Oral Cancer

Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on by gpmadmin

oral cancer awarenessIt’s always scary whenever we hear the word ‘cancer.’ Despite advancements in cancer treatment, it continues to affect millions of people every year. Oral cancer, while not as widely talked about as other cancers, is still very serious and can be deadly. During this Oral Cancer Awareness Month, our dental office in Lewisburg wants to share some important information about this serious disease.

Oral Cancer Facts

  • More than 50,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer every year
  • Oral cancer kills one person every hour, every day
  • Nearly 80% of oral cancer diagnoses are in tobacco users
  • About 70% of those diagnosed with oral cancer are heavy drinkers
  • Men are two times more likely to develop oral cancer than women
  • The majority of oral cancer patients are over the age of 55

Early Detection is Key

Even though oral cancer takes the lives of so many people every year, it is a very treatable cancer when caught early. This is one more reason it’s so important to see your dentist in Lewisburg every six months. During your checkups, your dental team is looking for any potential signs of oral cancer so that you can get treatment right away. When caught and treated promptly, the survival rate greatly improves.

Recognize the Signs of Oral Cancer

You may only see your dentist twice a year, so knowing what to keep an eye on between those visits is crucial. Some common signs of oral cancer include:

  • Chronic bad breath
  • A sore or several sores that don’t go away
  • A lump on the cheek
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Changes in your voice

Keep in mind that a lot of oral cancer symptoms can easily be mistaken for other problems. If you recognize any of these signs, call your dentist in Lewisburg immediately.

This Oral Cancer Awareness Month, make a commitment to decrease your risk of oral cancer by quitting smoking/using chewing tobacco or drinking alcohol excessively. Also, make sure to visit us regularly. A dental visit may just save your life.

Serving patients from Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, Williamsport, and nearby areas.  

New Year’s Resolutions for Better Oral Health

Posted on by gpmadmin

young boy brushing his teethSomething interesting happens around this time every year. People start reflecting on the last twelve months and start thinking about some things they can change in order to make the next twelve even better. These changes, or resolutions, are usually quickly lost within the first few weeks of the new year. But this year, our dental office in Lewisburg wants to help you make some solid, easy-to-keep resolutions to improve your oral health in 2019.  

Brush & Floss. One of the easiest resolutions you can make for better oral health is to brush and floss your teeth regularly. This means brushing twice a day, every day, and flossing once a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to gently (emphasis on gently) scrub away bacteria and plaque buildup. But brushing alone doesn’t reach all surfaces of your teeth. This is where flossing comes into play. Flossing between each and every tooth daily removes the things that brushing alone can miss. Following this at-home oral health routine is one of the best ways you can improve your oral health.

Drink Water. Drinking water is a simple thing that can make a big difference in your health. Being hydrated allows our bodies to function properly and efficiently. It’s also great for oral health; water rinses away bacteria and neutralizes acid which, if not removed, will cause decay and cavities. Water can also keep breath fresh by fighting off dry mouth. This year, commit to drinking at least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water every day and drinking other beverages in moderation.

Visit Your Dentist in Lewisburg. We recommend dental visits at least every six months, sometimes more if appropriate. These dental checkups are important for several reasons including:

  • Deep cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup
  • Diagnosing any problems early before they cause bigger problems
  • Monitoring oral health for signs of potential disease, whether oral or systemic

Many systemic, whole-body problems such as heart disease and diabetes can actually first show signs and symptoms in the mouth. When caught early at your regular dental appointments, treatment can be easier and more successful. Signs of more oral-specific problems such as gum disease and oral cancer can also show signs early, making the chances of solving these serious problems more likely.

The best way to follow through with New Year’s resolutions is to write them down, make a plan, and stick with it. When it comes to resolutions involving your oral health, the team at our Lewisburg dental office is here to help. Call us to schedule an appointment today and let’s get started on the best year your smile has ever seen.

Welcoming new patients from Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, Williamsport, and nearby areas.

Quit Smoking for Better Oral Health

Posted on by gpmadmin

man smoking

The American Cancer Society sponsors an event every November to raise awareness for all the health problems associated with smoking and provide tips and tools on how to quit the habit. This year, the Great American Smokeout will fall on November 15, and our dental office in Lewisburg wants to do our part to help our neighbors put down the cigarettes once and for all. So this month we’re covering some of the top reasons to quit smoking.

