Oral Cancer
What is oral cancer?
The term oral cancer includes cancers of the mouth and the pharynx (the back of the throat).
What puts someone at risk for developing oral cancer?
Tobacco and alcohol use. Most cases of oral cancer are linked to smoking and heavy alcohol use. Using tobacco plus alcohol together poses a much greater risk than using either substance alone.
HPV. Infection with the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus has been linked to oral cancer.
Age. Risk increases with age. Oral cancer most often occurs in people over the age of 40.
Sun exposure. Can of the lip can be caused by sun exposure.
Diet. A diet low in fruits and vegetables may play a role in oral cancer development.
What are the possible signs and symptoms of oral cancer?
- A sore, irritation, lump or thick patch in the mouth, lip or throat
- A white or red patch in the mouth
- A feeling that something is caught in the throat
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue
- Numbness in the tongue or other areas of the mouth
- Swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable
- Pain in one ear without hearing loss
A person who has any of these symptoms for more than 2 weeks should see a dentist or doctor for an oral cancer exam. Most often, symptoms like those listed above do not mean cancer. An infection or another problem can cause the same symptoms. But it’s important to have the symptoms checked out- because if it is cancer, it can be treated more successfully if it’s caught early.
What is the oral cancer exam?
An oral cancer examination can detect early signs of cancer. The exam is painless and takes only a few minutes.
During the exam, a dentist or doctor checks the face, neck, lips, tongue, mouth, and the back of the throat for possible signs of cancer.
Seal Out Tooth Decay!
What are sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Sealants are painted on as a liquid and hardened to form a shield over the tooth. The placement is simple and painless.
Why get sealants?
The most important reason for getting sealants is to avoid tooth decay. Fluoride in toothpaste and drinking water protects the smooth surfaces of teeth but back teeth need extra protection. Sealants cover the chewing surfaces of back teeth and keep out germs and food.
Having sealants put on teeth before they decay will also save time and money in the long run by avoiding fillings or crowns used to fix decayed teeth.
What causes tooth decay?
Germs in the mouth use the sugar in food to make acids. Over time, the acids can make a cavity in the tooth. Of course, a healthy tooth is the best tooth. So it is important to prevent decay. That’s why sealants are so important.
Why do back teeth decay so easily?
The chewing surfaces of back teeth are rough and uneven because they have small pits and grooves. Food and germs can get stuck in the pits and grooves and stay there a long time because toothbrush bristles cannot brush them away.
Who should get sealants?
Children should get sealants on their permanent teeth as soon the teeth come in- before decay attacks the teeth. The first permanent molars- called “6 year molars”- come in when a child is between the ages of 5 and 7. The second permanent molars - “12 year molars”- come in when a child is between 11 and 13 years old. Other teeth with pits and grooves also might need to be sealed. Teenagers and young adults who are prone to decay may also need sealants.
Should sealants be put on baby teeth?
This may be a good idea if your child’s baby teeth have deep pits and grooves. Baby teeth save space for permanent teeth. It is important to keep baby teeth healthy so they don’t fall out early.
Does insurance pay for sealants?
Some insurance companies pay for sealants. Check with your insurance company for details. If not, sealants are still quite affordable.
How long do sealants last?
Sealants can last up to 10 years. But they need to be checked at regular dental check-ups to make sure they are not chipped or worn away.
Are sealants new?
No, sealants have been around since the 1960’s. Studies have shown that they are safe and effective. But many people do not know about sealants. About 1/3 of children in the United States have sealants on their teeth.
Diabetes: Dental Tips
If you have diabetes, make sure you take care of your mouth. People with diabetes are at risk for mouth infections, especially periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal disease can damage the gum and bone that hold the teeth in place, and can lead to the loss of teeth. Periodontal disease may also make it hard to control your blood sugar.
Other problems diabetes can cause are dry mouth and a fungal infection called thrush. Dry mouth happens when you don’t have enough saliva. Diabetes may also cause the glucose level in your saliva to increase. Together, these problems may lead to thrush, which causes painful white patches in your mouth.
You can keep your teeth and gums healthy. By controlling your blood glucose, brushing and flossing everyday, and visiting a dentist regularly, you can help prevent periodontal disease. If your diabetes is not under control, you are more likely to develop problems in your mouth.
If you have diabetes, follow these steps:
- Control your blood glucose.
- Brush and floss every day.
- Visit your dentist regularly. Be sure to tell your dentist that you have diabetes.
- Tell your dentist if your dentures don’t fit right, or if your gums are sore.
- Quit smoking. Smoking makes gum disease worse. Your physician or dentist can help you quit.
If you notice dryness, soreness, white patches, or a bad taste in your mouth, or that your gums bleed when you brush and floss, please see your dentist.
What age should my child first see the dentist?
Earlier than you probably think. I recommend a child see the dentist at age 1 or when their first tooth appears, whichever comes first. At the child’s first visit, a cleaning is not done, but it affords the opportunity for the child to get acquainted with the dental team and office in a fun, stress-free environment. An oral exam is done to evaluate the teeth and gums. We make recommendations on proper dental care for the child, and discuss proper nutrition for healthy teeth. We will then set the child up for visits every 6 months to monitor the teeth, and when the child is ready, we will do a cleaning for them. This usually occurs around age 3. We will also do a fluoride treatment and x-rays when we feel the child is ready. This will usually occur around age 4. We always go at the child’s pace, and want them to have a great experience every time they visit our dental office!