Regular dental checkups can detect oral cancers early, before they’ve spread, and your dentist will probably see the signs before you do.

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Oral cancer can affect any part of the mouth, lips, or the back of the throat. About 35,000 Americans are diagnosed with some forms of oral cancer each year, and of those, approximately 7,500 will die from the condition. Most oral cancers — about two-thirds — are found in the mouth, while the rest are found in the pharynx, a part of the throat that’s just behind the mouth and nasal cavity.

Who Is at Risk for Oral Cancer?

You are at increased risk of developing oral cancer if you: · 

• Use tobacco products. Tobacco use — smoking cigarettes, pipes, or cigars, or using snuff or chewing tobacco — causes 75 percent of all cases of oral cancer. ·
• Drink alcohol. Heavy alcohol use, especially when combined with tobacco use, increases your risk of developing oral cancer. ·
• Get too much sun, which can increase your risk of developing lip cancer. ·
• Eat an unhealthy diet, which can increase your overall cancer risk. ·
• Are over the age of 40. Most people who are diagnosed with oral cancer are over 40. ·
• Are male. Oral cancer is twice as likely to affect men as women.

Therefore, you can reduce your risk of oral cancer by eating a healthy diet, avoiding tobacco, drinking alcohol only in moderation, and limiting your exposure to the sun.

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer symptoms include:

• A lump, sore, irritation, thick patch, or rough spot anywhere in your mouth, throat, or on your lips
• A red or white patch or bump in your mouth
• A sensation that something is stuck in your throat
• Problems with swallowing or chewing
• Difficulty moving your tongue or jaw
• A numb or painful tongue or numbness in other areas of your mouth
• A swollen jaw
• Ill-fitting dentures
• Ear pain without loss of hearing
• A mouth or lip sore that won’t heal or bleeds easily
• Change in color of your mouth

While these symptoms may also indicate less serious health issues, if you experience any of them for more than two weeks, see a dentist for evaluation.

Checking for oral cancer is a regular part of dental check-ups. At each check-up, your dentist or hygienist will examine your entire mouth for signs of precancerous spots and may spot something before you can see it.

If your dentist finds a suspicious spot, he may perform a brush test, in which cells are collected from that lesion and sent to a lab for testing. If any precancerous cells are found, treatment will usually involve surgical removal of the lesion. The tissue will then be sent to a lab to determine if it’s malignant or benign.. Radiation may also be needed.

The Long-Term Outlook for Oral Cancer

The survival rate for people who have oral cancers is poor — just about half of all of those diagnosed with oral cancer survive beyond five years. This is probably because a lot of oral cancer is caught in later stages, when it’s harder to treat. That’s why it’s so important to seek regular dental care, so your dentist can identify suspected oral cancers early and you can be treated as soon as possible.

Regular checkups and good dental care are your best defenses against oral cancer and other oral health conditions.

Crown lengthening can minimize the amount of gum that’s viewable in your smile and can make teeth look longer.

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If you’re bothered by a “gummy” smile or teeth that you feel are too small, you may want to consider crown lengthening. This cosmetic dentistry procedure can beautify your smile by exposing more of your teeth.

What Is Crown Lengthening?

Crown lengthening is an oral surgery treatment that involves removing excess gum tissue, and possibly some bone, around the upper teeth to make them look longer. It’s a common procedure performed by dentists, or gum specialists.

“If the gum line is uneven, crown lengthening can also sculpt the gum line to produce a more symmetrical smile,” says Dr. Harms. Crown lengthening may be done for dental care and medical reasons as well as for the cosmetic effect. If there’s decay or fracture under the gum line, for example, crown lengthening can help expose more of the tooth’s crown in order to support a filling or porcelain crown.

What Does Crown Lengthening Involve?

Crown lengthening involves oral surgery performed under local anesthesia. After the area is numbed, the dentist makes small cuts to pull the gums away from the teeth and remove excess gum. In some cases, removing gum tissue is all that is needed to expose more of the crown. But if there is too much soft tissue and bone covering the crown, a tiny bit of bone may need to be taken out, too. After the surgery is completed, the gums are washed with sterile salt water and stitched up.

