The Science of Dentistry

Prevention Of Oral Cancer

Tobacco and alcohol use are the most well-known risk factors for oral and pharyngeal (throat) cancer. Other important factors include diet and a strain of human papilloma virus (HPV 16), which is sexually transmitted.

Burning Mouth Syndrome

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a sensation of the mouth feeling scalded, on fire, or burnt. In addition dryness, tingling or numbness may exist and taste sensation may be altered or diminished.

HPV Virus

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), once almost exclusively associated with cancer of the cervix, is now linked to head and neck cancer. Furthermore, according to a new UB study just published in the Archives of Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery, a JAMA publication, gum disease is associated with increased odds of tumors being HPV-positive.

Michael Douglas Oral Cancer

Michael Douglas is speaking up and raising the awareness of the general public regarding the importance of good oral health and regular tests and checkups to avoid deadly oral cancer.

Detect Oral Cancer

A clinical trial is developing a revolutionary technique to diagnose oral cancer quickly and effectively.

Oral Cancer

Tongue cancer is often grouped with other oral cancers such as cancer of the hard palette, throat cancer and even lip cancer, though the medical community recognizes that tongue cancer is a distinct condition with its own set of risk factors, symptoms and treatment options.

Oral Sex Oral Cancer

In other countries, the leading cause of oropharyngeal (mouth and throat) cancer is tobacco; in the United States, it’s oral sex. Shocking?

Aphthous ulcers are most commonly round in appearance with a yellow-gray center and a fiery-red border or “halo.” They are characterized by a tingling or painful sensation anywhere from a few hours to two days before the ulcer/s appear. They may appear during periods of anxiety and stress, when your resistance may not be at its best, and may also be initiated by minor trauma. Canker sores generally persist for a week to ten days and are healed by two weeks, but they can be quite painful and annoying, especially when eating and drinking.

If you suffer from cold sores, you are not alone. However, cold sores are not related to the common cold. They are caused by a virus called herpes simplex virus type 1, or HSV-1. As many as 45 of every 100 Americans have had cold sores related to the HSV-1 virus.

Could the cure for one of the most feared diseases of all – cancer – be right there in our local drug store for sale at less than one penny per dose? That’s what a new report says. An aspirin a day could cut the risk of death from cancer by as much as a whopping twenty-one percent.

Baseball is an inherently unhealthy game. Not only are the players overweight but there’s always the risk of being beaned in the head or chest by the ball. But far and away the most dangerous part about baseball is the propensity for it’s players to use chewing tobacco. A couple former college players from Cal Poly hope to change that with their new chewing tobacco replacement, Grinds Coffee Pouches.

HPV Viral Cell

A sharp rise in a type of throat cancer among men is increasingly being linked to HPV, the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus that can cause cervical cancer in women.  A new study from the National Cancer Institute warns that if recent trends continue, the number of HPV-positive oral cancers among men could rise by nearly 30% by 2020. At that rate, it could surpass that of cervical cancers among women, which are expected to decline as a result of better screening.

Traumatic Fibroma

A traumatic fibroma is not as bad as the name may sound and is actually quite common. Cheeks, lips and tongues occasionally get in the line of fire of the teeth and get chomped on. Most people know only too well what that feels like! Usually, these small wounds heal quickly, fully and uneventfully. But when the normal healing process is interfered with, as when the area is bitten and injured again, an excess of fibrous tissue can form causing an oral fibroma.

Oral Cancer Screening

Our bodies are changing all the time as we age, going from infant and toddler to active senior still in the game. So changes to various body parts are routine. We may see a new mole, but not recognize it as a potential danger sign of a simple skin cancer. Men may visit the bathroom 30 times a day due to an enlarged prostate gland and either choose to live with it or simply accept frequent urination as part of the aging process.  Living with changes, or ignoring change, is especially true of oral cancers – cancer of tongue, lips, checks, esophagus, larynx and other body bits around your mouth.  As with all cancers, the earlier a cancer is detected and treatment undertaken, the better the outcomes. This is especially true of tongue cancer and other oral cancers, yet how often do we examine ourselves for early signs of oral cancer? 

Robotics Surgery

Receiving a diagnosis of tongue cancer, cancer of the larynx, cheek or lip cancer – any kind of cancer – is a life-altering event. You will never be the same. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still be you. In fact, strides in oncology (cancer-related) surgery have changed, not only the look of the operating room, it’s given hope and a better quality of life to thousands of cancer patients.

Oral Sex Increases Risk Of Oral Cancer

Here’s a crucial message for teens: Oral sex increases the risk of oral cancer and carries many of the same risks asoral sexual intercourse, including human papilloma virus, or HPV.  And HPV may now be overtaking tobacco as the leading causes of cancer in America in people under age 50.

Tooth Abscess

You woke up in the morning, put your clothes on and went to eat breakfast. Everything seemed to be the same except an unpleasant feeling in your mouth accompanied by a general discomfort. You went to the bathroom, found a mirror and opened your mouth.

Stress

Stress affects the body in many ways. It has been linked to depression, high blood cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and a number of other ills. What you may not be aware of, however, is that excessive stress can damage your teeth and jaws with problems such as temporomandibular joint pain.

Angular Cheilitis

Cracking of the corners of the mouth is a common condition that is frequently seen in both the offices of dermatologists and dentists. It is known as perleche or angular cheilitis (“angular” – angles; “cheil” – lip; “itis” – inflammation). Perleche is derived from the French word, “lecher,” meaning to lick, and is characterized by excessive licking of the affected areas — either as a result of irritation or because of it. This condition is further characterized by redness, cracking and dry corners of the mouth.

Barry the Bee

The healing properties of propolis — a mixture of resin and wax made by honey bees to seal and sterilize their hives — have been known for many years. But its use in medicine and health food supplements has been limited because the sticky substance is not water soluble and has a strong, off-putting smell.

Forteo

The osteoporosis drug Forteo can regrow bone in jaws damaged by the severe bone destroying conditions osteonecrosis and periodontitis, doctors reported on Saturday.

Oral Cancer

Coffee lovers rejoice!  According to a new study, conducted at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, those who drink four cups of coffee a day are 39 percent less likely to suffer from cancer of the mouth and pharynx.

Canker Sore

What common oral condition appears as shallow ulcers of different sizes, affects one in five Americans, can be caused by food allergies and hormonal changes, and also can cause severe mouth pain?