Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

Around 37,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer each year - with only 45% of those diagnosed surviving more than five years. Cases of mouth cancer or oral cancer have risen by 20% in the past 30 years. It affects twice as many men as women.

Cancer is an abnormal and excessive growth of cells. Scientists are still trying to figure out all of the causes and cures of oral cancer. They do know however, that oral cancer is almost always caused by chewing tobacco. Tobacco use and prolonged, heavy alcohol drinking are the biggest risk factors, but it has also recently been determined that the presence of oral HPV is also a clear risk factor for the disease.

Recommendations for the prevention of oral cancer includes abstinence from all types of tobacco, only moderate alcohol consumption, limited exposure to UV light and use of a SPF 15 lip balm to protect against cancer of the lips. At Dream Smile Dental, we also recommend avoiding sources of oral irritation like poorly fitting dentures, eating the required daily servings of vegetables, fruits and whole-grains and regular dental checkups including an oral cancer exam.

Often, oral cancer is discovered too late, which is the main reason for the high death rate. Early detection and diagnosis is imperative in increasing life expectancy; it is 90% curable when found in the early stages. However, 70% of oral cancers are diagnosed in the late stages.

At Dream Smile Dental, our practice has incorporated VELscope, the most powerful tool available for the discovery of oral abnormal cell growth for up to 5 years before it rises to the surface and can be seen by the naked eye. If you are concerned, or have never been screened for oral cancer, contact us.

Alarmingly, one American dies every hour from oral cancer, and this has remained unchanged for the last 40 years. Often, oral cancer is discovered too late in stage development, which is the main reason for the consistently high death rate.

With early detection, the chance for a cure is high. And now it is easier than ever to detect it. With early detection and diagnosis life expectancy can be increased; it is 90% curable when found in the early stages but 70% of oral cancers are diagnosed in the late stages.

Most often occurring in those who use tobacco in any form, oral cancer can also occur in people who do not smoke and have no other known risk factors. Oral Cancer often starts as a tiny, unnoticed white or red spot or sore anywhere in the mouth: the lips, gum tissue, cheek lining, tongue and the hard or soft palate. It can also cause a change in the way the teeth fit together.

Signs of Oral Cancer include:

• A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal
• A color change of the oral tissues
• A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area
• Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue.

If you believe that you or someone you care about may have oral cancer, it is important to have that spot checked. Please contact Dream Smile Dental for a consultation.

On Friday, October 1, the VELscope system will be featured in a story about oral cancer detection on the extremely popular "The Dr. Oz Show".  The theme of the show:  "A Trip to the Dentist Could Save Your Life."
 
As you may know, Dr. Mehmet Oz came to fame as a result of his frequent appearances on "The Oprah Winfrey Show".  His popularity and credibility became so great that he now has his own show, which is syndicated nationally in the U.S. and is shown on CTV in Canada. 
 
Long time VELscope user Jonathan Levine, D.M.D., P.C. appears with Dr. Oz. They discuss in detail the sobering facts about the incidence of dangers of oral cancer and the need for earlier detection.  Dr. Levine then explains the advantages of the VELscope and demonstrates it on a patient.  
 
With recent publicity surrounding Michael Douglas's announcement that he has been diagnosed with Stage 4 oral cancer, public awareness of the need for earlier detection of this deadly and disfiguring disease is at an all-time high.  Interest in oral cancer screenings--particularly with a VELscope system--should skyrocket following "The Dr. Oz Show" airing.
 
This development comes on the heels of yet another honour for our life-saving technology.  The World Health Organization (WHO) recently recognized the VELscope as an innovative device that addresses global health concerns.  In 2009, the WHO Department of Essential Health Technologies had challenged the scientific and business communities to identify and develop innovative technologies to address global health concerns.  This summer, following months of evaluation, the organization officially recognized those innovative medical devices, either existing or under development, which address global health concerns and which are likely to be accessible, appropriate and affordable for use in low- and middle-income countries. The VELscope system was one of only eight devices to be so honoured, and the only dental device.
 
I would also like to call your attention to our dramatically enhanced website, www.velscope.com.  One of the key features of our website is one that invites visitors to "Find a VELscope Practice".  All they have to do is enter their city and/or state or province, and they'll get a list of all VELscope practices in area. We expect this feature to get a lot of use starting this Friday!
 
I would like to both thank and congratulate you for your foresight in investing in your VELscope system, and for all you are doing to provide the best possible oral health care for your patients.