Leading Causes of Oral Cancer

Unlike other types of cancer, oral cancer includes cancer of the lips, tongue, cheek, throat, and sinuses.  It is life threatening if not caught early enough and treated properly.  Children and young adults have minimal risk for oral cancer, but the odds increase over the age of 45. Men are more likely to be diagnosed with oral cancer over women.

Despite the numerous varieties of oral cancer, there are similar symptoms and signs. The most common symptoms are:

  • Swollen lumps or bumps inside the mouth and on the gums
  • Velvety patches in the mouth
  • Bleeding or numbness in any area of the mouth or neck
  • Sores on the face, neck, or mouth that last longer than 2 weeks
  • Trouble chewing or swallowing (moving the jaw)
  • Ear pain
  • A change in how your teeth fit together
  • Dramatic weight change

These signs should not be ignored, and if you are seeing any of these symptoms, contact your dentist.  The symptoms above are confirmed risks that lead to oral cancer if they are not treated in a timely manner.

Oral Cancer may produce those signs and symptoms, but what causes oral cancer? It is impossible to rank the causes by absolute certainty because there are so many factors in diagnosing cancer. Here are some of the most common causes of oral cancer.

Leading Causes of Oral Cancer

Smoking & Tobacco Products

Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or any tobacco product increases your chance of developing oral cancer by six times. This includes smokeless products like chewing tobacco and dip. Those who use smokeless tobacco products like chewing tobacco and dip are 50 times more likely to have oral cancer in the lip, cheek, and gums.

The longer you use tobacco, the greater your risk.  Continuation of smoking or partaking in smokeless tobacco products after receiving treatments for oral cancer increases your risk for developing a second type of oral cancer.

Studies show that second-hand smoke may increase the risk of oral cancer. If you do smoke, be mindful of those around you as to not pass along second-hand smoke.

Alcohol

Alcohol is one of the leading risks for oral cancer. The more you drink, the more likely you are to develop cancer. Alcohol helps harmful chemical enter the cells that line the mouth, throat, and esophagus. When alcohol and tobacco are used in conjunction, your risk increases. Alcohol slows down cell repair when their DNA is damaged by chemicals found in tobacco.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Many strains of HPV are spread through sexual contact, including oral sex. If the infected cells make contact with the mouth or throat, there is a greater risk for oral cancer.  With over 100 different types of HPV viruses, they are given a number used to identify the strains. Infections with HPV-16 and HPV-18 strains are more likely to cause oral cancer over the other varieties.

Previous Cancer

If you have had cancer before, there is a greater chance of developing cancer again.  Once the cancer has been treated and there is continued alcohol and tobacco use, your risk is very high. Patients who suffer from throat, esophageal, and lung cancer are more susceptible to getting oral cancer if they do not follow their doctor’s advice and treatment plan.

Sun Exposure

Sun exposure increases the risk of developing lip cancer. This is especially true for fair-skinned people or people who work outside without proper skin protectant.  Wearing a hat that shades your face and wearing lip balm with SPF protectant can help reduce the risk of lip cancer. It is common to see cancer spots on the bottom lip, as it gets more sun exposure.

Diet

A diet lacking fruits and vegetables can lead to oral cancer. A component of food, carcinoids, is crucial to helping prevent cancer. Your diet must be optimized – reduced caloric intake, monounsaturated fat, and processed meat – to reduce the risk of cancer, especially squamous cell carcinoma, the most common oral cancer.

Focus on a diet that consists of fruits, vegetables, and grains, which are a main source of vitamins and fiber. Other preventative measures include consuming micronutrients like vitamin C, E, antioxidants, zinc, beta-carotene, and folate.  Eating fried and broiled foods and using the microwave to cook food should be avoided because of the increased risk of heterocyclic amines. Not only does this cause cancer in the mouth, but can cause salivary gland tumors.

Weakened Immune System

After an organ transplant or treatment for immune system diseases, your immune system can weaken. People with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk for oral cancer, particularly lip cancer. Certain drugs that suppress your immune system can increase the risk of cancer, too. HPV infections are more common in people with weakened immune systems, since their blood cell count varies and antibodies are unable to determine the good and bad cells.

How Can it Be Treated?

