Dentures and Partial Dentures

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Tagged cleaning dentures, dentist, denture care, dentures, partial dentures, partials
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September 18, 2016

Myths of Dentistry

Cortney Davis, RDH

Myths of Dentistry

It’s no myth that to some dental work can be scary sometimes. Statistics show that around 12 percent of the population in the U.S. says they are anxious when it comes to visiting the dentist, and many don’t know how to take care of their oral health properly. With the overwhelming anxiety and stress build up around dentists and dental health, it’s not shocking that people may have made up or heard several dental myths over the years. People then tend to believe these myths and decide not go to the dentist regularly, rather than find out the truth. Having false information can be harmful to your health, so let’s talk about some of the common myths which you may believe yourself or have heard.

Myth #1- As long as I brush my teeth twice a day or don’t have tooth pain, I don’t need to go to the dentist.

Fact: While brushing twice a day and flossing once daily is Important, it is not enough. It is also important to get routine cleanings. During cleanings, the hygienist will clean the hard to reach areas, will make sure your gums are healthy, and will educate patients on proper home care. Dentists will also use x-rays and visual exams to make sure a patient doesn’t have any problems with their teeth or gums. Many don’t know this, but you don’t always have tooth pain when you have a tooth problem or gum disease, and if left untreated a tooth problem and unhealthy gum tissue will only get worse and lead to more serious problems. That’s why it is so important to come in for routine check-ups.

Myth #2 The dentist only wants my money

Fact: While some dental procedures and treatments can seem costly, they are completely worth it. As stated above, if dental problems are left untreated for a period, the treatment needed typically becomes more extensive which will cost more than a simple cleaning every six months. If a dentist can catch the signs of infection early, treatment will be minimal and less costly.

Myth #3 Bleaching your teeth can damage them.

Fact: Bleaching is a popular service that allows patients to get whiter smiles faster. Scientific studies have shown that using peroxide to whiten teeth is both safe and efficient. Although bleaching can cause some sensitivity when a patient is using it, bleaching gel is safe concerning damage of the structure of teeth; it merely makes teeth whiter and brighter.

Myth #4. If gums are bleeding, brushing and flossing should be avoided.

Fact: The exact opposite is true. Regular brushing and flossing are essential to remove plaque build-up which causes bleeding gums. Bleeding gums is a sign of gum brokerage, and more care actually must be done to avoid worse oral problems.

Myth #5 Baby teeth aren’t important, they will fall out anyway.

Fact: Yes, eventually all of your child’s 20 baby teeth will fall out eventually. However, many serve important functions for your child’s development. Baby teeth are known as the natural space maintainers for adult teeth and if a child loses a tooth too early due to dental problems, they could cause crowding for adult teeth. The health of your child’s baby teeth can also affect the health of their adult teeth. If you leave dental decay in a baby tooth untreated, it could eventually cause your child pain, abscesses, swelling, and affect the adult tooth developing under the baby tooth. Also, if the infection got worse it could even spread to other parts of the child’s body.

Myth #6 I shouldn’t go to the dentist because I am pregnant

Fact: A dental check-up is recommended during pregnancy. Although many women make it nine months with no dental discomfort, pregnancy can make conditions worse or create new ones due to hormonal changes and changes in eating habits. Regular checkups and good dental health habits can help keep you and your baby healthy. Local anesthetics and x-rays are okay during pregnancy although they are to be done only when necessary.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://www.pediatricdentistrichmond.com/downloads/Top10Myths_Childrens_Teeth.pdf

Sources:

http://www.stlawrencedentistry.com/top-10-dental-myths/

http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/pregnancy/concerns

http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/oral-care/problems/5-common-dental-myths.htm

Posted in Community Service News, Gums, Mouth Body Connection, Tooth Talk
Tagged baby teeth, Bleach, bleeding gums, dentist, dentistry, Money, myths, pain, Pregnancy, teeth, tooth
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September 4, 2016

