Oral cancer virus affects 7 percent of  Americans: EARLY detection is the KEY

Throat and neck cancer have been increasing over the last 25 years. Until now, doctors and researchers alike were confused as to the reason behind the increase. New studies show that 7% of teens and adults alike carry HPV (human papilloma virus) in their mouth.

The transmission of HPV orally is linked mainly to the practice of unsafe oral sex. Although originally believed that HPV could be spread through kissing and social contact like drinking after someone, the theory has been disproved.

Oral cancer is not limited to HPV transmitted sexually. Increase risk also comes with the use of tobacco and alcohol, but not limited to. Studies have shown that  25% of victims oral cancer are non-smokers, non-drinkers, and are considered to have no other lifestyle risk factors contingent with HPV, so anyone can be at risk for Oral cancer.

Signs and symptoms of HPV are usually slow to make an appearance and are easier to treat if found in a timely manner. It is encouraged to have an oral cancer screening completed when having your semiannual cleaning and exam and is generally a common practice among dental professionals.



Importance of  Regular Dental Check-ups


Oral cancer screening is a routine part of a dental examination. Regular check-ups, including an examination of the entire mouth, are essential in the early detection of cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions. You may have a very small, but dangerous, oral spot or sore and not be aware of it.
Your dentist will carefully examine the inside of your mouth and tongue and in some patients may notice a flat, painless, white or red spot or a small sore. Although most of these are harmless, some are not. Harmful oral spots or sores often look identical to those that are harmless, but testing can tell them apart. If you have a sore with a likely cause, your dentist may treat it and ask you to return for re-examination.
Dentists often will notice a spot or sore that looks harmless and does not have a clear cause. To ensure that a spot or sore is not dangerous, your dentist may choose to perform a simple test, such as a brush test. A brush test collects cells from a suspicious lesion in the mouth. The cells are sent to a laboratory for analysis. If precancerous cells are found, the lesion can be surgically removed if necessary during a separate procedure. It’s important to know that all atypical and positive results from a brush test must be confirmed by incisional biopsy and histology

Sign/Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Skin lesion, lump, or ulcer that do not resolve in 14 days located:

• On the tongue, lip, or other mouth areas
• Usually small
• Most often pale colored, be dark or discolored
• Early sign may be a white patch (leukoplakia) or a red patch (erythroplakia) on the soft tissues of the mouth
• Usually painless initially
• May develop a burning sensation or pain when the tumor is advanced

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

• Tongue problems
• Swallowing difficulty
• Mouth sores
• Pain and paraesthesia are late symptoms.

Many products are available in your dental office to provide early detection. The Most common of these is  VIZILITE® PLUS IN STM® .

ViziLite® Plus with TBlue® is the leading oral cancer screening system that was developed to help oral health care professionals identify, evaluate, monitor and mark abnormal oral lesions suspicious for pathology including precancerous cells and cancer that may be difficult to see during a regular visual exam.

 Squamous cell carcinoma

What you see under normal light

So schedule your dental visit today. Early detection is the key!


Dr.Kristen Kelly, DDS
1963 Northpoint Blvd. suite 113
(423)702-4034

 

 

 Gum Disease Links to Heart Disease and Stroke

Researchers have found that people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease.

Heart Disease

Several theories exist to explain the link between periodontal disease and heart disease. One theory is that oral bacteria can affect the heart when they enter the blood stream, attaching to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries (heart blood vessels) and contributing to clot formation. Coronary artery disease is characterized by a thickening of the walls of the coronary arteries due to the buildup of fatty proteins. Blood clots can obstruct normal blood flow, restricting the amount of nutrients and oxygen required for the heart to function properly. This may lead to heart attacks.
Another possibility is that the inflammation caused by periodontal disease increases plaque build up, which may contribute to swelling of the arteries.
Researchers have found that people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease can also exacerbate existing heart conditions. Patients at risk for infective endocarditis may require antibiotics prior to dental procedures. Your periodontist and cardiologist will be able to determine if your heart condition requires use of antibiotics prior to dental procedures.

Stroke

Additional studies have pointed to a relationship between periodontal disease and stroke. In one study that looked at the causal relationship of oral infection as a risk factor for stroke, people diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia were found more likely to have an oral infection when compared to those in the control group.

 Contact us today to make an appointment. Prevention is the Key!
423-702-4034