Oral cancer is a common form of cancer, with roughly 35,000 new cases reported annually in the United States. The most frequent oral cancer sites are in the tongue, the floor of the mouth, the soft palate, the tissues in the lips, gums and the back of the tongue. If not diagnosed and treated in its early stages, oral cancer can spread, leading to chronic pain, loss of oral function, irreparable facial and oral disfigurement following surgery, and even death. For this reason, it's important to regularly visit your dentist so he or she can perform a thorough screening for oral cancer.

How do dentists screen for cancer?

Your dentist will screen for oral cancer during routine checkups. During the screening he or she will feel for lumps or irregular tissue changes in your neck, head, cheeks, and oral cavity and will thoroughly examine the soft tissues in your mouth specifically looking for sores or discolored tissues.

What causes oral cancer?

Scientists aren't sure of the exact cause of oral cancer. However, the carcinogens in tobacco products and alcohol, as well as excessive exposure to sun, have been found to increase the risk of developing cancer. Research also suggests that some forms of oral cancer may be caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

What are the warning signs?

Oral cancer - represented by red, white, or discolored lesions and 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 may become more painful. 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 can I prevent oral cancer?

You can help prevent oral cancer by abstaining from all forms of tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption. According to a study in May/June 2007 issue of General Dentistry, the clinical, peer-reviewed journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), vaccines that have been developed to treat HPV might decrease the risk of developing oral cancer. Because successful treatment and rehabilitation are dependant on early detection it is extremely important to regularly check your mouth for changes in appearance and 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. During your next visit, ask your dentist to do an oral cancer screening.

Academy of General Dentistry , June 2010

Nearly one in 12 Americans has diabetes, bringing the U.S. total to nearly 26 million, according to recent reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  These new data show a 9 percent increase from 2008, which the DCD links to an increase in obesity-related type 2 diabetes and expanded life spans.  Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases classified by increased levels of blood glucose due to insufficient insulin production or improper insulin response.  The CDC estimates that diabetes costs nearly $174 billion annually in the United States alone.  Complications of diabetes may include heart disease and stroke, hypertension, vision problems, and dental disease.

AGD Impact, May 2011

Approximately 3 percent of U.S. adolescents are affected by eating disorders, many of which go untreated, according to the National Comorbidity Study-Adolescent Supplement (NCS-A) survey.  Results from this comprehensive analysis of eating disorders indicate 1.6 percent of teens, ages 13 to 18 have been affected by binge-eating disorder.  Additionally, 0.9 percent of adolescents were affected by bulimia and 0.3 percent by anorexia.  Nearly half of these teens also showed signs of depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders, including thoughts of suicide.

AGD Impact, May 2011

Antimicrobial, alcohol-free mouthwash containing cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) may reduce the risk of premature birth in pregnant women who use it twice daily, according to a recent clinical trial sponsored by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Proctor & Gamble Co.  Trial results showed that pregnant women using mouthwash with the ammonium-based compound were less likely to experience premature birth than women who did not use the mouthwash, 6.1 percent and 21.9 percent, respectively.  Statistics show that pregnancy hormones associated with an increased incidence of gum swelling and irritation may lead to premature birth.  CPC is an antiseptic known to reduce this irritation and swelling by killing bacteria and microorganisms in the mouth.

AGD Impact, May 2011

Toothpaste Nitty- Gritty

Toothpaste has many functions: It eliminates and/or masks bad breath, removes dental plaque and food from your teeth,and polishes your teeth and removes stains over time. Overall, toothpaste promotes good oral health.

What’s in toothpaste?

Toothpaste, also known as dentifrice, is available in paste, gel, or powder form. Despite the many types of toothpaste that exist, some ingredients are common to most varieties.

These include:

*   Abrasives to grind away the left- over food and plaque on your teeth with the help of your toothbrush. In addition, abrasives polish your teeth and remove stains over time.

*   Fluoride to make the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and premote remineralization., which makes your teeth stronger.

*   Antimicrobial agents, such as xylitol or triclosan, to fight the bacteria of dental plaque and gum disease.

*   Surfactants (detergents) and foaming agents away debris from the mouth and between teeth.

*    Anti-tarter agents to help prevent the formation of tarter also referred to as calcified plaque.

*    Desensitizing agents to relieve tooth sensitivity.

*   Binding agents, which bind all the components of the toothpaste together.

*    Humectant to prevent your toothpaste from drying up.

*    Flavor to make the brushing experience more enjoyable.

*      Sweetening agents to make the formulation more suitable for oral use.

Why do toothpastes contain abrasives?

  Like other products that are designed to clean, toothpastes contain abrasive agents to help scrub and remove stains while also polising and cleaning teeth. Abrasives also make the teeth appear whiter by removing stains from the tooth surface.While toothpaste must be abrasive enough to scrub away stubborn stain and harmful bacteria, it must not be so abrasive that it wears away vital tooth enamel.

How do I minimize the risk of tooth wear?

   Wear on the teeth can be minimized by selecting  the right toothpaste and by practicing proper brushing techniques, which includes using short and gentle strokes in a circular motion with a soft-bristle brush.

How do I know which toothpaste is right for me?

When it comes to choosing the best toothpaste for you, it's important to think about your unique oral health needs. Some toothpastes aim to alleviate pain associated with sensitive teeth. Some help control plaque and tarter. Some are designed to remove stains and whitten teeth. Because each brand of toothpaste is uniquely formulated to perform a specific function, speak with dentist to determine which is right for you.

Source: AGD Jan.2010