What to Expect During Your Oral Cancer Screening

Over 40,000 new cases of oral cancer will be diagnosed in the US this year and many more cases will be diagnosed with dysplasia (pre-cancer).  This includes those cancers that occur in the mouth itself, in the very back of the mouth known as the oropharynx, and on the exterior lip of the mouth. Oral cancer is the sixth most common type of cancer in North America. Statistics reveal that more cases of oral cancer are diagnosed in a year than cervical or ovarian cancer, and more people die from oral cancer in a year than from melanoma or cervical cancer. Thankfully approximately 84 percent of oral cancer cases may detected early by a dental professional.

Screening for oral cancer is quick and easy, with no pain or discomfort involved. It's critical for early diagnosis and prevention. It takes less than five minutes, and can be done by our dental hygienist or Dr. Clark. They will be looking for any lumps or abnormalities, red, white or grey areas and/or tenderness.

What You Can Expect

1.     We will physically examine and inspect the outside and inside of your gums and cheeks, extending all the way from top to bottom and front to back. 

2.     We will examine and inspect the floor of your mouth underneath your tongue and the roof of your mouth.

3.     We will touch and inspect your lymph nodes in your neck and jaw, inside and outside of your lips, your major salivary glands as well as your jaw joint (TMJ) and the area around your ears.

4.     We will visually inspect your face for signs of asymmetry or swelling.

5.     We will pull out your tongue with gauze to inspect the sides, top and bottom.

6.     We’ll have you say “ahhh” in order to inspect the back of your mouth and throat.

7.     If there are any abnormal findings, a full review of your smoking and/or drinking habits, your lifestyle and any specific health concerns will be discussed along with a review of the medications you are taking which could affect the condition of your mouth, head or neck area.

Performing an oral cancer self-check

In-between dental visits you can perform a self-check by doing the following:

1.    Purchase an oral mirror available at any drugstore, this will allow you to inspect your mouth easily.

2.    Use a small, bright flashlight that you can easily move around.

3.    Check for any new lumps or bumps or extreme tenderness anywhere in your mouth.  You can touch the tissue between your thumb and forefinger, or press against your face from the outside to try and feel for bumps.  Press beneath your tongue for the bottom of your mouth.

4.    To check your tongue, grasp it with cloth or gauze extending your tongue.  Say “ahhh” to check the back of your throat and tongue.  (You may need someone to help you at this point to get a good look at the back of your throat.)

5.    During your exam watch for discolored areas or spots with unusual texture.  After you have performed a few self-check exams you will be able to tell the difference between what is normal for you and what is not.

6.    If you have any sore spots in your mouth or throat that do not heal within two weeks, or if you have difficulty swallowing please contact us immediately.

If you do see something suspicious, it does not mean you have oral cancer. Only a small number of people with abnormalities will be diagnosed with oral cancer. However, all abnormal areas need further investigation to rule out precancerous or cancerous lesions. This may include a biopsy of the suspicious area.

You can call our office and we will immediately get you in for an exam.  There is no reason to prolong worry.  Ignoring the problem is NOT THE ANSWER.  This month we are offering free Oral Cancer Exams so it’s a great time to schedule an appointment and put your mind at ease.

Schedule your FREE 

Oral Cancer Exam today!

(541) 451-1440

Know the Facts-Beat Oral Cancer!

As you know we are offering FREE Oral Cancer screening appointments for the month of April.  Dr. Clark feels that this screening is so important he wants to support the Oral Cancer Foundation's awareness month by making this FREE screening available to all.  If you know of someone that would like this screening, simply give us a call.  They do not need to be a current patient of ours.

The Oral Cancer Foundation shares the following information about the demographics that are the most likely to develop oral cancer in their lifetime.

Age, gender, race, and ethnicity

The demographics of those who develop this cancer have been consistent for some time. While historically the majority of people are over the age of 40 at the time of discovery, it is now occurring more frequently in those under this age. Exact causes for those affected at a younger age are now becoming clearer in peer reviewed research, revealing a viral etiology (cause), the human papilloma virus number 16. There are also links to young men and women who use conventional "smokeless" chewing or spit tobacco. Promoted by some as a safer alternative to smoking, it has in actuality not proven to be any safer to those who use it when referring to oral cancers. Campaigns to promote the safety of smokeless are being initiated, but it is clear that while it may reduce lung cancers, it has a negative effect on the rates of oral cancers, pancreatic cancer, periodontal disease, and the chronic infections that it produces may even link it to heart disease as well. The gains against lung cancers may occur, but there will be new losses in other areas. The jury is out on other new smokeless tobacco dissolvable products, and until their use has acceptable research behind it we recommend avoiding it.

