best way to prevent oral cancer is to reduce risk factors, which include smoking and the use of spitting tobacco.  It is also important to visit your dentist at least twice a year for a complete oral cancer screening.

Our staff of dental professionals are dedicated to helping you achieve your dental wellness objectives. Thank you for subscribing to our dental wellness newsletter.

Help ensure a healthy mouth by visiting your dentist at least twice a year for a complete dental check-up.

Oral cancer is a serious and often lethal disease, and the best way to prevent oral cancer is to catch it at its earliest stages. During every visit to your dentist, your mouth will be examined for signs of any problems, including the first signs of oral cancer. By learning more about oral cancer symptoms and visiting your dentist regularly, you can help protect yourself and your family from suffering with this disease.

Recent studies find increasingly strong correlations between dental health and total body health.  In particular, gum (periodontal)disease is known to affect a number of whole health issues, including heart disease, respiratory infections, and diabetes.  These conditions affect millions of Americans, but there are also some dental health correlations that are of particular risk to women.  Did you know that osteoporosis and pregnancy and childbirth can also be negatively affected by poor gum health?

Jaw Bone Loss and Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition common to postmenopausal women which decreases the density of bones, making them more susceptible to breakage.  When osteoporosis affects jaw bones, they become less dense and cannot provide a solid foundation for teeth, leading to tooth loss.  A recent study of postmenopausal women found that women with unhealthy gum bacteria in their mouths were more likely to have jaw bone loss than women with healthy gums.  Thus, it seems that periodontal disease speeds the jaw bone loss that can result from osteoporosis.

On the bright side, there may be a way to slow the jaw bone loss associated with osteoporosis.  As a result of experiencing menopause, many women use hormone therapy such as estrogen supplementation to regulate their hormones.  Studies have found that this estrogen supplementation may also lower gum (gingival) inflammation and the risk of tooth loss in women with osteoporosis.

Healthy Gums and Healthy Babies

It is well known that habits such as smoking and drinking in pregnant women can affect the health of their babies, but now studies show that gum disease can also have a harmful affect on developing babies.  Periodontal disease is believed to trigger the increase of certain fluids that induce labor: women who have periodontal disease during pregnancy are more likely to give birth prematurely.  Furthermore, pregnant women who have gum disease can be up to seven times more likely to have a baby that is born below a healthy birth weight.  Pregnant women are encouraged to visit their dentists during their pregnancy to ensure that gum disease does not interfere with the health of their babies.

Whether you are a man, woman, or child, it is important that you take good care of yourself by eating right, exercising, and maintaining good health.  Now more than ever, the importance of good dental health is recognized as a key factor in whole body wellness.

Our staff of dental professionals are dedicated to helping you achieve your dental wellness objectives. Thank you for subscribing to our dental wellness newsletter.

In addition to being the leading cause of tooth loss amongst adults, gum disease can have a negative effect on a number of women’s health concerns. Specifically, osteoporosis, pregnancy and birth can be affected by gum, or periodontal disease.

We all know that brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups are essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums; but did you know that researchers now tie dental health to a variety of other health issues?  It’s true: conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory infections can all be linked to gum (periodontal) disease.  Gum disease seems to have a strong negative affect on inflammatory conditions, and may even be a factor for kidney disease or Alzheimer’s. So what does modern science know about the correlations between the health of your mouth and the health of the rest of your body?

Of the many illnesses linked to gum disease, diabetes is the most strongly associated with periodontal health.  The relationship between diabetes and gum disease goes two ways:  periodontal disease can increase the risk of developing diabetes, and diabetics are highly prone to contract gum disease.  Gum disease leads to an inflammatory response, which can in turn affect insulin sensitivity and lead to uncontrolled blood sugar levels.  Conversely, the blood sugar fluctuations that are a result of diabetes can cause gum inflammation and disease.

While researchers are sure there is a link between heart disease and gum disease, there are still several theories to explain why this link exists.  Some say that oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and attach to plaques that line coronary arteries, leading to clots.  Another theory is that the inflammation that is a result of gum disease can increase plaque buildup, leading to clogged arteries.  People with gum disease are nearly twice as likely to incur coronary artery disease as those with healthy gums.

People with periodontal disease are more vulnerable to respiratory infections such as pneumonia, because germs and bacteria in the mouth can be inhaled directly into the lungs.  Inhaled oral bacteria have also been linked to the frequency of infection in patients who have pulmonary disease, because they are less able to eliminate these harmful bacteria from their lungs.  Researchers are now conducting studies to better understand the link between oral and respiratory health.

