|
What is periodontal disease?
The word periodontal literally means
"around the tooth." Periodontal disease is a
chronic bacterial infection that affects the
gums and bone supporting the teeth.
Periodontal diseases (gum diseases),
including gingivitis and periodontitis, are
serious infections that will lead to tooth
loss and other problems if left untreated.
What are the signs of periodontal
disease?
- Gums that bleed when brushing
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste
- Formation of deep pockets between the
teeth and gums
- Receding gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together
While plaque and tartar are the primary
causes of periodontal disease, there are
many other contributing factors, including:
tobacco use, hormonal changes, medications,
poor nutrition, illnesses, clenching and
grinding teeth, heredity, and diabetes.
There are many
different stages of
periodontal disease. After a thorough
exam and evaluation, an appropriate course
of treatment will be given. Below on the left is an example of gum disease
with tartar on the root surface before
treatment. Notice the gums are red and infected. On the right is what the teeth and
gum tissues look like after treatment.
Please note that the gums after treatment
are a healthy pink shade and the root
surface is smooth and tartar-free.
Periodontal disease is never
resolved; it has to be managed after
treatment. Plaque and bacteria build up
faster if you have periodontal disease.
Therefore, if periodontal disease is
present, it needs to be treated and then
maintained by visiting the dentist 3-4 times
a year in order to keep the plaque and
inflammation under control. Good home care
is extremely important in controlling this
disease. Using our products and techniques
will keep periodontal disease under control.
Periodontal disease is associated with many
health problems such as heart disease,
stroke, respiratory disease, diabetes, and
pregnancy complications. Bacteria in the
mouth can be carried throughout the body. If
not regularly removed, this bacteria can
significantly increase the risk of heart
attack and stroke.
For more information please visit
American Academy of
Periodontology.
Oral Cancer Screen
 How
common and how serious is oral cancer?
Oral cancer,
the sixth most common cancer, accounts for
about 3.6 percent of all cancers diagnosed,
with roughly 40,000 new cases of oral cancer
reported annually in the United States. The
vast majority of oral cancers occur in
people older than 45 years, with men being
twice as likely as women to develop the
disease. The most frequent oral cancer sites
are the tongue, the floor of the mouth, the
soft palate tissues in back of the tongue,
the lips, and the gums. If not
diagnosed and treated in its early stages,
oral cancer can spread, leading to chronic
pain, loss of function, irreparable facial
and oral disfigurement following surgery,
and even death. Your general dentist can
perform a thorough screening for oral
cancer.
 What
causes oral cancer?
Scientists aren't sure of the exact
cause of oral cancer. However, the
carcinogens in tobacco products, alcohol and
certain foods, as well as excessive exposure
to the sun, have been found to increase the
risk of developing oral cancer. Risk factors
for oral cancer may also be genetically
inherited.
 What
are the warning signs to watch for?
Oral cancer--represented by red,
white or discolored lesions, patches or
lumps in or around the mouth--is typically
painless in its early stages. As the
malignant cancer spreads and destroys
healthy oral tissue, the lesions or lumps
become more painful. However, oral cancer is
sometimes difficult to self-diagnose so
routine dental exams are recommended. See
your dentist immediately if you observe: any
sore that persists longer than two weeks; a
swelling, growth or lump anywhere in or
about the mouth or neck; white or red
patches in the mouth or on the lips;
repeated bleeding from the mouth or throat;
difficulty swallowing or persistent
hoarseness.
 How
does a dentist screen for oral cancer?
Your dentist should screen for oral
cancer during routine checkups. He or she
feels for lumps or irregular tissue changes
in your neck, head, cheeks and oral cavity,
and thoroughly examines the soft tissues in
your mouth, specifically looking for any
sores or discolored tissues.
 How
is oral cancer treated?
If your dentist suspects oral
cancer, a biopsy of the lesion is required
to confirm the diagnosis. Surgery is
required to remove the tumors, which may
cause disfiguration. Radiation therapy may
be used as part of the treatment.
What can you do to prevent oral cancer?
Oral cancer accounts for roughly
9,000 deaths annually (about 3 percent of
all cancer-caused deaths. Of all major
cancers, oral cancer has the worst five-year
survival rate at about 54 percent. Because
oral cancer is usually not diagnosed in its
early stages, less than half of all oral
cancer patients are cured. You can help
prevent oral cancer by not smoking or using
spit tobacco, or drinking excessive alcohol.
When tobacco use and alcohol use are
combined, the risk of oral cancer increases
15 times more than non-users of tobacco and
alcohol products. Research suggests that
eating plenty of fruits and vegetables may
safeguard against oral cancer. Because
successful treatment and rehabilitation are
dependent on early detection, it is
extremely important to see your dentist for
an oral cancer screening and regular checkup
at least every six months. Survival rates
greatly increase the earlier oral cancer is
discovered and treated. |
|
technology
children's care
brushing
sealants
cosmetic fillings
crowns
root canals
TMJ disorders
mouth guards
periodontics
oral cancer screen
implants
partial/complete dentures
snoring
|