The Panoramic X-Ray Gives Dentists the Big Picture

Sharma Mulqueen RDH

The Panoramic X-Ray Gives Dentists the Big Picture

One advantage of the panoramic X-ray is its ease of use. Unlike other X-rays where the film is placed inside the patient’s mouth, the panoramic film is contained in a machine that moves around the patient’s head. Some people may be familiar with the panoramic X-ray because it is usually taken when the wisdom teeth are being evaluated. The X-ray will also reveal deep cavities and bone loss. The panoramic X-ray has many other applications, including evaluating patients with past or present TMJ jaw joint problems; those who require full or partial removable dentures and partials; those who are at risk or suspected of having oral cancer or other tumors of the jaw, have impacted teeth such as wisdom teeth or have had any recent trauma to the face or teeth.

The panoramic X-ray can also identify some not so common problems, such as calcification within the carotid artery that may indicate the potential for a stroke. In one situation, my father-in-law had not been to the dentist in several years. I referred him to my Friday office so he would be comfortable with another Dental Hygienist. Full mouth series of X-rays, Panoramic X-ray, and charting were completed. After the Dentist reviewed the panoramic X-ray it revealed a Bi-lateral calcification of the carotid artery.

The Dentist asked when the last time he was at his cardiologist. He stated he was there yesterday and everything looked good according to his Doctor. After discussing his findings he referred him back to his cardiologist for a follow up appointment. After calling the Cardiologist office they got him in the following day and a test was done a week later. The test revealed a 50% blockage on the left side. To treat the blockage there are a few options. Treat with medication, perform carotid angioplasty (a thin tube with a balloon on the end is threaded to the narrowed or blocked carotid artery) or Carotid Endarterectomy (a surgeon makes an incision in the neck and removes plaque buildup from a carotid artery, which helps restore normal blood flow through the artery. My father-in-law is in the early stages of these findings. He will have one more test to determine treatment.

The panoramic X-ray captures more than just the teeth. Normally, you don’t see the carotid artery on a panoramic X-ray because it doesn’t have any calcium in it and it’s like other soft tissue. If there’s calcification in the carotid artery, then it will stand out. It is recommended that if your Dentist notices this on your Panoramic X-ray, they should refer you to the appropriate specialists for further evaluation and treatment.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Source:

http://www.dentistry.com

https://www.nhlbi.com

Posted in Community Service News, Mouth Body Connection
Tagged dentist, overall health, pano, panoramic xray, xray
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August 7, 2016

Gotta Have a Soda?

Wendy Parker, RDH

Gotta Have a Soda?

It’s summertime, the heat is in the air, the pool is inviting, and you have a drink of soda in your hand. It’s hard not to when it is so available and so tempting everywhere you go! Last year, my son and I made a New Year’s Resolution to go a whole year without soda. And let me tell you, it was no easy task! I can’t tell you how many times we ate pizza and my son and I had lemonade or water instead of a root beer. Or how many times we went to the movies and remembered not to order a drink, and got a bottle of water instead. It was definitely a change in our habit, but after a while it became easier and easier not to have a Thirstbuster and to reach for water instead of a soda.

With that said, I always knew that sodas aren’t good for you, but after doing some research, I found this handy dandy little sheet that listed some of our family’s favorite drinks and their acidity levels. Keep in mind that neutral levels are at a 7.0, and acidic levels are lower than that. Your body, in order to function properly, and to avoid enamel damage in the mouth, needs to remain close to a neutral level as possible.

Acidity (pH scale) of Common Drinks

The pH scale measures the acidity of a solution. The lower the pH, the stronger the acid. The stronger the acid, the more damage that is done to your child’s teeth.

Therefore, the drinks are listed from best to worst.

