Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

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.

Oral Health is a general topic that concerns taking care of your teeth, mouth and gums. As kids we learned that we should brush our teeth and floss regularly, but did you know that oral health has a correlation to your overall health?

You mouth is full of bacteria. Usually, taking care of your teeth and gums, and your body’s natural defense systems can keep these bacteria under control. Occasionally however, harmful bacteria can sometimes grow and cause oral infections, like tooth decay and gum disease. Also, medications or situations that reduce your saliva disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in your mouth which can make it easier for bacteria to enter your bloodstream.

Here at Dream Smile, we recommend the Sonicare Flexcare toothbrush. Its clinical studies show it to be far superior to manual toothbrushes.  Its motion creates a "high velocity dynamic fluid cleaning action" that is able to dislodge plaque under the gum line when used properly.

Also, antimicrobial mouth rinses and toothpastes reduce the bacterial count and stop bacterial activity in dental plaque, which can cause gingivitis. Gingivitis is an early, reversible form of gum disease.

Gum Disease or Periodontal Disease does not just affect your teeth. Research has shown the disease to be correlated with conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and even pre-term labor.  There is no cure for periodontal disease, however at Dream Smile we can help you maintain your current condition and provide therapy to help it from getting worse.

Additionally, your gums are at risk if you have diabetes because this disease reduces the body's resistance to infection. People who have problems controlling blood sugar may develop more-frequent and severe gum infections, and they may lose more teeth than do people who have good blood sugar control.

Approximately 3 out of 4 Americans have periodontal disease. This is the biggest cause of adult tooth loss. Regular brushing and flossing is important to maintain oral health along with your bodies overall health. Using the right tools and being conscientious about tooth and mouth care is the first step in maintaining the bacteria levels in your mouth.

If you suffer from or suspect you may have periodontal disease or gingivitis, contact Dream Smile Dental.