In addition to being the leading cause of adult tooth loss and a factor for several specific conditions, gum disease can also affect your general health.  The best way to prevent gum disease is to maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine that includes brushing, flossing, and the use of an antiseptic mouthwash.  Gum disease often presents no noticeable symptoms, so it is also important to visit your dentist for a twice-yearly check-up to ensure that your gums are as healthy as they can be. Looking to get your dental check-up? Contact us to make an appointment today!

Our staff of dental professionals are dedicated to helping you achieve your dental wellness objectives. Thank you for subscribing to our dental wellness newsletter.

What Can Dental Health Affect Besides Your Smile?

People who suffer from an inflammatory condition such as diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory infections often do not realize that their dental health may be playing a part in their illness.  As we have studied the effects of improper oral care, strong correlations are being been drawn between gum (periodontal) disease and these conditions. In fact, having a healthy mouth seems to play a strong role in the overall health of your entire body. There is even some evidence that poor dental health can be a factor for seemingly unrelated health conditions such as kidney disease or even Alzheimer’s!

Bad breath can be caused by a number of factors.  We all know that certain foods, such as garlic, can lead to an unpleasant odor on the breath.  This is not just the result of food residue in the mouth, but often comes from the lungs after food is absorbed into the bloodstream.  Factors other than pungent food which may contribute to bad breath include:

• Improper dental hygiene leading to bacteria in the mouth
• Improperly cleaned dentures
• Gum (periodontal) disease
• Dry mouth (xerostomia)
• Some medications
• Tobacco

In some cases, bad breath can be caused by medical disorders.  Medical conditions that may lead to halitosis include local respiratory tract infections, sinusitis, postnasal drip, diabetes, liver or kidney ailments, bronchitis, and gastrointestinal disturbance.  If your dentist can find no oral health issues that lead to your bad breath, you may be referred to a physician.

So, how can you combat bad breath?  Regular brushing and flossing are the best ways to prevent bad breath and to cleanse the mouth of any food residue that may cause halitosis.  Mouthwashes are effective for a short while, as are over-the-counter breath fresheners like mints, breath spray, and breath drops.  Many people find that chewing on fresh mint leaves or parsley also helps them get rid of bad breath.  It is also helpful to drink plenty of water to fight bad breath.  If none of these remedies work for you, your dentist may be able to recommend or prescribe specialty products to help alleviate bad breath.  If you would like to talk to a dentist about bad breath, contact us today!

Our staff of dental professionals are dedicated to helping you achieve your dental wellness objectives. Thank you for subscribing to our dental wellness newsletter.

Want to Fix Bad Breath?

Bad breath, formally known as halitosis, is not just an uncomfortable and embarrassing condition: it may be a sign of a dental health issue or a medical disorder. 

As if the risk of stroke, heart disease, and lung cancer weren’t enough, smokers also need to be aware of the risks smoking can pose to their oral health.

Tobacco products, including chewing and pipe tobacco, interfere with the normal function of gum cells, impairing blood flow to the gums and making them more prone to infections and slower to heal from wounds. In fact, according to the American Dental Association (ADA), smoking may be the cause of nearly 75% of periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss, but it doesn’t just affect the teeth: gum disease has also been scientifically linked to heart disease.

Gum disease is just the beginning of the oral health risks smokers face. People who smoke are also at risk for the following oral health issues:

• Oral cancer
• Stained and discolored teeth
• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Diminished sense of taste and smell
• Delayed healing after oral surgery or a tooth extraction
• Reduced dental care options:  smokers are not good dental implant candidates
• Inflammation of the salivary gland openings
• Bone loss within the jaw
• Increased buildup of tartar and plaque, which leads to an increased risk of cavities

The risks are not just for people who smoke cigarettes. Smokers of pipe tobacco and cigars, as well as people who use chewing tobacco, are also at risk for these oral health issues. In fact, a study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association shows that cigar smokers experience jaw bone loss and tooth loss at rates nearly equal to those of smokers. Chewing tobacco can cause gum tissue to recede from the teeth, which exposes tooth roots and creates an increased risk of decay, as well as heightened sensitivity to heat and cold.

Our staff of dental professionals are dedicated to helping you achieve your dental wellness objectives. Thank you for subscribing to our dental wellness newsletter.