It is also now confirmed that  in a younger age group, including those who have never used any tobacco products, have a cause which is HPV16 viral based. The human papilloma virus, particularly version 16, has now been shown to be sexually transmitted between partners, and is conclusively implicated in the increasing incidence of young non-smoking oral cancer patients. This is the same virus that is the causative agent, along with other versions of the virus, in more than 90% of all cervical cancers. It is the foundation's belief, based on recent revelations in peer reviewed published data in the last few years, that in people under the age of 50, HPV16 may even be replacing tobacco as the primary causative agent in the initiation of the disease process.

From a gender perspective, for decades this has been a cancer which affected 6 men for every woman. That ratio has now become 2 men to each woman. Again, while published studies do not exist to draw finite conclusions, we will probably find that this increase is due to lifestyle changes, primarily the increased number of women smokers over the last few decades. It is a cancer which occurs twice as often in the black population as in whites, and survival statistics for blacks over five years are also poorer at 33%, versus 55% for whites. As in the above examples, it is unlikely we will find a genetic reason for this. Lifestyle choices still remain the biggest cause. These published statistics do not consider such socio-economic factors as income levels, education, availability of proper health care, and the increased use of both tobacco and alcohol by different ethnic populations, but all these factors likely play a role in who develops the disease.

While the demographics have changed over the past several years, the fact that oral cancer is becoming a more wide spread health concern is alarming.  As with any cancer, the earlier the detection, the better chance you have with treatment success.  

Call us today to schedule an appointment 

for your FREE screening.

(541) 451-1440.

42,000 Americans Will Be Diagnosed This Year With Oral Cancer

This month we are offering FREE oral cancer screenings because it is National Oral Cancer Awareness Month.  Together with the Oral Cancer Foundation, we want to keep our patients healthy and give them a fighting chance against this rapidly growing cancer.  

The Oral Cancer Foundation shares the following information about oral cancer:

Rates of occurrence in the United States

Close to 42,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year. It will cause over 8,000 deaths, killing roughly 1 person per hour, 24 hours per day. Of those 42,000 newly diagnosed individuals, only slightly more than half will be alive in 5 years. (Approximately 57%) This is a number which has not significantly improved in decades. The death rate for oral cancer is higher than that of cancers which we hear about routinely such as cervical cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma, laryngeal cancer, cancer of the testes, and endocrine system cancers such as thyroid, or skin cancer (malignant melanoma).

Historically the death rate associated with oral cancer is particularly high not because it is hard to discover or diagnose, but due to the cancer being routinely discovered late in its development. Today, (2013) that statement is still true, as there is not a comprehensive program in the US to opportunistically screen for the disease, and without that; late stage discovery is more common. Another obstacle to early discovery (and resulting better outcomes) is the advent of a virus, HPV16, contributing more to the incidence rate of oral cancers, particularly in the posterior part of the mouth (the oropharynx, the tonsils, the base of tongue areas) which many times does not produce visible lesions or discolorations that have historically been the early warning signs of the disease process.

Oral cancer is particularly dangerous because in its early stages it may not be noticed by the patient, as it can frequently prosper without producing pain or symptoms they might readily recognize, and because it has a high risk of producing second, primary tumors. This means that patients who survive a first encounter with the disease, have up to a 20 times higher risk of developing a second cancer. This heightened risk factor can last for 5 to 10 years after the first occurrence. There are several types of oral cancers, but around 90% are squamous cell carcinomas. It is estimated that approximately $3.2 billion is spent in the United States each year on treatment of head and neck cancers. (2010 numbers).

Don't let oral cancer become part of your daily life.  

Get your free screening today!  

Call us at (541) 451- 1440 

to schedule your appointment now!

Are You Masking Over The Problem?

In the majority of cases the single most common cause of halitosis, or chronic bad breath is oral bacteria.  The best breeding ground for oral bacteria is plaque in your mouth on your teeth and tongue.

It is impossible to get a 100% clean mouth each day. Circumstances are not always ideal to brush your teeth the recommended three times daily.  Or if you are brushing, you may not be brushing appropriately with the right tools and for the proper duration of time.  Many people forget to floss daily as well.  These simple oversights can lead to the perfect environment for oral bacteria to grow.

Let's talk about bad breath for a minute.  Did you know that bad breath is caused by volatile sulfur compounds? And it's their odors that cause bad breath. What are those you ask? Sulfur byproducts are actually excretions made from the bacteria that live in your mouth! I think I just heard a collective "yuck". It is gross, that is why we are always reminding our patients to stay up on their oral hygiene routines.  Everyone is susceptible to these compounds simply because we are alive, and we eat food.  It all comes down to the concentration level of these compounds that makes the difference.  When the concentration is high, the odor is worse.  These compounds are anaerobic which means they multiple the best in environments that are devoid of oxygen.

Keeping your plaque down is huge because plaque is oxygen depleted.  So, now that you are a little more determined to floss daily and brush three times a day, what else can you do to avoid bad breath?  We have an amazing mouthwash product called Smart Rinse.  We've talked about it briefly before.  