Drink Name pH Sugar Content

Unsweetened Tea 7.2 0

Water 7.0 (neutral) 0

Milk (2% of skim) 6.8 3.5

Instant Coffee (black) 5.5 0

Root Beer 4.6 10.7

Diet Root Beer 4.6 0

Tomato Juice 4.5 4.2

7-Up/Sprite 3.7 9

Juicy Juice 3.5 4.6

Apple Juice 3.4 4.8

Diet Cola 3.4 0

Orange Juice 3.3 6.3

Minute Maid 3.2 11.9

Mountain Dew 3.2 46

Snapple 3.2 7.6

Propel 3.2 0.4

V-8 3.1 5.5

Sierra Mist 3 5

Kool-Aid Jammers 3 5.1

Gatorade 2.9 21

Dr. Pepper 2.9 40.5

Hawaiian Punch 2.8 10.2

Powerade 2.7 15

Hi-C 2.7 5.5

Coke 2.5 27

Country Time Lemonade 2.5 5.4

Pepsi 2.4 27

Sunny Delight 2.4 6.3

Battery Acid* 1

*Please do not drink battery acid, this was just added to the list to show scale of acidity

So, hopefully, next time you reach for a soda, I hope you remember this chart and for every can of soda you drink, you have to drink 32 oz. of water to neutralize the acid in your body!

Happy Drinking everyone!

Want to learn more? Visit us at

Click to access Acidity%20Sheet%20Sheet1.pdf

Sources:

Posted in Health, Mouth Body Connection, Oral Hygiene
Tagged acid, acidity, neutral, pH, pop, soda, sugar, water
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July 31, 2016

What is Xylitol?

Andra Mahoney, BS RDH

What is Xylitol?

What if I told you there was a sugar that actually prevents cavities? Would you believe me? Well, you should! And it called Xylitol (pronounced zai-li-tall).

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a naturally occurring sweetener found in plants, fruits, and vegetables. It looks and tastes just like sugar (sucrose). Xylitol has about a third the calories as table sugar, and is a healthy alternative for diabetics. Not only does it make an excellent sugar substitute, but it aids in the prevention of dental caries, and reduces plaque formation.

How does it help prevent cavities?

Everyone has bacteria in their mouth all the time. Bacteria is highly attracted to the sugars found in the foods and beverages that we eat and drink. Most people think this means sweets, candies, etc. While that is true, it also can mean carbohydrates (which are complex sugars) or fruit (which has fructose, a sugar) or any number of things. The bacteria in our mouths eat all those sugars and excrete acid. That acid is what causes cavities.

Now bacteria is way more attracted to xylitol than regular sugar. The Bacteria head right for xylitol! But bacteria cannot break down xylitol. Meaning if they can’t “eat” it, they can’t excrete it. The bacteria dies not able to make acid to cause cavities. That is how xylitol can help prevent cavities!

How does it help dry mouth?

Many things, including prescription medications, can cause dry mouth. But why is dry mouth such a big deal? Dry mouth can effect you quality of life! It decreases your ability to taste. It can cause bad breathe. It can make eating difficult. It can make talking difficult. It can even significantly increase your susceptibility to getting cavities!

Xylitol has a cooling effect, quenching the burning of dry mouth. Xylitol also stimulates saliva flow, which fixes all of the problems previously mentioned. Xylitol is also an humectant, which means it attracts moisture. And Xylitol neutralized saliva’s pH. An acid pH leads to dry mouth, a basic pH can lead to an overgrowth of plaque bacteria. Nice neutral pH is where your mouth is the happiest!

Who can have Xylitol?

Xylitol is safe for all ages! Great for the whole family!

Even diabetics can use xylitol. “The body does not require insulin to metabolize xylitol. For this reason polyols like xylitol produce a lower glycemic response than sucrose or glucose. This has made xylitol a widely used sweetener for the diabetic diet in some countries. If you do have diabetes, however, it’s important to consult your doctor or diet professional before incorporating xylitol into your daily diet. (1)”

And, like chocolate, onions, raisins, or avocados, xylitol is not safe for our 4-legged furry family members. Please do not share it with them.

