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December 17, 2008
- Gum Disease and Health
Did you doctor ever recommend a dental cleaning to help with you high blood pressure or diabetes? Probably not.
The connection between high blood pressure or diabetes and gum (periodontal) disease is only now coming to light. Recent studies have been awakening an interest in both the medical and dental professions for helping patients with diabetes, atherosclerosis, lung and kidney disease. The link seems to be between the bacterial infection present in untreated gum disease and the blood stream. When these bacterial irritate the blood vessels in the mouth, an inflammatory process is established which can spread through the body. The bacteria leak into the bloodstream and establish colonies in the blood vessel of the heart. The body tries to protect itself and thickens the walls of these arteries, called hardening.
December 15, 2008
- Human Papilloma (HPV) Virus Linked to Oral Cancer
Risk factors for oral cancer are changing. Classic risk factors of smoking and alcohol still point to increased incidence, but now human papillomavirus is rising to prominence as cause of oral cancer. We have known for quite some time that 98% of cervical cancers were caused by HPV. The same behaviors that spread HPV can also infect the mouth.
Read more on Human Papilloma (HPV) Virus Linked to Oral Cancer…
December 6, 2008
- What is Panoramic Radiography? What to expect.
Panoramic radiography is a unique extraoral (outside the mouth) technique that allows the dentist to view all teeth and their related structures, from one jaw joint to the other. It is used for general screening for structural problems, like a broken jaw, as well as infections, and developmental problems and tumors. Is in limited in its ability to diagnose cavities and gum disease. This type of survey is recommended once every five years.
Read more on What is Panoramic Radiography? What to expect….
November 18, 2008
- What is a Family Dentist, Really?
Thirty years ago when I started my practice, family dentistry meant the same as general dentistry. People expected the family dentist to be a jack-of all trades, providing a wide menu of services like orthodontics, root canals, extraction and dentures. Dentists were expected to treat patients of all ages from early childhood through the elderly.
November 14, 2008
- Oral Cancer – What You Need To Know
About Oral Cancer
Most people are surprised to learn that one American dies every hour from oral cancer; a death rate that has remained virtually unchanged for more than 40 years. In fact, recent statistics published by the American Cancer Society indicate that while the incidence and death rates for cancers overall has decreased, the incidence of oral cancer has increased by 5.5% and the death rate has increased by 1.5%