SmartMouth Activated Mouthwash gives you fresh breath for 12 hours.  Most leading mouthwashes simply kill bacteria, freshening the breath for an hour at most.  SmartMouth eliminates and prevents the production of sulfur gases in the mouth- the real source of bad breath, for 12 times the protection.

If you worry about bad breath, let us help!  Call us for a free consultation to make sure your bad breath is not coming from advanced gum disease.  You can pick up your SmartMouth Rinse at the same time!  You cannot go wrong with this one!  If we didn't believe that, we wouldn't offer it in our office.

Call us to schedule your FREE consultation and to pick up your SmartMouth Rinse today!

Call us at (541) 451-1440

See our website for more product information:

www.LaserDennisT.com

Is The Danger Sign Above Your Head?

While this picture is a little on the ridiculous side it calls attention to the fact that we often do not heed warning signs that are right in front of us.  Sometimes we are too busy, too distracted or frankly feel that they don't pertain to us.  Accidents are called accidents for a reason, they are never planned, however they can often be caused due to negligence on our part.

Yesterday on our Tuesday's Tip we shared four categories of people that are at a higher risk of developing advanced gum disease.  You'll recall they are:

1)  Smokers - 4xs more likely to develop gum disease.
2)  Age - Between 35-69 show signs of gum disease.
3)  Gender - female hormonal changes affect gum tissue.
4)  Genetics - Family history you are at 12x's higher risk.

If you find yourself in one of these categories you may feel that it is too late to reverse the effects of advanced gum disease.  The good news is that it is not too late!  With Dr. Clark's LANAP or Laser Assistant New Attachment Procedure he has actually been able to witness firsthand the regrowth of bone around affected teeth.  Deep pockets measuring 14mm have healed back to a normal depth of 3mm!  These types of results were unheard of 10 years ago, and yet today people are receiving these results daily all over the world with this amazing technology.  

Don't let yourself succumb to the idea that it is too late for you, or that you will just have put up with tooth loss and dentures.  That simply is not the case anymore.  Call our office today to schedule a free consultation where you can learn how this technology can benefit you or your loved one.  Most treatments need only a little ibuprofen afterwards, but the results can change your future! 

Why wait, call today!

(541) 451-1440

Are You Just Another Statistic?

Tuesday we discussed that many more people may be at risk for gum disease than they realize.  When you think of gum disease, what image comes to your mind?  Is it a mouth with a few missing teeth?  Is it a memory of someone who has really bad breath?  The truth is, gum disease can and is affecting many more people, possibly even you, that don't even know they are in the early stages.

We feel the worst statistic in this info-graphic is that only 3% of those suffering from periodontal disease seek treatment.  Granted as early as 10 years ago the treatment for gum disease was often painful and didn't yield the success rates of today's treatments.  However today, with Dr. Clark's leading edge technology and expertise he has seen hundreds of people receive amazing results from his LANAP or Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure.  He is so sure about the results of his gentle laser gum therapy that he guarantees results.  You can't beat that!

A healthy future and a happy mouth is just one phone call away.  Dr. Clark wants you to feel comfortable with him, and the technology he has to offer and so he provides you with a free consultation where you can receive information about your personal  needs and what he can do to help.  No pressure, no stress, NO WORRY!

 To schedule your free consultation call us at:

(541) 451-1440 or TEXT us at 541.632.3372

Are You Being Robbed?

Are you being robbed right now out of a future of a healthy mouth, simply because the "enemy" often has no symptoms?

Gum Disease is a contagious bacterial infection that can lurk around in your mouth regrettably far too long for some of our patients.  The longer you ignore the warning signs, or are unaware what the warning signs are, you give gum disease the opportunity to create horrible damage in your mouth.

What is gum disease?  

Gum disease is a progressive and aggressive infection of the gums that can, if left untreated, progress to damage the jaw bone that surrounds and supports the teeth in your mouth.  It can be caused by plaque, a sticky, colorless bacterial colony, that is constantly forming on teeth.  If daily brushing and flossing are not accurately cleaning all tooth surfaces and under the edge of the gum, plaque can build up and the bacteria infects your gums and teeth.  As this bacteria spreads and deepens, it affects the tissue and bone that support your teeth.  This damage can cause loose teeth which will worsen possibly causing painful swollen gums and tooth loss.  Very bad breath is another problem caused by these aggressive infections.  Bad breath may help you decide whether you have gum disease. 

Stages of Gum Disease - (click here for larger viewing)

The technology we have today in our dental office can literally reverse the damage you may have from gum disease. Early intervention can save you from ending up with few or even no teeth in the future.  You deserve a healthy mouth and we can help you achieve your goals! 

 To schedule your free consultation call us at:

(541) 451-1440 or TEXT us at 541.632.3372