Oral cancer is treated the same way as other cancers: removal of the cancerous growth, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy to kill the remaining cancer cells.

Have regular dentist appointments and routine cancer screenings from your dentist. It is recommended to have cancer screenings every 3 years for people over 20 and annually for those over 40. Early detection of cancer spots or growths improves the likelihood of successful treatment.

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

What is Gingivitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Gingivitis is, in short, inflammation of the gums. It is common and, fortunately, a mild form of gum disease (periodontal disease) that causes your gums to be red and swollen around the base of your teeth. Gingivitis, if not treated, can turn into a serious disease called periodontitis. This disease causes infection that destroys the soft tissues that support the teeth. In some cases, this includes the periodontal ligaments and bone.

Causes of Gingivitis

Gingivitis is caused by the short-term effects of plaque buildup on your teeth. Plaque is made of bacteria, food residue, and saliva that builds up on the exposed parts of the teeth. If the plaque is not removed by daily brushing and regular visits to the dentist, it turns into hardened deposits called tartar. This becomes stuck at the base of your tooth along the gum line. Tartar irritates the gums, causing them to become inflamed and irritated. The bacteria and toxins tartar produces causes the gums to become red, swollen, and sore.

The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene. Other factors that contribute to a higher risk of gingivitis are:

Diseases: Cancer, diabetes, and HIV are linked to a higher risk of gingivitis.

Hormonal Changes: Changes in hormones, such as puberty, menopause, and pregnancy, can cause your gums to become more sensitive, increasing the risk of inflammation.

Smoking: Regular smokers are at a higher risk of gingivitis and gum disease, compared to non-smokers.

Diet: A poor diet and Vitamin C deficiency raises the risk for gum disease.

Genetics: Family history increases the risk of gingivitis. If your parents had gum disease, there is a greater chance that you will also develop the disease. This is thought to be related to the type of bacteria we acquire early on in life.

Old Age: The risk of gingivitis increases as you get older.

Misaligned Teeth: Teeth or dental restorations such as dentures, bridgework, and braces that are ill-fitting can make teeth difficult to clean.

Medication: Certain drugs and calcium channel blockers used for high blood pressure or epileptic seizures can affect the gums, making your mouth more susceptible to gingivitis.

Maintaining proper oral health habits can help prevent, and in early cases, reverse, gingivitis. This means brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and getting regular check ups with your dentist.

Signs & Symptoms of Gingivitis

Symptoms of gingivitis include:

    • Swollen, inflamed gums
    • Bright red or purple gums
    • Tenderness
    • Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
    • Bad breath (halitosis)

In mild cases, there may not be any noticeable symptoms.

Risks and Complications

If gingivitis goes untreated, it can progress into serious gum disease that spreads to the tooth’s soft tissue and bone. This can lead to tooth loss.

Chronic gingivitis has been associated with systemic diseases, such as respiratory diseases, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. Research suggests that the bacteria responsible for periodontitis enters your bloodstream through gum tissue. The bacteria then affects your heart, lungs, and other parts of the body. It has not been confirmed, but research is ongoing.

Another complication of gingivitis, if left untreated, is trench mouth. Also known as necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (NUG), it causes painful, infected gums and ulcerations. Trench mouth is rare in developed societies, and adversely, it is more likely in countries that have poor living conditions and nutrition.

Professional Treatment for Gingivitis

The goal of oral treatments is to reduce swelling remove the tartar and plaque buildup. Prompt treatment can reverse the effects of gingivitis and prevents it from turning into a more serious mouth condition.

Professional care includes a dental cleaning, restoration (if needed), and ongoing care for preventative measures.

Your initial cleaning will include the removal of all plaque, tartar, and bacterial products. This procedure is called scaling and root planing. Scaling removes tartar from the surface of your teeth and along the gum line. Root planning removes bacteria that is a result of inflammation and discourages further buildup. This can be performed using a laser or ultrasonic device.

In some cases, your dentist may recommend fixing dental restorations, if they are the cause of your gum disease. Ill-fitting crowns, bridges, or even braces make cleaning your teeth difficult to clean on a daily basis, leading to an increase of plaque and tartar buildup.

Even after the gingivitis clears up, it is important to continue good oral hygiene. Your dentist will help you plan an effective at-home care program and schedule regular appointments for thorough teeth cleanings.

