Oral cancer is on the rise and, of all major cancers, has the worse five-year survival rate … only 54%. The death rate of oral cancer is higher than cervical cancer or melanoma. It is the seventh most common cancer among males with incidence and mortality rates almost three times higher for men than women.

Oral cancer includes cancer of the tongue, lip, palate, floor of the mouth, gum tissue, and oropharynx. Most lesions grow slowly; however, some double in size within a few days or a week. Being aware of the signs and symptoms of oral cancer is in the best interest of your health. These include:
• A sore in the mouth that bleeds easily and does not heal
• Pain, burning sensation, or numbness in the tongue or other areas in the mouth
• Change in texture of the tongue
• Sore throat or feeling there is something stuck in the throat
• Change in voice or hoarseness
• White or red patch on tongue, gums, or tonsil
• Browning discoloration that borders the lip
• Lump, ulcer, or swelling of jaw, neck, or oral tissues
• Thickening of soft oral tissues of the mouth

Early detection is vital, with survival rates as high as 81%. Late intervention has an average survival rate of 17% or less. Most dental check-ups include an annual examination for signs of oral cancer. The screening process is painless and takes only minutes.

React quickly to any symptoms by calling (828) 274-9440 for an examination.

Recently, I’ve been seeing ads for ‘clinics’ promoting dental implants. They make the process sound quick, easy and a good deal. However, as a dental specialist, I understand these ‘quick and cheap’ options come with risks.

When someone offers a ‘package deal’ on something as intricate as dental implant procedures, it can quickly fall short of the good deal it seems. We all want to know that the time and money we invest in anything is a good value. Putting your long-term oral health and well-being in the hands of quickie solutions can have pitfalls.

Your dentist knows your health history, commitment to oral hygiene in the office and at-home regimen. He or she also understands your preferences in appearance and function as well as comfort needs. When working with a periodontist, he or she communicates all history and aspects of your oral health and overall preferences. We then work together as a personalized team on your behalf. This lessens the potential for factors that can contribute to implant complications or eventual failure (resulting in removal).

Since some clinics offer only one particular implant system, performing them in bulk may allow them to give you a better rate. Yet, the type of implant placed may not be the best one for your individual needs; something that can come back to haunt you later.

There are many types of implants designed for specific needs, such as those for people who have lost a lot of jaw bone mass or those who want non-removable teeth. The cost for dental implants is such that ‘having it done right the first time’ is not something to be overlooked.

You deserve to know all the options that are appropriate for your individual needs and goals. Having it ‘done right the first time’ is the best way to achieve a lasting, successful outcome. Call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation.

The human body is a miraculous creation. From the moment you put food in your mouth, a process begins to break the contents down. This initial stage of digestion is of tremendous benefit to your body’s ability to absorb protein, vitamins and minerals. However, what takes place in the mouth can also create challenges to your teeth and gums.

Every time you eat or drink (other than water), an acid attack begins in the mouth. This acid can erode tooth enamel and open the door for oral bacteria accumulation. And, the worst type of acid attacks occur from consuming sugary foods and beverages.

Perhaps you enjoy a candy bar and soda mid-afternoons as a snack. Because the acid attack will last as long as you’re consuming, if you sip on a soda over the course of an hour, the acid’s destruction will last that long. This is why you should eat sweets as dessert rather than between meals as a snack. Since your mouth is already enduring an acid attack from your meal, extending it with dessert is better than triggering a new one during the day.

Brushing your teeth will negate the ill-effects of this acid. However, we recommend waiting about 30 minutes after eating since tooth enamel is at its most vulnerable in the midst and just following the acid’s presence. Give your saliva a half hour to dilute it and then brush. When you can’t brush, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. If you experience dry mouth due to medications or age, we can recommend rinses to keep your mouth moist and provide oral cleansing benefits.

Snacks such as carrots, celery and apples actually help to clean your teeth and cause a less-severe acid attack as those brought on by sweets. Be conscious of how your body shape AND your smile can benefit from healthier, well-paced eating and you’ll achieve a healthier you from head to toe!

Recent statistics on Americans who floss on a daily basis are just slightly more than 50%. With only half of Americans flossing daily, it nearly parallels the averaged percentage of men and women who brush their teeth twice a day. Only 57% of women brush twice daily with only 49% of men brushing twice daily.

Tooth brushing should last for two minutes and done twice each day. Daily flossing takes around a minute once you are in the habit and comfortable with the technique. These measures help you to avoid cavities and the development of gingivitis.

Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal (gum) disease. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) shows that nearly 53% of American adults over the age of 20 have gingivitis.

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums. This begins when bacteria multiply and create a sticky film on oral surfaces, which hardens into plaque if not removed on a daily basis. Signs of gingivitis include gums that bleed easily, become tender and redden in color. If allowed to progress, gingivitis develops into periodontal disease, which is the nation’s leading cause of tooth loss.

Sadly, 24% of adult males in America between the ages of 65 – 74 have had all their natural teeth extracted with females at 27%. These are sad statistics in a country where dental care is plentiful. Yet, as statistics show, it’s not a priority for far too many. If you suspect any form of periodontal disease, call (828) 274-9440. We’ll help you avoid the pitfalls of gum disease.