As if the risk of stroke, heart disease, and lung cancer weren’t enough, smokers also need to be aware of the risks smoking can pose to their oral health.

Did you know that chewing gum can actually be healthy for your teeth? It’s true: the American Dental Association has even added its seal to the labels of certain gums because they have been proven to reduce plaque and fend off decay after a meal.

Humans have been chewing gum for thousands of years. The Ancient Greeks chewed on sap from the mastic tree, and Native Americans from New England down the Mayan Empire also chewed on tree sap, eventually introducing chewing gum to the European settlers they met. Most of us think of chewing gum as a type of candy, and as such, something that is terrible for our teeth. While chewing regular gum can coat the teeth with sugar, sugar-free gum is actually an excellent way to clean the teeth after a meal, if a traditional tooth brushing is just not an option.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA) , chewing certain gums can actually help protect the teeth. Chewing increases saliva flow, which can help wash away and neutralize the acids produced by the bacteria in plaque. These acids can cause the enamel of the tooth to break down, paving the way for decay, cavities, and tooth loss. Chewing sugar-free gum for about 20 minutes after a meal can actually help prevent tooth decay. In fact, so many studies have proven the benefits of chewing gum after a meal that the ADA has actually added its label to the packaging of certain types of gum.

While chewing gum is a great option for diners on-the-go, it is certainly not a substitute for a good, thorough brushing and flossing. To achieve the maximum benefit from chewing sugarless gum, you should still follow a healthy oral hygiene routine.

Our staff of dental professionals are dedicated to helping you achieve your dental wellness objectives. Thank you for subscribing to our dental wellness newsletter.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), chewing certain types of gum can actually help protect the teeth.

It is common for parents to underestimate the importance of taking their young children to the dentist’s office, but the truth is that children should see a dentist around the time their first teeth come in, usually between 6 and 12 months of age.  Not only will this early visit help you and your child establish a rapport with the dentist, but early examination professional preventive care can also ensure that your child enjoys a strong and healthy smile in the future.

Many parents of babies and toddlers are shocked to find that their child has cavities at such an early age.  However, early childhood carries, often referred to as baby bottle or nursing cavities, are a common problem.  The main cause of this condition is putting a baby to bed with a bottle filled with milk or a sweetened beverage such as juice.  These liquids stay on the teeth, feeding bacteria naturally present in the mouth to produce cavity-causing plaque, which leads to decay.  Common signs that a baby is struggling with tooth pain or decay include crying during meals, trouble falling asleep, and crying when the child wakes up.  Teeth damaged by bottle-feeding should be examined by a dentist as soon as possible.  In some cases, baby cavities can be removed with a professional cleaning.  However, more severe cavities may require a filling, a crown, or even tooth extraction.

Preventive care is the best way to avoid your child suffering with cavities at an early age.  It’s best not to put your child to bed with a bottle, but this can also be a difficult habit to break.  If your child insists on bringing a bottle to bed, try filling it with water or another non-sweetened beverage: otherwise, use a pacifier.  It is also important to clean your child’s gums with a moist cloth, or use a baby-sized toothbrush with very little toothpaste for those first tiny teeth, before putting him or her to bed.  For more advice on how best to care for your baby’s first teeth, contact a pediatric dentist near you.

Our staff of dental professionals are dedicated to helping you achieve your dental wellness objectives. Thank you for subscribing to our dental wellness newsletter.

While every dentist’s main concern is the healthy structure and function of your mouth, there are a number of specialties within the field of dentistry.  So what’s the difference between a cosmetic, restorative, and preventive dentist?

As the name suggests, preventive (often called general) dentistry is concerned with the prevention of dental maladies and the maintenance of a healthy mouth.  Most bi-annual dental check-ups include mostly preventive dentistry treatments, such as a full mouth examination, dental X-rays, and deep dental cleaning.  With proper preventive dental care, many patients can avoid the necessity of more costly and invasive restorative dentistry procedures.

Cosmetic dentists are primarily dedicated to enhancing the appearance of a patient’s smile.  Before undergoing any cosmetic dentistry treatments, a patient must first undergo a complete general dentistry examination to ensure that there are no underlying problems such as plaque, decay, and infection which could compromise dental health and cosmetic outcomes.  Common cosmetic dentistry procedures include tooth whitening, porcelain veneers, and cosmetic dental bonding.