Unlike many cosmetic dentistry treatments, crown lengthening only needs to be done once, with no requirement for touch-ups down the road. The surgery can usually be completed in 30 minutes to an hour..

Following surgery, you’ll be given a prescription for a pain reliever and instructed to use ice to reduce any swelling. You’ll want to eat a diet of fairly soft foods and brush your teeth carefully in the area near the stitches, which will come out in 7 to 10 days. Complete healing of the gums can take up to three months, however. At that point, you may opt to have veneers or another cosmetic dentistry procedure done, such as bonding or tooth whitening.

If you have excessive or uneven gums, crown lengthening can transform your smile and give you just the right look — and as an added bonus, it may just improve your overall dental health as well.

It’s colorless, flavorless, and doesn’t get enough credit for how great it is:
We’re talking about water! Here are some of the great things water does for you:

Water keeps you cool. Drink it, spray it, dump it on yourself, jump in it—there’s really no bad way to use water to cool down.

Water helps your skin look its best. When you’re dehydrated, your skin can be more prone to wrinkling and cracking.

Water helps prevent bad breath. That’s right—one of the most common causes of bad breath is dehydration. When there’s not enough saliva in your mouth, bacteria can thrive, which leads to bad odors.

Water is calorie-free! Need some refreshment? Whether you take it sparkling, iced or plain, water can quench your thirst without any added caloric intake.

Water can help clean your teeth. In between brushings, water is one of the most useful dental tools you can use, because it washes away foods and liquids that can damage your teeth. It’s not a replacement for brushing and flossing, but it can definitely help.

When you have diabetes, the disease affects blood vessels and nerves and therefore can cause problems in any part of the body, including the mouth. The most common oral health problem affecting those with diabetes is gum disease, but there are many other issues diabetics are more prone to.

These problems include:

Oral Infections: swelling, pus, foul odor, bad taste, pain in the mouth or sinus area, pain when chewing, and red or white patches in the mouth may all be signs of an infection. Controlling your blood sugar may be more difficult with an infection, so be sure to discuss treatment options with your dentist.

Fungal Infections: People with diabetes and those who frequently take antibiotics are more prone to developing oral thrush, a fungal infection. Symptoms of this include redness or bleeding in the mouth, a bitter taste, white patches on the cheeks, lips, tongue or back of mouth and pain in the mouth or throat. Thrush is typically treated with anti-fungal medications.

Dry Mouth: Dry mouth is caused either by medications being taken for diabetes or by high blood sugar. Dry mouth increases your risk for many other oral health problems like cavities, ulcers and infections. If you have dry mouth, try drinking more fluids or chewing sugar-free gum to encourage saliva to continue flowing.

Keep your dentist informed of your diabetes treatments, and be sure to mention changes in your mouth at every dental appointment. Updating your medical history with new or discontinued medications/treatments, is very important.

Sources:
http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/oral-health-and-hygiene/more-on-the-mouth.html
http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/dental-health-dental-care-diabetes

Do you wake up in the morning with a sore jaw or a dull, constant headache? You may be grinding or clenching your teeth at night. In the dental world, this is also referred to as Bruxism.

Not only is this a painful issue, but teeth grinding can do damage to your teeth. If it happens on a regular basis, it can erode tooth enamel and damage dental work. Grinding can also contribute to TMJ (temporal mandibular disorder) and periodontal disease.

There are several reasons why grinding happens. While stress or anxiety can be one cause, more commonly it is caused by an abnormal bite, crooked or missing teeth. It’s important to visit your dentist for an examination; but in the meantime, here are some ways to prevent grinding:

1. Wear a HARD mouth guard at night. Try to avoid universal store bought guards. A custom fit, hard night guard is your best defense against grinding/clenching. You can get custom made at your dentist. A mouth guard will also help protect your enamel when you grind your teeth.

2. Relieve the stress. If you think stress is the cause, try exercising, meditation, taking a warm bath, getting a spa treatment, or other ways you know will help you relax. Make an extra effort to relax right before bedtime.

