Having regular oral cancer screenings can catch the early signs of mouth cancer before it has a chance to progress. Oral cancer can be treated successfully if tongue, cheek, lip, and throat cancer is caught early on. According to Dr. Alexander, a qualified dental professional can detect about 84 percent of oral cancers in the early stages.

Velscope

Dr. Alexander uses the Velscope screening test to look for any abnormalities. The simple and painless test looks at your oral tissue to detect any problems that you may have using specialized lights. If anything abnormal is detected, a sample will be sent to the lab for additional testing.

Who’s at Risk?

• People over 40
• Tobacco Users
• Heavy Alcohol Drinkers
• HPV Sufferers
• An Unhealthy Diet
• Prolonged Exposure to the Sun

Although there is no solid proof, people who have been diagnosed with mouth cancer usually have one or more of the above risk factors, however there are some people that have no risk factors what so ever which is why an oral cancer screening from your East Greenbush Dentist is so important.

See your Dentist if you:

• Have white or red patches on your tongue and in your mouth
• Patches or sores that don’t heal or bleed
• Hard spots or lumps in your mouth
• Pain or numbness when you bite down

Treatment and Prevention

The best way to prevent any type of oral cancer is to schedule regular dental appointments for cancer screenings. Although Dr. Craig cannot diagnose you during your cancer screening, he can send anything to the lab that looks suspicious.

If you would like to schedule an oral cancer screening with Dr. J. Craig Alexander, call or click and make an appointment today.

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“Keeping plaque off your teeth isn’t complicated, but consistency is key,” says Richard Price, DMD, spokesman for the American Dental Association. “Good habits make for healthy teeth — for most people, it’s that simple,” Price tells WebMD.

What Is Tooth Plaque?  Read what our East Greenbush Dentist says:

Plaque is a sticky mix of bacteria and the substances they secrete. Bacteria produce adhesive chemicals called mucopolysaccharides. The bacteria then live in this film on teeth, called a biofilm.

At first, this slimy layer is fragile and easily removed by tooth brushing. “Think of the film on a fish tank wall. It’s easy to wipe off with a washcloth, if you’re vigilant,” says Price.

And if you’re not? The bacteria in tooth plaque are free to release acids that damage tooth enamel. Regular acid assaults on enamel can wear holes in teeth, commonly called cavities.

If left alone, plaque buildup also gradually hardens, creating tartar or calculus on your teeth.

“Tartar is petrified plaque,” Price says. “Once it’s there, you need a dentist’s help … tartar can’t be brushed off.” Tartar above the gum line also contributes to gingivitis, which is gum disease.

The secrets to avoiding plaque buildup aren’t so secret. You’ve probably been hearing most of them since before you lost your baby teeth. But bad habits have a way of sneaking up on us. Make sure you’re pushing back against plaque by avoiding these five bad habits for tooth health.

Plaque Habit No. 1: Not Brushing Regularly

No one else might notice if you don’t brush your teeth twice a day, every day. But your teeth will.

“Plaque is a little like bees in the summertime,” Price says. “One or two won’t really bother you, but if you let them build a beehive in the backyard, you’ve got a problem.”

Brush your teeth gently twice a day, using a fluoride-containing toothpaste. The exact technique isn’t as important as concentrating to make sure you’re softly brushing all the surfaces of your teeth.

Plaque Habit No. 2: Not Flossing Each Day

Brushing doesn’t reach the spaces between teeth, but plaque does. A simple daily flossing between teeth clears away plaque before it can cause damage.

“Flossing also cleans plaque at the gum line, another area that brushing doesn’t reach,” says Price. If left alone, plaque below the gum line can lead to periodontal disease.

If you just can’t stand flossing your teeth, consider using one of the many other ADA-approved products to clean between your teeth each day. They’re available in any supermarket or drugstore; ask your dentist if you’re not sure which one to use.

Plaque Habit No. 3: Not Using Rinses

Mouth rinses with fluoride have been shown to prevent decay. Antibacterial rinses reduce plaque and gingivitis and attack bad breath. Keep brushing and flossing, and if you haven’t already, add a mouth rinse, such as an antimicrobial or a fluoride rinse (not just a mouthwash), for a triple threat against teeth destroyers.

Plaque Habit No. 4: Avoiding the Dentist

Even if you brush and floss your teeth daily, you’ll miss some plaque. Over time, that plaque hardens into tartar that needs to be removed at your dentist’s office. Yet more than a third of people surveyed haven’t seen their dentist in more than a year.

“Even dentists don’t like to go to the dentist,” jokes Price. But studies show that in general, people who neglect regular dentist visits get more cavities and have a higher chance of losing their teeth.

Once a year teeth cleanings are considered the minimum. Twice a year teeth cleanings may be better for many people. “Most dentists recommend twice a year cleanings or more,” according to Price.

Plaque Habit No. 5: Neglecting Nature’s Toothbrushes

Long before toothbrushes and fluoride toothpaste existed, certain foods played a role in keeping plaque off of teeth.

“Eating crunchy vegetables or fruits with the skin on can scrub off plaque,” Price tells WebMD. Carrots, apples, cucumbers, and many other raw fruits and vegetables are teeth-friendly, despite the sugar they contain.

In addition, a diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in processed foods protects you from obesity, heart disease, and cancer.

Plaque Habit No. 6: Indulging Your Sweet Tooth

Bacteria love simple carbohydrates like sugar. Eating candy or drinking sugary soft drinks lets sugar stick to our teeth, giving bacteria something to munch on. As the bacteria create a film of plaque, they digest sugar into acid, which damages teeth.

“All sugary candy, and most junk food in general, contribute to plaque formation,” Price says. “High-sugar foods or drinks that are also soft or sticky are especially problematic. … Sugary soft drinks might be about the worst thing you can put on your teeth.”

Avoiding these six bad habits can help you keep plaque in check (and keep your teeth).

You may also want to talk about sealants with your dentist. The pits and fissures on molars can be difficult to keep clean in some people, even with good dental care. Dental sealants are a clear plastic coating that covers the tooth surface, barring bacteria and acid from entering. Sealants are safe and effective in blocking plaque and preventing tooth decay.

“No one’s teeth can stay plaque-free 24 hours a day, it’s just not possible,” says Price. But good habits over a lifetime will help you beat back plaque and save your smile.

Article Source: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-teeth-10/plaque-causes?page=1

What are some of your Dental related questions or concerns you’d like Dr. Alexander and his dental team to answer?  Our East Greenbush Dental office strives to provide all patients with optimal oral-health and beautiful smiles for life.  

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