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

Tooth Decay: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Tooth decay, or cavities, is among the most common oral health problems in the world. They are particularly common in small children and older adults, but anyone who has teeth is susceptible to getting cavities or battling tooth decay.

Tooth decay is the destruction of the tooth structure. It can affect the enamel – the outer coating on the tooth, and dentin – the dense, bony tissue below the enamel.  Dentin makes up the bulk of the tooth, so if that area becomes affected, it is much harder to treat.

Although preventable, tooth decay happens because of plaque buildup.  Food that contain carbohydrates –  bread, cereal, milk, candy, soda, or fruits – leave residue in your mouth after eating. The bacteria in your mouth reacts with that residue and turns to acid. This acid, along with bacteria, food debris, and saliva, create plaque. The acids in plaque eat away at the tooth’s enamel, creating holes in the teeth called cavities.

Causes of Tooth Decay

There are many causes for tooth decay, but fortunately, many of them are preventable. Main causes of tooth decay are sticky, sugary foods and drinks. Sugar produces more acid, which leads to decay. Plaque combined, with sugar, weakens the enamel on your teeth, making them more likely to suffer from decay.There are other causes of tooth decay to be aware of:

  • Inadequate Brushing: Your teeth are susceptible to plaque for 20 minutes after eating. If you don’t brush soon enough after eating or drinking, there is a greater risk for early signs of decay. Also, not brushing with proper techniques or frequency allows for plaque build up.
  • Dry Mouth: Saliva helps wash away food debris and residue, which in turn, helps prevent plaque from forming. If you have very little saliva, plaque can build up more quickly.
  • Eating and Drinking: Unavoidable as it is, eating and drinking play a significant role in the formation of cavities. When you eat and drink, carbohydrates remain on your teeth until you brush.
  • Bacteria & Acid: The naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth combines with residual carbohydrates to create acid.
  • Eating Disorders: Eating disorders contribute to tooth decay when teeth are exposed to acid from the stomach. Bulimia increases the risk to decay or a cavity due to frequent vomiting.
  • Medical Issues: Some medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or other cancer treatments that expose the body to radiation promote tooth decay by changing the genetic and hormonal makeup of saliva. This change increases bacterial growth.
  • Nighttime Infant Feedings: Formula, milk, juice, or other liquids containing sugar remain on baby’s and kid’s teeth for hours while they sleep. This “feeds” decay-causing bacteria. This is called “baby bottle tooth decay” and similar damage occurs when toddlers drink the same liquids out of sippy cups throughout the day.

Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Decay

Depending on the severity and location of the tooth decay, the symptoms and signs can vary. However, during the very early stages of cavity and tooth decay, there may not be symptoms at all. As the decay gets larger, some of symptoms and signs may be visible, such as:

  • Toothaches – sharp, spontaneous pain
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Pain when eating something sweet, hot, or cold
  • Visible holes or pits in your teeth
  • Staining on the surface of your teeth
  • Pain when chewing or biting into food

Because it is not always apparent when there is a cavity forming, it’s important to have regular dentist checks and cleanings. If you experience pain, see a dentist as soon as possible.

Prevention Tips

Practicing good oral and dental hygiene can help prevent tooth decay and the formation of cavities. Always consult with your dentist, but some options are:

  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride-based toothpaste. It’s best to brush after each meal and before bedtime. Use floss or an interdental cleaner to get food residue out from between your teeth between meals.
  • Avoid snacking between meals. Snacking throughout the day puts your teeth under constant attack.  There is no break between meals for the saliva to wash away food debris and assist in cleaning your teeth.
  • Eat a nutritious and well-balanced diet and avoid foods that are heavy in carbohydrates. Foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables promote saliva production and unsweetened beverages help wash away food debris and residue.
  • Drink tap water because most public water supplies contain fluoride. If you only drink bottled water, you miss out on the benefits that fluoride has for preventing tooth decay.
  • Rinse at least once a day with mouthwash that contains fluoride. Mouthwashes also have antiseptics that kill plaque-causing bacteria.
  • Dental sealants – a protective, plastic coating that go on your molars – seals off grooves and cracks where food can get stuck. This prevents tooth enamel from plaque and acid.