3. Relax your jaw. Grinding all night can make your jaw feel sore. Try to relieve the tension throughout the day by giving yourself mini jaw massages. Also, try not to chew on non-food items (like the end of pencils or your nails) to give your jaw a break.

4. Be aware. If you find yourself grinding your teeth during the day, try to stay aware of it and relax your jaw as soon as you notice you’re doing it. If you think you are grinding your teeth at night, see your dentist so they can examine your mouth for the signs and recommend a course of action.

The main issue with Gingivitis is that it does not hurt. Dental health is not just about brushing your teeth. Taking care of your gums is an extremely important part of your dental health. Gingivitis is a silent disease and if your gums are not healthy, without regular visits to your dentist, you may not even know! However, If you notice any of these red flags below, be sure to visit your dentist soon.

Swelling, Redness, or Puffiness: These are usually signs of inflammation and may possibly be an early indicator of gingivitis (gum disease). It can also be a sign of a viral or bacterial infection or may be caused by changes in hormones.

Receding Gum Line: Gum recession happens when the gum tissue wears away, exposing more of the tooth and sometimes even the root. Receding gums can be caused by gum disease, but it can also occur from brushing too hard, hormonal changes or even from grinding or clenching your teeth.

Bleeding: Bleeding gums are never normal and are also a sign of gum disease or brushing too hard. If you just started flossing, your gums may bleed a little at first but the bleeding should stop after about a week. Taking blood thinners may also cause your gums to bleed.

Bad Breath: Gum disease can cause pockets to form between the teeth and gums, where plaque and food debris collect. Some people may experience recurring bad breath or a bad taste in their mouth, even if the disease is not advanced.

Many gum issues are a symptom of gum disease. It’s important to see your dentist so the cause can be treated before it advances.

Stress. We all experience it in one form or another. Some of us experience it more often than not. Stress can take a toll on our emotional well being and it can impact physical health! Stress can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart disease. It can affect sleep and memory, cause headaches, and worsen depression. In Addition to all of that, stress can wreak havoc on your teeth! Here’s what you need to know:

Bruxism (teeth grinding): High levels of stress can lead you to grind your teeth during the day, at night or clench your jaw. If you think you might be doing this, talk to your dentist about getting a HARD night guard to protect your teeth. Prolonged teeth grinding can wear down your enamel, cause tooth decay or sensitivity, and may even do permanent damage to the jaw.

Periodontal Disease: Long-term stress can weaken your immune system. When the immune system is weak, your body has a harder time fighting off bacteria, which makes you more susceptible to infections like gum disease.

Canker Sores: Although the cause of canker sores is not known for sure, one potential trigger may be stress.

If you think you are experiencing symptoms of stress, it is extra important to take care of yourself. Some stress relievers may include yoga, meditation,exercise, diet and even counseling.

To help ensure oral health is not being affected, be vigilant about brushing, flossing, eating healthy foods, and drinking plenty of water. This can minimize the negative impacts of stress.

Nothing to Fear

In spite of the dental technology that has made dentistry virtually pain-free, dental fear and anxiety still keeps millions of patients away from the dental office every year. For these patients, local anesthesia is not enough to treat the psychological factors of their condition. A sedative is often needed to put them at ease during dental treatment. Conscious sedation is an excellent alternative to treat dental anxiety so your dentist can get to work on your teeth! Conscious sedation dentistry allows you to enter a state of relaxation while staying awake during the procedure. Although you won’t feel any pain, you will be able to respond to your dentist’s questions and commands. As communication is key with any dentist-patient relationship, conscious sedation is an excellent option for fearful dental patients.

Dental Sedation in a Nutshell

There are several types of sedation dentistry used to treat different levels of dental anxiety, each putting you in varied states of relaxation:

Light Sedation—with minimal sedation, you are relaxed while remaining awake and alert.

Moderate Sedation—you will remain conscious during a procedure, but you probably won’t remember much about it. While you’re able to communicate, you may feel groggy and slur your words. Some patients do fall asleep with moderate sedation but can be easily woken back up.

