Sharma Mulqueen RDH

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month!

Did you know that according to the Oral Cancer Foundation close to 49,750
Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year? It will cause over 9,750 deaths, killing roughly 1 person per hour, 24 hours per day and the numbers are rising.

There are two distinct pathways by which most people come to oral and
oropharyngeal cancer. One is through the use of tobacco and alcohol (if you
drink and use tobacco products are 15x more likely to develop cancer), a long-term historic problem and cause, and the other is through exposure to the HPV.

A small percentage of people (under about 10%) do get oral cancers from no
currently identified cause. It is currently believed that these are likely related to some genetic predisposition.

The demographics of those who develop this cancer have been consistent for some time. While historically the majority of people are over the age of 40 at the time of discovery, it is now occurring more frequently in those under this age.

There are also links to young men and women who use conventional
“smokeless” chewing or spit tobacco. Promoted by some as a safer alternative to smoking, it has in actuality not proven to be significantly safer to those who use it when referring to oral cancers. Same goes for Vaping. Several young men and women are stating Vaping is safer. Studies show that it can have more nicotine and dangerous chemicals.

During the month of April all offices offer a free Oral Cancer Screening. Please schedule your appointment and we can go over any questions you may have!

We look forward to seeing you!

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://www.shalimarfamilydentistry.com

http://www.northstapleydentalcare.com

http://www.alamedadentalaz.com

http://www.dentistingilbert.com

Sources:

Maria Ambra, RDH

Dry mouth

My mouth is always dry. What I can do?

Very often patients asked this question. They are concernedabout a condition called Xerostomia, in which the salivary glands in the mouth don’t make enough saliva. Saliva is a very important element for the health of our mouth; it is considered a buffer that neutralizes acids produced by bacteria and limitsbacterial growth. Saliva also increases the taste and its enzymes help the digestion. Its absence can increase plaque, tooth decay and gum disease.

SYMPTOMS

Some of the symptoms associated with Xerostomia are:

CAUSES:

Salivary glands not working properly may be the result of:

Medications:  Antihistamine, decongestants, anxiety and hypertensive medications (blood pressure), muscle relaxants, urinary continence drugs, Parkinson’s disease meds, as well antidepressant.

Age: Older age can change the ability to process medications, or to have inadequate nutrition

Cancer Therapy: Radiations and Chemotherapy to the body especially head and neck can damage the salivary glands resulting in less saliva production

Nerve damage: an injury or surgery causing nerve damage to the head and neck area can result in dry mouth.

Tobacco: Chewing, smoking tobacco or vaping can increase the risk of dry mouth.

Other health conditions: Diabetes, stroke, autoimmune disease such as Sjogren’s syndrome, HIV/AIDS, also serious systemic disease, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoidarthritis scleroderma, sarcoidosis, amyloidosis,

 

TREATMENTS

 

Medications: If the dry mouth is caused by a particular medication, the doctor will either alter

the dosage or prescribe another drug which is less likely to cause dry mouth. 

Stimulating saliva production: Medication may be prescribed to stimulate the production of saliva, such as pilocarpine (Salagen) or cevimeline (Evoxac).

OVER THE COUNTER SALIVA STIMULANTS: Saliva substitutes that contain xylitol, such as gums or mints, Spreyrain oral mist spray (Xlear), Biotine oral balance gel or rinse , Orbit sugar free gums, Trident gums with xylitol

FLUORIDE TREATMENT: To prevent cavities, fluoride traysmay be suggested, which will be fill with fluoride and wear overteeth at night. Also weekly use of rinses to control cavities may be recommended.

GOOD ORAL HYGIENE: Dentists or dental hygienist will reinforce the importance of regular brushing and flossing and may offer additional instructions regarding your daily oral hygiene. The ability to consistently accomplish these daily oral hygiene measures, as instructed, is one of the most important steps in successfully managing the complications of oral dryness. 

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://www.shalimarfamilydentistry.com

http://www.northstapleydentalcare.com

http://www.alamedadentalaz.com

http://www.dentistingilbert.com

 

Sources:

https://www.ada.org/member-center/oral-health-topics/xerostomia

https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-health-dry-mouth