Visiting your dentist is the best way to prevent tooth decay and cavities from forming in your mouth. Being aware of your diet, brushing more frequently, and knowing how cavities are formed are the best ways to actively prevent oral conditions. Call your dentist today to schedule an appointment.

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

Pros and Cons of Dental Implants

Despite the advances in oral care and dental hygiene, aging is not the only reason for tooth loss.  In fact, 1 out of 4 adults lose all their permanent teeth by age 74. Tooth loss, dental decay, gum disease, accidents, and oral infections are all common dental problems that lead to getting a tooth removed. In the past, dentures and bridgework were the only options available. But in the past few years, dental implants have become more and more popular. 

When you are missing a tooth, it’s best to replace it right away. And replacing a tooth is more than a cosmetic preference. Once a tooth is extracted or lost, the surrounding bone structures begin to disintegrate. This affects the jaw, your facial structure, and potentially the joints in your mouth if too many teeth are missing.  A missing tooth can also affect the remaining teeth, causing them to shift and have issues with the bite, by affecting the alignment.

It is important to know your options for replacing missing teeth and what risks are involved with those options. Dental implants are safe and durable, yet with all surgeries, there are still risks involved.

Pros of Dental Implants

Because of the complex nature in which dental implants are placed, they are much sturdier and resilient than dentures or bridgework.

Bridgework relies on the integrity of the surrounding teeth for support, whereas implants are drilled directly into the bone.  Implants also prevent damage to other teeth. Unlike dentures, dental implants help avoid bone loss since the implants replace the tooth and the root.

A huge advantage of dental implants is their natural appearance. Again, because they replace the tooth and its root, the implant is placed against the gum, giving it a very natural appearance. Regardless of the cosmetic, superficial appearance, implants function like real teeth. There is no “clicking” like with dentures and limited difficulties like with dentures and bridgework. Dentures can cause chewing and speaking problems.

Caring for dental implants is no different than how you care for your natural teeth. There is no extra care like with dentures or bridgework. Implants are incredibly durable, which makes them stand up to natural wear and tear like your normal teeth.

The success rate in those who have gotten dental implants is 98%.

Cons of Dental Implants

Like with any surgery, there are risks involved. Although the implant is secured to the bone, there is a risk for infection in your gums. Bacteria can get into the implant site and cause peri-implantitis, an infection that can lead to bone loss.

There is the risk of sinus complications if the implants extend into the sinus cavity. This could cause a higher likelihood of frequent sinus infections or sinusitis. Nerve damage is another risk of dental implants. The main nerve located in the jaw that supplies sensation to the bottom row of teeth can become damaged by the implant drills or a local anesthetic injection.

The process of getting dental implants is a very long process that takes many months to complete. The anchor is first secured to the jawbone. Before a new tooth can be installed, the bone has to fuse to the implant.  It takes approximately 6 months for the bone to properly heal. Then a reconstructive dentist attaches the new tooth, essentially screwing it onto the implant. Depending on the severity of your tooth loss, whether the original tooth extraction resulted in bone damage, and how quickly your body heals, this process can take upwards of one year.

Dental implants can lead to additional dental work, because the implant process is so complex. If the jawbone is weak and unable to support the titanium implant, your dentist will need to perform a bone graft. A bone graft takes a special piece of material and replaces the damaged or weakened bone with this new material. There is a higher risk that your body may reject the graft, because it is a foreign object. However, if successfully done, your jaw will be strong enough to support the implant.

Lastly, and something to consider when weighing your tooth replacement options, is that insurance does not always cover dental implants. If the tooth replacement is due to unhealthy oral health conditions, there is a greater chance that insurance will pay more towards the surgery, than if it is simply for cosmetic purposes. There will most likely be some out-of-pocket charges that insurance doesn’t cover, but be sure to speak with your dentist and oral surgeon about financing possibilities.

Weighing Your Options

Despite the risks involved, dental implants are a safe and reliable tooth replacement that can improve your quality of life. Dental implants improve chewing, speech, and appearance. They are considered a long-term replacement option because if they are well-maintained and taken care of, they will last a lifetime. Dentures and bridgework may need replacing every 7-10 years.

If you suffer from missing teeth or think that dental implants would be a good alternative to dentures or bridgework, talk to your doctor today.

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.