Oral Cancer

One of the main reasons to quit smoking is to reduce your risk of cancer. Even though there are several types of cancer associated with tobacco use, oral cancer is one that your dentist in Lewisburg can help you diagnose and fight. When caught early, oral cancer treatments can be incredibly successful, but quitting smoking is one way to greatly reduce your risk of developing it in the first place. In fact, smokers are six times more likely to get oral cancer than non-smokers.

Yellow Teeth & Bad Breath

The ingredients found in tobacco products aren’t only dangerous to overall health, some of the most harmful ones can directly affect your mouth. Tar and nicotine, for example, can stick to plaque build-up on teeth, gums, and even the tongue making them difficult to remove. When these ingredients linger around too long or are introduced into the mouth repeatedly, they can cause tooth discoloration and chronic bad breath.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is a serious oral health problem that can lead to other issues throughout the body including increased risk for heart disease and stroke. Research has shown that smokers are 50% more likely to get gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease may lead to tooth loss.

Dry Mouth

Smoking reduces saliva production in the mouth and leaves your teeth exposed to plaque, bacteria, and acid that can damage teeth. Without saliva around to help neutralize acids and wash away damaging bacteria, teeth are at an increased risk for cavities, decay, and the need for advanced dental treatment.

Make 2018 the year you finally become smoke-free. Our Lewisburg dental office is here to help you in any way we can. Talk to us about quitting and we can work together to find the tools and program best suited for you.

Welcoming patients from Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, Williamsport, and surrounding communities.

What You Need to Know About Oral Cancer

Posted on by gpmadmin

Oral Cancer Awareness RibbonApril is recognized as Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and at our Lewisburg dental office, we know just how serious this epidemic is in the United States. In fact, just over 51,000 people are expected to be diagnosed with it this year. While there have been advancements in oral cancer treatment, and often times the disease is successfully treated, it still takes the lives of approximately 10,000 Americans yearly. This April, join us in learning the risks and symptoms of oral cancer that could save your life.

Know The Risks

It’s important to note that anyone can develop oral cancer whether they have or engage in factors that increase their risk or not. Some of the risks are unavoidable, but many can be controlled through making smart lifestyle choices. Some factors that increase the risk of oral cancer include:

  • Tobacco Use: Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or using smokeless tobacco greatly increases your risk of oral cancer. Statistics show that 80% of oral cancer diagnoses are in tobacco users.
  • Drinking Alcohol: Consuming alcohol regularly can also put you at greater risk. Nearly 70% of those diagnosed with oral cancer are heavy drinkers.
  • Drinking & Smoking: Since both tobacco use and drinking large amounts of alcohol increases the likelihood of getting oral cancer, if you do both, your chance for oral cancer can be as high as 100%.
  • Gender: Men are two times more likely to develop oral cancer than women. While this risk factor can’t be changed, men can reduce their risk by not drinking or smoking.
  • Age: Our chances of getting oral cancer increases as we age. The average age of diagnosis is 62, and the majority of oral cancer patients are at least 55.
  • UV Rays: Skin cancer isn’t the only thing that can happen from too much unprotected sun exposure. Oral cancer is also higher in those who spend a lot of time in the sun without wearing sunscreen.

Recognize The Symptoms

Being able to identify the signs and symptoms of oral cancer early increases the chance of survival. Oral cancer treatment is often successful in the earlier stages, so the sooner you see your dentist in Lewisburg if you suspect anything, the better. The most common signs include:  

  • Chronic bad breath
  • Sores that won’t heal
  • A lump on the cheek
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Changes in your voice

During your regular dental cleanings and exams, your hygienist and dentist will monitor your  mouth for any abnormalities and can use high-tech equipment that can show what the human eye can’t see. This is just another reason maintaining your bi-annual dental appointments is so important to your overall health.

If it’s been longer than six months since your last visit, call our dental office in Lewisburg to schedule an appointment today. You never know, one visit could save your life.

Welcoming new patients from Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, Williamsport and surrounding communities.