Where can you find Xylitol?

Xylitol can be found in a wide array of products. Most commonly, chewing gum, candies, and mints. It is also found in tooth pastes, mouth sprays, and even as granulated crystals to replace table sugar.

Hope this has been informative and you have found a new way to incorporate the many benefits of Xylitol in your life!

Want to learn more? Visit us at

Sources:

http://www.xylitol.org

http://www.xlear.com

Posted in Community Service News, Health, Mouth Body Connection, Tooth Talk, What is...
Tagged cavities, diabetes, dry mouth, natural sweetener, sugar, xylitol
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July 24, 2016

Non-surgical Periodontal Therapy

Katie Moynihan, BS RDH

Non-surgical Periodontal Therapy

If your hands bled when you washed them, you would be concerned. However, many people think it is normal if their gums bleed when they brush or floss. False! Inflammation and bleeding are early signs that your gums are infected with bacteria. If not treated quickly and properly, those early signs of gingivitis may lead to a more serious infection called periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease affects the supporting tissues around the teeth including the gums, the periodontal ligament, and the bone. As the plaque in your mouth spreads and accumulates below the gum line, the toxins within that plaque infect and break down the “foundation” that hold your teeth in place. If not treated with periodontal therapy, the disease will only get worse and tooth loss may occur.

In the presence of periodontal disease, a “regular” prophylaxis cleaning can NOT be completed. The definition of prophylaxis is the prevention of disease. Once periodontal disease is diagnosed, your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend non-surgical periodontal therapy. Non-surgical periodontal therapy is also referred to as scaling and root planing, or a deep cleaning. Scaling and root planing involves thoroughly removing the plaque and calculus (tartar) that resides above and below the compromised gums. Smoothing the tooth roots allows a clean surface for tissue re-attachment and pocket reduction. Local anesthetic is recommended to make this procedure comfortable and painless for the patient. The goal for non-surgical periodontal therapy is to treat and eliminate the active infection, reduce periodontal pocketing around teeth, prevent further bone loss. The shallower the pockets are around your teeth, the easier they are to keep clean and healthy! When periodontal health is achieved, your oral health care provider will recommended more frequent periodontal maintenance cleanings every 3-4 months to keep tissues healthy and stabilized. In few circumstances where periodontal health cannot be achieved, a referral to a Periodontist may be recommended for further treatment.

Signs & Symptoms of Gum Disease:

Swollen, red, tender or bleeding gums
Gums that recede or move away from the tooth
Persistent bad breath or bad taste in mouth
Pain/sensitivity when chewing
Loose teeth
Visible pus surrounding the teeth and gums

You can prevent periodontal disease by practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly for professional cleanings. In recent years, gum disease has been linked to overall health problems. You can read more about those on Andra’s recent blog post Oral Health: A Window to your Overall Health! Remember, taking care of your oral health is an investment in your overall health.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

Sources:

www.perio.org

www.colgate.com

Posted in Gums, Health, Mouth Body Connection
Tagged bacteria, bad breath, bleeding gums, gingivitis, gum inflammation, inflammation, mouth bacteria, non surgical periodontal therapy, NSPT, oral bacteria, perio maintenance, periodontal disease, periodontal therapy
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July 17, 2016

Dental Fears

Becky Larson, RDH

Dental Fears

I once had an elementary school teacher who would scream if she heard the word “dentist.” About 75% of the population has some form of dental anxiety while about 5-10% of the population has an actual dental phobia. There are various degrees of dental anxiety/phobia, some even requiring psychiatric help. Those who experience this fear of going to the dentist will often avoid dental appointments until they are in extreme pain. I think we all realize that sometimes going to the dentist is just not fun. However, some signs that you may suffer from legitimate dental anxiety/phobia include trouble sleeping the night before a dental appointment, nervous feelings that increase in the dental office waiting room, crying or feeling physically sick when thinking about the dentist, and/or panic attacks or difficulty breathing when at or thinking of the dentist.

