Patient Education

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about your oral health, dental care, and what to watch for between visits.

General Dental Health

Help Your Dentist Help You Avoid Oral Cancer

About 75 percent of oral cancers can be linked to elective behaviors such as tobacco use (cigars, cigarettes, pipes, and smokeless tobaccos) and excessive alcohol usage. Early detection greatly increases your chances for beating the disease. Unlike other forms of cancer, the overall survival rate for oral and pharyngeal cancers has not improved over the past two decades — making awareness and regular exams critical.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Pay particular attention to sores in the mouth that do not heal quickly (within two weeks) or that bleed easily.
Check the floor of your mouth, the front and sides of your tongue, and the roof of your mouth for white or red patches that do not go away.
Watch for soreness, thickening, or lumps anywhere in your mouth or throat, or on your tongue.
Watch for leukoplakia — a white or gray, hardened, slightly raised or thickened lesion inside the mouth. These lesions can become cancerous. If you find one, schedule an exam with your dentist.
Don't think you're off the hook if a mouth sore doesn't hurt; most pre-cancerous or cancerous lesions are painless.

What To Do

Don't use tobacco products; if you already use them, quit.
See your dentist at least once, but preferably twice, each year. Make sure she/he checks your mouth for signs of oral cancer.
Practice good dental homecare, including oral cancer self-exams.

Are You at Increased Risk for Tooth Loss?

Tooth loss is an inherent risk for anyone who fails to take proper care of their teeth. However, some people are naturally more at risk than others. If you fall into any of these categories, it's vital that you are meticulous about your daily oral hygiene and receive biannual dental exams and cleanings.

Post-menopausal women

Recent research suggests that low estrogen levels, common in women after menopause, can put them at risk for developing severe gum disease. Decreased bone density in the jaw means that teeth may no longer have as solid a foundation as they need, and as a result they may become loose.

People with osteoporosis

Women are most at risk for developing osteoporosis. Other risk factors include smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, a life-long low intake of calcium, family history of osteoporosis, advanced age, a slender build, and a sedentary lifestyle.

Those genetically pre-disposed to periodontal (gum) disease

Some people are more prone to developing periodontal disease, which slowly and painlessly causes the gums to pull away from the teeth. Left untreated, periodontal disease can also cause the supporting bone tissue to dissolve, permanently loosening teeth.

Smokeless tobacco users

A recent study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that those who use smokeless tobacco are more than four times as likely to develop tooth decay than non-users. Untreated tooth decay can lead to tooth loss.

Still have questions?

Our team is happy to answer any questions about your oral health or upcoming visit.