Deep Sedation—this renders you either semi- or totally unconscious during your dental procedure, and does not usually fall under the category of conscious sedation. You will not regain consciousness until the drug wears off or is reversed, and recovery time takes longer. Most forms of conscious sedation is also referred to as sleep dentistry even though you remain awake during the procedure!

Choose your Administration

There are several ways conscious sedation can be administered:

Inhalation Sedation—Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is considered a light form of dental sedation. Your sedation dentist will administer the nitrous oxide though a mask that’s placed over your nose. The gas is inhaled through the nose and expelled through the mouth. When the procedure is over, the nitrous oxide wears off almost immediately with minimal to no side effects or recovery time.

Oral sedation—oral medication used for sedation purposes produces a light to moderate effect depending on the strength of the prescription. Oral sedation usually comes in the form of a pill taken an hour before the procedure. Although you’ll be able to respond to your dentist’s commands, you may feel sleepy. Recovery time will take longer, and you’ll need an escort to drive you home. Although rare, side effects may include nausea and vomiting.

IV Sedation—like oral sedation, IV sedation is considered moderate. The difference is the drugs are delivered intravenously, producing an effect much sooner. IV sedation also allows your dentist to adjust the level of sedation needed during the procedure.

General Anesthesia

Note that general anesthesia is not included on the above list. General anesthesia is a form of deep sedation, and it is the only dental sedation that puts you to sleep. But before you jump at the chance of using general anesthesia to treat your dental fear, you should understand all that is involved.

General anesthesia can only be administered by and anesthesiologist, dental anesthesiologist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon. If your general or cosmetic dentist doesn’t have the facilities or certifications needed for general anesthesia—and most don’t—you may need to have your work done in a hospital, which includes separate fees. There are also certain risks involved with general anesthesia that are not present with conscious sedation dentistry; one example is the need for assisted breathing. Regardless, general anesthesia may be an option for those who don’t respond to conscious sedation, need extensive dental work or are too mentally or emotionally disabled to understand the nature of their dental visits.

Going Local

Conscious sedation is not a painkiller, and in most cases you’ll still need a local anesthetic during your dental procedure. If you strictly suffer from a fear of needles, conscious sedation can help. With conscious sedation, your dentist will easily be able to administer shots of anesthesia while your mind wanders elsewhere.

Not to be Taken Lightly

Conscious sedation is considered relatively safe—but as with any medicine, there are risk factors. To ensure your safety, dental sedatives should only be administered by those with appropriate training. Your dentist will consider your health background when choosing a form of dental sedation for you. We’re the first step in helping you get back on the road to excellent dental health!! Call Us Today!!

If you’ve done any research into dental implant treatments in Largo, or All-on-4 replacement teeth, you’ve likely seen something about a procedure called “Same Day Dental Implants.” But what is it – and more importantly – are you a candidate for teeth in a day?

The number one requirement for same day implants is healthy bone, and enough of it. Using a conservative approach, we’ll choose the best type of implant so that you don’t need surgery like a sinus lift. If you lack bone quality, it may be necessary to perform a graft in anatomically challenged areas (fortunately, grafts start as low as $375). Regardless of the complexity of your smile, we have a certified prosthodontist on staff who is equipped to care for even the most challenging implant cases.

It Depends on the Health of Your Smile

If any teeth need to be removed prior to the implant placement, they will be extracted at the same appointment. Rest assured, your mouth will be thoroughly numbed so that you do not experience any unnecessary discomfort. Sedation options (including laughing gas, oral, and IV sedation) are available for your anxiety needs.

Next, the implant root will be placed directly into the area of the missing tooth. It’s possible to replace either single teeth or full arches of teeth in just one day! In most cases, we will use a temporary crown or provisional denture, allow the area to grow new bone and heal, and then place a more permanent restoration eight to twelve weeks later.

Our Largo implants start as low as $2,650 for one implant and crown, and $6,950 for hybrid dentures. We have something for every budget, whether you have insurance or not. We’ll even show you how to file your own claims, so that you spend less than you would expect on your treatment once everything is said and done.

Are implants right for you? Call our certified prosthodontist today to find out! New Patient Special: Free Implant Consultation or $60 Limited Oral Exam includes exam and x-ray