Oral Cancer – The Ugly Truth

Posted on Mar 15, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Oral cancer is cancer of the mouth and most commonly involves the lips or the tongue. It may also occur on the gums, roof of the mouth, under the tongue or lining of cheeks.

If the cancer is found early, before it can spread to other tissues, the survival rate is 90%. However, more than half of oral cancers have spread by the time the cancer is found, most spreading to the throat or neck.

Oral cancer tends to spread quickly. Treating oral cancer early, when tumors are small, may require surgical removal only. For larger tumors, surgery may be combined with radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Surgery is not commonly done if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes in the neck.

About 1 in 4 with oral cancer die because of delayed diagnosis and treatment complications. Approximately half of patients with oral cancer will live more than 5 years after diagnosis and treatment. Treatment can leave the survivor with disfigurement of the face and/or neck, speech problems, and difficulty chewing and swallowing.

Some oral cancers begin as a white sore or spot. While smoking and other tobacco use are linked to most cases of oral cancer, heavy alcohol use also increases its risk. Men over the age of 40 have a higher risk than women. Other risk factors are the HPV virus, poor oral hygiene, chronic irritation, or medications that weaken the immune system.

Early symptoms of oral cancer include a sore, lump, or ulcer in the mouth. You may also experience pain with swallowing, speech difficulties, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and weight loss.

If you have a sore in your mouth or lip or a lump in the neck that does not go away within 2 weeks, you should be seen in our office immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer greatly increases the chances of survival. Call us at 828-274-9440 so we can catch problems at the earliest possible stage.

Years Since Your Last Dental Visit? No Lectures Here!

Posted on Jan 29, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

It’s not unusual to see a new patient who has not had dental care for years — sometimes ten years or more. I occasionally have these patients share that one of the reasons they’ve avoided care is dreading the lecture they’ll get. While this is often an unfounded perception, a ‘lecture’ by a Dentist or his/her staff tends to be a turn-off, particularly to those who have avoided care because of fear.

Trying to guilt an adult into dental care often has the opposite effect. Lectures and making patients feel ‘bad’ about their failure to maintain a healthy mouth typically causes one to feel belittled. This is unfortunate since it is difficult enough to motivate fearful adults into a dental office in the first place.

If you haven’t seen a dentist in years, you should know that the percentage of American adults who have dental fear is about the same as those with some level of gum disease. The first stage, gingivitis, is typically resolved with conservative periodontal therapy. Gingivitis is not only due to insufficient oral hygiene. It can also be caused by stress, smoking, age, genetics, hormonal changes, pregnancy, conditions such as diabetes, certain medications, and some diseases.

As dental caregivers, it is not our job to judge, but rather restore patients to optimal oral health. We know each person deserves to be respected since the step to receive much-needed dentistry can be a major one for many. This is especially true for adults who have high fear or anxiety associated with dental visits. The most important thing is to regain good oral health. The sooner this occurs, the bigger the savings in time and expense versus treatment necessary for advanced problems.

Ready for respect, TLC, and a terrific smile? Call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation.

A Fit Body Gives Oral Health A Boost, Too!

Posted on Jan 22, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

If your New Year’s Resolution to get in shape has you dragging about now, don’t give up! Your oral health could benefit, too! A study has shown that over 63% of American adults are either overweight or obese.

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine found that the risk of gum disease lowers when fat cells decrease. The study measured obese adults, some of whom were having bariatric surgery. All were given periodontal treatment and oral hygiene home care instructions. While both groups showed improvement, the surgery group showed the most favorable results.

Apparently, an overabundance of fat cells secrete more cytokines. This makes insulin more resistant to proper function, allowing more sugar in the blood. By reducing fat cells, insulin becomes less resistant and actually aids the body’s response to periodontal treatment.

Along with cytokines, the leptin hormone has been linked to inflammation. Because leptin helps to regulate metabolism, its production was reduced after bariatric surgery. This tends to boost the effectiveness of periodontal treatment.

Inflammation from gum disease can erode bone and cause tooth loss. It also enables harmful oral bacteria to enter the blood stream. This bacteria has been linked to preterm birth, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and more.

The study, too, is another example of how intricately oral health and overall health are connected. Keeping your gums and teeth in good condition prevent harmful bacteria from causing inflammation in the body. By the same token, a healthy body seems to create a better foundation for the gums. So, stick to your resolve to get in shape and remember to smile on that treadmill! It’s worth it!

Different Treatment Needed For Different Levels Of Gum Disease

Posted on Jan 14, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

The most appropriate treatment for periodontal (gum) disease depends on its level at the time of treatment. A Periodontist is trained to treat all types of gum disease in the manner that is least invasive. This can often be accomplished non-surgically.

For many types of gum disease, a non-surgical Scaling & Root Planing may be sufficient. This procedure is a careful cleaning of tooth root surfaces that removes plaque and calculus (tartar). It also smooths tooth roots, which removes bacterial toxins. Scaling & Root Planing is typically followed by application of anti-bacterial medications.

Although Scaling & Root Planing is an effective process for many patients, non-surgical periodontal treatment has limitations. When the level of periodontal disease requires more-intensive therapy, surgery may be needed to fully restore good oral health that can be maintained with the help of regular oral hygiene visits.

The stages of gum disease that require Scaling & Root Planing are those more extensive than Gingivitis, which is the mildest form of periodontal disease. Gingivitis causes red, swollen gums that bleed easily. With professional treatment and rigorous oral home care, Gingivitis is normally reversible. Although the most common cause of Gingivitis is poor oral hygiene, other contributing causes are diabetes, stress, hormonal changes, pregnancy, substance abuse, certain medications, smoking, age, genetics, and some other diseases or conditions in the body.

As untreated Gingivitis progresses, Periodontitis begins. This occurs when plaque forms below the gum line. Because plaque is a hardened mass of bacteria, this bacterial onslaught produces toxins that inflame gum tissue.

Once toxins activate chronic inflammation, the body’s defense systems can no longer overcome the damage. Tissues and bone that support teeth are destroyed and gums begin to separate from the teeth. Bacterial pockets form between the teeth and become infected.

As Periodontitis progresses, the bacteria-filled pockets deepen and destroy more levels of gum tissue and bone. Amazingly, this damage can occur in many patients who experience only mild symptoms. This is why gum disease is often referred to as a ‘silent’ disease.

Periodontal surgical treatment, however, is deemed a surgical procedure because the Periodontist must make incisions in gum tissues to reach all areas where periodontal bacteria has penetrated. To ensure patients are relaxed and comfortable, they are typically sedated throughout the procedure.

This is why people who experience ANY symptoms of gum disease, or are told by their Dentist or Hygienist that it exists, should have immediate treatment. When caught early, treatment requires less time with less expense than surgical treatment needed for more advanced levels.