Oral cancer screenings are designed to identify a common condition and treat it early, when it is most  curable. Screening is a fast and painless process built into a regular dental examination. Here are  common questions and answers about oral cancers.  

How Common Is Oral Cancer? 

According to the Mayo Clinic, the lifetime risk of developing cancer of the oral cavity and the upper throat  (oropharynx) is about 1 in 60 for men and 1 in 140 for women. The American Cancer Society estimates  that one person dies every hour worldwide from this condition, yet it is preventable and treatable.  

What Are the Symptoms? 

The most common red flags include a mouth sore that won’t heal; red or white patches in your mouth  tissue; lumps or swelling in or around your mouth; pain or difficulty swallowing, speaking, or moving your  tongue; dramatic weight loss; ear pain; and unexplained mouth bleeding.  

What are the Risk Factors for Oral Cancer? 

● Tobacco users are at greater risk of oral cancer, whether that is from smoking or products like  chewing tobacco, snuff, and dip  

● Heavy alcohol use, especially with tobacco use, significantly increases risk  

● Excess weight and acid reflux diseases can increase risk, while a diet rich in fruit and vegetables  appears to lower it  

● The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a risk factor that is on the rise among young people. One  strain, HPV16, is responsible for 2 out of 3 oropharyngeal cancers  

● Apart from HPV-related cancers, most oral cancers take years to develop. Most patients are older  than 55 when first diagnosed  

● Genetics can also factor into oral cancer risk. Two types of blood abnormalities, dyskeratosis  congenita and Fanconi anemia, elevate risk  

What Does a Dentist Look for in an Oral Cancer Screening? 

Dentists examine all oral cavity surfaces, including under the tongue, for suspicious discolorations or  sores. Using gloved hands, they feel inside the mouth for lumps or irregularities, and may also feel the  neck. Sometimes a dye or light is used to emphasize contrast between healthy and unhealthy tissue. If  anything looks suspicious, our Annapolis MD dentist will recommend further testing. 

How Often Should Screenings be Performed? 

The American Cancer Society recommends dental screenings every three years from age 20 to 40, and  annual screenings after that.  

While screenings can’t prevent every case of oral cancer, they are a valuable first line of defense. If you  would like more information about oral cancer and screenings, contact Patton Smiles of Annapolis today.

Nearly half of adults have some form of periodontal (gum) disease, according to the Centers for Disease  Control and Prevention. It ranges from mild inflammation to a type that causes bone damage and even  tooth loss.  

Symptoms of periodontal disease include chronic halitosis (bad breath), sensitive teeth, red or swollen  gums, bleeding gums, and painful chewing. 

Causes of Periodontal Disease 

A major cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene habits. Your best defense is daily brushing and  flossing plus regular professional exams and cleanings. Without vigilant prevention, plaque can form on  the teeth and along the gumline. If this biofilm is not regularly removed, it can harden into a substance  called calculus (tartar), which only a dental professional can remove. 

When tartar continues to build, the risk of periodontal disease increases. Gums can become inflamed and  begin to bleed from brushing, flossing, and eating certain foods. At this point, advanced treatment is the  only way to prevent tooth loss. 

Other factors that may contribute to periodontal disease include diabetes, smoking, and pregnancy. A  healthy lifestyle and a diet rich in fruit and vegetables can help ward off periodontal disease when  combined with good oral hygiene.  

Some prescriptions can aggravate gum inflammation. They include antiseizure, immunosuppressant, and  blood pressure medicines called calcium channel blockers. Our doctor can provide preventive measures  to alleviate medication side-effects. 

Stages of Periodontal Disease 

There are four levels of periodontal disease, ranging from gingivitis to periodontitis. In the most severe  stage, gums begin to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets along the gumline. These spaces are  difficult to clean without professional intervention and can lead to rapid worsening in overall oral health.  Without prompt, expert treatment, periodontitis can destroy the jawbone, gums, and soft tissues.  

Treat Gum Disease Early 

Periodontal disease leads to more than tooth loss and jawbone thinning; research has linked it to several  health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, arthritis, and even some forms of  cancer.  

Overall, the worse periodontal disease gets, the more intense the treatment. If you have symptoms of  gum disease, contact our office to schedule a consultation. Our Annapolis MD cosmetic dentist can provide excellent care and  refer you to a specialist if needed.  

For more information on gum disease or to schedule an appointment, contact Patton Smiles of Annapolis.

What did ancient civilizations think about oral health? How did they treat dental problems? Read on and  see how very far dentistry has come in terms of knowledge, safety and comfort. You will be glad you live  in the present day.  

Dentistry in Ancient Times 

Dentistry in its crudest form predates written language. Archaeologists have seen evidence of teeth being  cleaned, scraped and even drilled and filled as far as 9,000 years ago. Tooth decay was somewhat rare  before agricultural societies introduced sugar and grains (carbohydrates) into the diet.  

