Dental Update

Oral Screening for Cancer

Our practice continually looks for advances to ensure that we are providing the optimum level of oral health care to our patients. We are concerned about oral cancer and look for it in every patient.

Late detection of oral cancer is the primary cause that both the incidence and mortality rates of oral cancer continue to increase. By the time most cancers can be visually detected, the lesion is typically at Stage III or Stage IV. As with most cancers, age is the primary risk factor for oral cancer. Tobacco and alcohol use are other major predisposing risk factors, but more than 25% of oral cancer victims have no such lifestyle risk factors.

Vizilite Plus is the first FDA-approved screening test for oral cancer. We have recently incorporated Vizilite Plus into our oral screening standard of care. Vizilite Plus is similar to proven early detection procedures for other cancers such as mammography, Pap smear, and PSA. It is a simple and painless examination that gives the best chance to find any oral abnormalities at the earliest possible stage. Early detection of pre-cancerous tissue can minimize or eliminate the potentially disfiguring effects of oral cancer and possibly save your life. We recommend the Vizilite Plus exam be performed for you annually. This enhanced examination is recognized by the American Dental Association code revision committee; however, this exam might not be covered by your insurance. The fee for this two-part enhanced examination is
$75-125. We have enclosed a brochure further describing the examination with this newsletter.

Update on Dental Decay

Dental decay continues to be one of the three most prevalent problems that we see in our office, the others being gum disease and bite-related problems.

Dental decay appears to be increasing. The reasons for this are complex and multiple. We characterize dental decay according to the age group in which it appears.

During childhood and adolescence, most decay problems can be attributed to diet (sugar in foods, and carbonated or acidic beverages) and inadequate oral hygiene. We all know about the connection between sugar and decay, but a lesser known correlation concerns the beverages our children drink.

One of the greatest public health achievements in the last half-century has been the fluoridation of our water supply. Fluoride strengthens the enamel structure of teeth as they form and after they erupt into the mouth, and makes teeth more resistant to decay. However, as more children (and adults) drink bottled water, which is generally deficient in fluoride, this protective influence is not available. We apply topical fluoride to children’s teeth during their hygiene visit to add to the effectiveness that fluoride in the water supply can provide.

Another service that we can provide is to place sealants on the biting surfaces of children’s teeth. Sealants block bacterial access to the susceptible pits and grooves on these surfaces.

Carbonated beverages, especially pop and fruit drinks, pose a more serious threat. Whether these drinks contain sugar or not, they are still destructive to teeth and health. A little known fact is that the acid content of these drinks approaches the acidity of battery acid. Teeth don’t stand a chance. If sugar is added to the mix (most non-diet cola drinks contain the equivalent of 9-10 teaspoons of sugar), the effect is multiplied. Fruit drinks are also nearly as high in acid and sugar. In our adult years, additional influences begin to appear. The greatest threats are periodontal disease and xerostomia, or abnormal dryness of the mouth. Periodontal disease causes the roots of the teeth to be exposed as the bone and gum tissue around the teeth recedes. The roots of the teeth, which are not covered by protective enamel, are much less resistant to decay. Root surface decay is one of the most prevalent problems we see in our adult patients.

Xerostomia intensifies the problem. Normal saliva remineralizes and strengthens the teeth, coats the teeth to protect them from acid attack, and acts to cut down the bacterial coverage of the teeth. However, salivary flow diminishes slightly as we age. In addition, and perhaps more significantly, xerostomia is a side effect of nearly 500 medications, ranging from pain killers, anti-depressant agents, blood pressure medications, anti-anxiety agents, tranquilizers, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Advil, Motrin, Naprosin, etc.). The decay that is a result of xerostomia is increasing as our population ages. In our office, we not only see new and frequent decay lesions on previously healthy tooth surfaces, we also see decay around dental fillings and crowns.

While we can’t do much about the necessary medications that our physicians prescribe to enhance our health, there are measures that the dental office can provide to help protect your teeth from decay:

• Fluoride treatments after a thorough cleaning of your teeth
• Application of intensified fluoride varnish to susceptible tooth surfaces
• Prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste for use at home
• Dietary counseling on foods and beverages that have lower decay potential

Our mission is to help each of our patients to avoid the destruction of dental disease and to provide appropriate restorative measures when needed. If you wish further information, please ask our doctors, hygienists, and support staff.

Dr. Artrip and Dr. Oliva complete the Pankey Institute Curriculum

In November, Dr. Artrip and Dr. Oliva attended the 10th and final course to complete the Curriculum at the L.D. Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education in Key Biscayne, FL. Each 3-5 day course included lecture and laboratory exercises in advanced restorative dentistry, as well as instruction in complex treatment planning and interdisciplinary care. Congratulations!

Thanks!

We always like to take this opportunity to thank you for the opportunity you have given us to serve you. Our goal is to help facilitate our patients in their quest for optimum dental health, providing accurate diagnosis, outstanding restorative treatment, and the latest in dental technology in a friendly, supportive environment.