So what causes dental anxiety or dental phobia? Some common reasons for experiencing dental anxiety are fear of pain, fear of injections, fear that injections won’t work, fear of anesthetic side effects, fear of not being in control, embarrassment, and loss of personal space. The key to dealing with any of these fears is to talk to your dentist. If your dentist is aware of your fear(s) he/she can suggest ways to make you feel more comfortable when in the dental chair. Some helpful strategies include:

Having your dentist explain procedures in detail prior to and during treatment
Topical anesthetic and/or closing your eyes during injections
Establish a “stop” signal when you want your dentist to stop or give you a break
Nitrous oxide prior to treatment
Prescription pre-medication (such as Halcion)
Sedation/general anesthesia

Here in our Signature Dental offices, we do offer intravenous sedation techniques for dental treatment. With these techniques, sedation drugs are administered through an IV in the patient’s arm or hand. While the patient is sedated, they will still be still be conscious and able to respond to dental staff. They will also be able to breathe on their own.

Recognizing dental fears and finding ways to cope with them is extremely important to your dental health. Regular check-ups and cleanings can help prevent recurrent decay, which in turn can reduce the amount of time and money you spend at the dentist.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/easing-dental-fear-adults

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dental_phobia

http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Articles/Oral-and-Dental-Health-Basics/Checkups-and-Dental-Procedures/The-Dental-Visit/article/What-is-Dental-Anxiety-and-Phobia.cvsp

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=dnetal+anxiety&FORM=HDRSC2

Posted in Community Service News, Mouth Body Connection, Tooth Talk
Tagged Dental Anxiety, Dental Fears, Dental Phobia, dentist
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May 8, 2016

What are those white spots on my teeth?

Ann Clark, RDH

What are those white spots on my teeth?

Dental fluorosis is not a disease but a permanent cosmetic condition affecting the way the teeth look. It occurs when baby and permanent teeth are forming under the gums. Once erupted, teeth cannot develop enamel fluorosis. This condition is caused by overexposure to fluoride during the development stage of the tooth. After their eruption into the mouth, teeth may appear discolored; such as: lacy white markings, yellow to brown stains, surface irregularities, or pitting into the enamel.

Causes
A major cause is inappropriate use of fluoride products such as toothpaste and rinses. Children are offered products with some fun flavors. They are known to eat and swallow them so remind them to spit out. Taking a higher than recommended supplement can also cause fluorosis. The perfect amount is already regulated into the water where it occurs naturally. Symptoms of fluorosis range from small white specks or streaks to dark brown stains and rough, pitted enamel. A normal healthy tooth is smooth and glossy and a pale creamy white.

Treatment
Most cases are mild not requiring treatment. White spots are considered moderate if more than 50% of the surface is affected and severe if pitting occurs. The appearance can be improved by various technique options aimed to mask stains. Such techniques may include:
–Teeth Whitening and other procedures to remove the surface staining. Initially whitening can temporarily worsen the appearance.
– Bonding: a coating over the enamel bonded with a hard resin.
–Crowns
–Veneers: custom-made facings that cover the front of teeth.
– MI Paste: a calcium phosphate product sometimes combined with a micro abrasion procedure to minimize discolorations.

Prevention
Parental care is the key to preventing fluorosis. If you drink well water, which is not regulated, or bottled water,your public health department or local laboratory can analyze the fluoride content.
Fluoride is also in some fruit juices and sodas, so knowing the water content will help you decide whether or not a supplement is needed. Also, keeping fluoride containing products, like toothpaste, rinses and supplements out of children’s reach is recommended. Ingesting a large amount of fluoride in a short period of time may result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain. Only a small pea-sized amount of toothpaste is needed for each time you brush.
Encourage your child to spit out and not swallow.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/home-remedies/home-remedies-for-dry-mouth1.htm