Aptly named, restorative dentistry focuses on restoring structure and function to teeth that are damaged, infected, or missing.  Dental crowns are the most commonly performed restorative dentistry treatment, usually following a root canal to remove infected tooth pulp.  Crowns fit over the entire surface of a damaged tooth to protect what remains of the tooth and to restore bite.  Dental implants and dentures also fall into the category of restorative dentistry treatments, as they are designed to replace missing teeth to restore the appearance and function of a patient’s mouth structure.

Most dentists practice general or preventive dentistry in addition to a specialty, such as cosmetic, restorative, or implant dentistry.

Our staff of dental professionals are dedicated to helping you achieve your dental wellness objectives. Thank you for subscribing to our dental wellness newsletter.

Children normally receive encouragement and help from parents to build healthy oral hygiene habits, but teenagers are often left to their own devices when it comes to dental health. This independence, coupled with a teen’s busy lifestyle, can lead to a less-than-healthy oral hygiene routine. What’s more, teens also tend to drink more soda and eat more sugary snacks than younger children, and these foods can contribute to tooth decay and cavities. Practicing good nutrition and dental hygiene are especially important during the teenage years, when healthy habits can be established for life.

It is important that parents and dentists educate teens on the necessity of brushing at least twice a day and flossing once daily. Infrequent brushing can lead to periodontal (gum) disease and tooth decay, both of which could lead to tooth loss. A recent study shows that bleeding gums, the first sign of periodontal disease, are most prevalent among adolescents:  in fact, nearly 75 percent of teens have gums that bleed. To ensure a healthy smile for life, teens need to use a fluoride toothpaste when they brush and they should visit the dentist twice yearly for a thorough examination of the teeth and gums.

In addition to regular visits to the dentist for check-ups, teens often have unique dental needs. Many teenagers undergo orthodontic treatment, and it is important that they use special orthodontic toothbrushes to ensure proper cleaning of teeth and appliances. Also, teens often become active in contact sports, and should be fitted with a custom-made mouth guard to protect against dental injuries. Another dental issue common to teenagers is impacted wisdom teeth that require removal. A qualified dentist or dental hygienist can work with teens to help them develop good dental care habits, and evaluate the need for such treatments as orthodontics or wisdom tooth removal.

Our staff of dental professionals are dedicated to helping you achieve your dental wellness objectives. Thank you for subscribing to our dental wellness newsletter.

Practicing good nutrition and dental hygiene are especially important during the teenage years, when healthy habits can be established for life.

Did you know that you can now store stem cells that have been harvested from your own extracted teeth?  Remarkable advances in medical science have allowed for the use of stem cells to regenerate and eventually replace lost or damaged cells in the body. By having your own stem cells stored, you could be preserving the cure for future diseases or injuries you may incur.

Stem cells, unlike other cells in the body, can regenerate and produce specialized cell types. Stem cells are responsible for healing the body when it is injured. Scientists are now able to harvest stem cells and control their growth into specialized cells, such as skin, blood, cartilage, and muscle cells. This has allowed for the birth of treatments for a range of diseases and conditions, including brain injury, certain cancers, Parkinson’s disease, heart disease, sports injuries, and many more.

Using a person’s own stem cells for medical treatment guarantees a lower risk of rejection, which means fewer immune-weakening drugs are needed. With this in mind, people are beginning to harvest and store stem cells in case they are needed in the event of a future illness or injury.

Stem cells are found in most tissues in the body, but the stem cells in extracted, viable teeth are often more accessible than cells found in other tissues. Furthermore, the stem cells found in teeth are believed to be some of the strongest stem cells found in the body. These cells replicate more quickly and for a longer amount of time than stem cells harvested from other parts of the body.
Any tooth with healthy pulp is a good source of stem cells, including lost baby teeth, wisdom teeth, or teeth extracted for orthodontics. Upon extraction, teeth are placed into a special transport kit, where they will be nourished to preserve living tissues on the way to the preservation laboratory.

The extent to which stem cells will influence modern medicine is yet unknown, but the possibilities are vast. There are a number of companies that work with dentists to extract and save stem cells from lost teeth. If you are interested in dental stem cell banking, contact your dentist for more information.

Our staff of dental professionals are dedicated to helping you achieve your dental wellness objectives. Thank you for subscribing to our dental wellness newsletter.

Other than relieving the pain of a toothache, tooth extraction has had very little benefit to dental patients…until now. Now, dentists can work with specialized laboratories to harvest and store stem cells from extracted teeth, in the hopes that these cells can serve as valuable healing aids in the event of a future injury or illness.