Dental Health News Dr. Qureshi and his staff continuously work to educate patients on dental health issues and on new research and news that can help to ensure healthy bright smiles for a lifetime. Check back regularly for new information and news, or contact our office with any questions.

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Importance of Oral Cancer Screening & Early Detection During your Dental Exam & Cleaning

In the United States an estimated 36,450 new cases of cancer of the oral cavity are diagnosed annually.  Nearly 7,880 people die of cancer of the oral cavity each year. 

Risk Factors

Traditional risk factors for oral cancer include tobacco and alcohol use.  High-risk sites in the oral cavity that have a higher rate of malignant transformation include the tongue and floor of the mouth.  Cancer of the gingival (gum tissue) is less common.

Symptoms

Oral cancer can present with many different symptoms.  Often, a non-healing ulcer (wound), whether or not it is painful, is the first presenting symptom. 

Other symptoms that should raise suspicion of an oral cavity cancer include:  white or red spots, bleeding mouth sores, increased mouth pain, loose teeth, poor-fitting dentures, non-healing extraction socket, ear pain, lip or tongue numbness, difficulty/painful swallowing, change in speech or a lump in the neck.  It is very important to remember that any white/red lesion or ulcer in the mouth that has not healed within three weeks should be evaluated by a dentist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

 

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Healthy Gums Help You to Stay in Shape

Periodontal disease can lead to Weight control and effect physical fitness.

The health complications of being overweight, such as increased risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and certain cancers, have long been reported.  Health care professionals often urge patients to manage their weight and strive to get physical exercise each day to achieve and maintain overall health.  And now, researchers have uncovered another fact about maintaining a fit lifestyle:  Healthy teeth and gums.

Periodontal disease involves inflammation and infection that destroys the tissues that support the teeth, including the gums, the periodontal ligaments, and the tooth sockets. Gingivitis is a form of periodontal disease.

In a study published by the Journal of Periodontology, Japanese researchers found that subjects who had a lower incidence of severe periodontitis , maintained a healthy weight and had high levels of physical fitness. Over one thousand subjects aged 20 to 77 were studied in a combined medical and dental study.  Using body mass index (BMI) and percent body fat as a measure of weight control, and maxi-mal oxygen consumption (VO2max) as a measure of physical fitness, researchers compared subjects’ weight and fitness variables with the results of a periodontal examination.  Those with the lowest BMI and highest levels of fitness had significantly lower rates of severe periodontitis.

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Research Shows Periodontal Disease Underestimated

In a National Health and Nutrition Examination survey, a full-mouth, comprehensive periodontal examination was conducted over 450 adults over the age of 35.  The implication is that more American adults may suffer from moderate to severe periodontal disease than previously thought. 

Periodontal disease involves inflammation and infection that destroys the tissues that support the teeth, including the gums, the periodontal ligaments, and the tooth sockets. Gingivitis is a form of periodontal disease.

Research published in The Journal of Dental Research from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) suggests that the prevalence of periodontal disease may have been underestimated by as much as 50 percent. 

To help prevent periodontal disease, Dr. Qureshi recommends routine cleanings and examinations at least every 6 months.

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