Sources:

webmd.com Fluorosis:Symptoms, causes, and treatments

American Academy of pediatric Dentistry:”Enamel Fluorosis”
Kidshealth.org: “Fluoride in Water”
Reuters Health:”U.S. Lowers Limits for Fluoride in Water”
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research:”The Story of Fuloridation”
SimpleStepsToBetterDentalHealth.com:”Fluorosis”
CDC:”Prevalence and Severity of Dental Fluorosis in the United States, 1999-2004″

Posted in Health, Mouth Body Connection, Tooth Talk
Tagged baby teeth, dental, dental fluorosis, fluoride, fluorosis, pitted enamel, teeth, white spots
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May 1, 2016

Dry Mouth…What Should I Do?

Wendy Parker, RDH

Dry Mouth…What Should I Do?

I know we live in a desert, but our mouths don’t have to BE a desert of dryness! The first step is to figure out where is the dry mouth, also called xerostomia, is coming from. There are several factors that can contribute to dry mouth including damage to the salivary glands, medications or medical conditions, and life style habits such as smoking, drinking, or alcohol or caffeine use. There are so many variables and sometimes it’s a combination of a couple of factors.

Often times, there is nothing you can do to reverse dry mouth, however, here are some of the things you can do to relieve the symptoms of dry mouth (1):

Be sure to REGULARLY take sips of water throughout the day. Keep a water bottle with you at all times.
Practice good Oral Hygiene – brushing 2x daily and flossing 1x daily. You can also use mouth rinses WITHOUT alcohol in them. The alcohol will dry out the mouth and makes symptoms worse.
Avoid smoking
Chew Sugar-Free gum or suck on Sugar-free lozenges
Limit alcohol, caffeine, and sugar intake

There are several companies that provide products that aid in dry mouth relief. Some products and brands work well for some while others work better for others. It truly is a trial and error process to see what works best for you.

Biotene is one of the biggest companies that focus on relieving dry mouth. They have an array of products ranging from mouth rinses to chewing gum to saliva substitute. It is sold in several stores, including Target and Walgreens. Xylitol also has a variety of products that you can order including nose sprays, toothpastes, mints, and artificial sweeteners. (2) And of course, there are natural remedies that can help relieve symptoms as well. Here is a good website that has a variety of things you can try to see if they alleviate any discomfort. (3)

Dry mouth is NEVER easy to deal with, but hopefully with time and a little patience you’ll find something that will work for you. If you need more suggestions, please don’t hesitate to ask your hygienist or dentist for other solutions.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

Sources:

Posted in Gums, Health, Mouth Body Connection, Oral Hygiene
Tagged biotene, caffeine, drinking alcohol, dry mouth, smoking, sugar free, water, xerostomia, xylitol
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April 24, 2016

How Does Oral Cancer Happen?

Andra Mahoney BS RDH

Two weeks ago, Becky gave us some great info raising our Awareness to Oral Cancer. She touched on the importance of screenings and mentioned the risk factors.

But How Does Oral Cancer Happen?

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, about 48,000 people are diagnosed each year. Of those, about 9,500 people will loose their battle with oral cancer. Of the 48,000 people diagnosed, only 57% of them will be alive 5 years after diagnosis. Sadly, the number of diagnosis and deaths have not decreased over the last decade.

Let’s review the risk factors in detail…

Age

Probability dictates that the older you get, the more likely you have a chance of getting cancer. Therefore, age will be a risk factor. Oral Cancer is more often detected in those over the age of 40. However, this statistic is changing with the prevalence of HPV. We will talk more about this in a following section.

Although age does play a part, around 91% of all diagnoses of Oral Cancer are linked to “lifestyle” choices.
These following risk factors will show us why.

Sun Exposure

Excessive and unprotected exposure to the sun is linked with cancer in the lip area. To reduce your risk of lip cancer, decrease your unprotected exposure to sunlight and other sources of ultraviolent (UV) radiation. (1)

Sun exposure and other sources of UV radiation can damage lip cells. This damage can cause them to multiple when naturally they should die. Fast reproduction of abnormal cells is how we classify cancer.

Tobacco Use (use of any kind, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco and snuff, among others)

The report from the Institute of Medicine (2007) says that tobacco kills more Americans annually than AIDS, alcohol, cocaine, heroin, homicides, suicides, car accidents, and fires combined.

Nationally, tobacco contributes to about one-third of U.S. cancer, one-quarter of heart disease and about 490,000 premature deaths each year. Tobacco is a known cause of lung, bladder, mouth, pharyngeal, pancreatic, kidney, stomach, laryngeal, and esophageal cancer. About ten million people in the U.S. have died from causes attributed to smoking and tobacco use (including heart disease, emphysema, and other respiratory diseases) since 1964. Tobacco is the most global cause of cancer, and it is preventable. (2)

There are thousands of chemicals contained in a single cigarette, and their point of entry is the mouth. Smoking helps to transforms saliva into a deadly cocktail that damages cells in the mouth and can turn them cancerous. (3)

If you would like help on quitting, please check out the resources on this page: http://smokefree.gov

Alcohol Use

People who consume approximately 3.5 or more alcoholic drinks per day, or 21 drinks in a week, have at least a two to three times greater risk of developing cancer than nondrinkers. (4)

Those who both smoke and drink, have a 15 times greater risk of developing oral cancer than others.

Alcohol’s effect on the mouth may be the key to understanding how it works with tobacco to increase the risk of developing cancer. The dehydrating effect of alcohol on cell walls enhances the ability of tobacco carcinogens to permeate mouth tissues; additionally, nutritional deficiencies associated with heavy drinking can lower the body’s natural ability to use antioxidants to prevent the formation of cancers. (5)

HPV Infection

The human papilloma virus (HPV) is a common, sexually transmitted virus, which infects about 40 million Americans today. There are about 200 strains of HPV, the majority of which are thought to be harmless. Most Americans will have some version of HPV in their lifetimes, and most immune systems will be able to fight off the virus. Those who get specific strains, and lack the ability to fight those strains off, are the ones who develop cancer.

The two strains that are mainly associated with oral cancer are HPV16 and HPV18. HPV is a double-stranded DNA virus that infects the epithelial cells of skin and mucosa.

It is likely that the changes in sexual behaviors of young adults over the last few decades, and which are continuing today, are increasing the spread of HPV, and the oncogenic versions of it. You can get HPV by vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Condoms can limit, but do not prevent HPV. HPV significantly increases with multiple (especially more than four) sexual partners. (6)

How to Spot it

One of the real dangers of this cancer, is that in its early stages, it can go unnoticed. It can be painless, and little in the way of physical changes may be obvious. The good news is however, that your Physician or Dentist can, in many cases, see or feel the precursor tissue changes, or the actual cancer while it is still very small, or in its earliest stages.

It may appear as a white or red patch of tissue in the mouth, or a small ulcer which looks like a common canker sore. Because there are so many normal tissue changes that happen normally in your mouth, and some things as simple as a bite on the inside of your cheek may mimic the look of a dangerous tissue change. It is important to have any sore or discolored area of your mouth, which does not heal within 14 days, looked at by a professional. Other symptoms include; a lump or mass which can be felt inside the mouth or neck, pain or difficulty in swallowing, speaking, or chewing, any wart like masses, hoarseness which lasts for a long time, or any numbness in the oral/facial region. (7)

But like any cancer, even if you do not do these risk factors, there is still a possibility of getting it.

The best way to detect oral cancer is to do self exams and to see your Dentist regularly. The Dental Team is the forefront in prevention and detection as their main focus is your mouth! Your Dentist and/or Hygienist will perform a visual and tactile screening at each appointment. If they do not, please ask for one. There are also additional screenings available, and they can tell you more about them during your appointment.

Want to learn more? Visit us at