The ancient Sumerians, who lived 5,000 B.C.E. in what is now southern Iraq, blamed tooth decay on  “tooth worms.” They thought some type of worm bore holes in teeth. The Chinese used acupuncture to  treat pain associated with tooth decay as early as 2700 B.C.E., while Egyptians had actual doctors for  teeth and practiced a type of orthodontics using animal intestine tension wires.  

In 500 B.C.E., Greek philosophers Hippocrates and Aristotle wrote of treating teeth and oral diseases by  using sterilization procedures and red-hot wires. They also spoke of using these red-hot wires to stabilize  jaw fractures and bind loose teeth.  

Treating Teeth in the 1600s-1700s 

According to the Academy of General Dentistry, the 1600s and 1700s were a time of great dental  innovation. In 1695, Charles Allen published the first English language dental textbook entitled The  Operator of Teeth. In the book, he advises using a homemade toothpaste from powdered coal, rose water, and “dragon’s blood” to keep teeth clean and white. Allen also suggests using dog teeth for  transplants. He also references wisdom teeth. 

In the 1700s, Frenchman Pierre Fauchard became a subject matter expert with his book, The Surgeon  Dentist. For the first time, it described dentistry as a separate, modern profession. Some notable  highlights in the book include sugar being a cause of tooth decay, orthodontics used to straighten teeth,  and the concept of a dentist’s chair light.  

1800s – the Progressive Age of Dentistry 

The 19th century saw many inventions and discovered that advanced dental science closer to the modern  era. In 1816, Auguste Taveau of France developed the first amalgam dental fillings made from silver  coins and mercury. In 1840s America, Horace Wells showed how nitrous oxide could sedate patients  while William T.G. Morton developed the use of ether as an anesthesia. 

Horace Hayden and Chapin Harris boosted modern dentistry by opening the first dental school, inventing  the modern doctor of dental surgery degree and starting the first dental society. By the end of the 1800’s,  porcelain inlays, the first mechanized dental drill, and the toothpaste tube had all been invented.  

Dental Advancements of the 20th Century

The scientific development of the 1900s gave rise to some amazing advancements in the dental industry.  The invention of electricity led to electric drills. In 1907, precision case fillings made by a “lost wax”  casting machine was invented to fill caries, and the anesthetic Novocaine was introduced into US dental  offices. 

In 1955, Michael Buonocore described a method of tooth bonding to repair cracked tooth enamel. Years  later, the first fully reclining dental chair was introduced to put patients and dentists at ease. In 1997,  “invisible” braces were introduced, along with the first at-home tooth bleaching system.  

What Will the Future of Dentistry Hold? 

Gene therapy, including a technology called CRISPR, may one day make it possible to switch off the  function of bacteria that are responsible for tooth decay. Researchers at Harvard are studying stem cell laden fillings that could regrow tooth dentin. Only time will tell what the future of dentistry will bring, but  our Annapolis MD child dentist is dedicated to seeking the most effective modern technologies as they arise.  

Schedule your visit to Patton Smiles of Annapolis and experience what modern dentistry can do for you.

Do you have misconceptions about oral health? Many people do. Knowing the facts can help improve  your dental hygiene for life, leading to a healthier and more beautiful smile. Here are five things people  don’t understand about dental health. See if your eyes are opened.  

Misconception #1 – Whiter teeth are healthier teeth 

Healthy teeth come in a wide range of natural shades. Whiter teeth cannot show if there is an infection or  decay between the teeth. Although pure white teeth do not equate to healthier teeth, they should still be  naturally on the whiter side. Proper brushing, more regular cleanings, and cosmetic dentistry (such as  tooth whitening and veneers) are possible solutions you can explore with our dentist.  

Misconception #2 – Children are more prone to tooth decay 

Tooth decay (cavities, or caries, in dental parlance) can develop at any age. People assume children are  more prone to decay because of poor brushing and flossing habits. While that may be true, caries form in  all people the same way: when bacteria cause a loss or weakening in tooth enamel and eventually decay  forms a hole in the tooth.  

Misconception #3 – My teeth are fine if they don’t hurt 

Tooth decay typically doesn’t cause pain until it becomes very severe. Once it gets to a critical stage, the  amount of decay could lead to more invasive and costly treatments. Some of the most dangerous mouth  disorders, such as oral cancer and gum disease, typically don’t cause pain at all. That is why it is  important to keep up with scheduled dental appointments. Our dentist can diagnose problems even at the  earliest stages when there is no discomfort. 

Misconception #4 – Tooth decay is only caused by sweets 

Do you love sugary food and drinks? So do the bacteria that live in your mouth! They consume it and  produce acid. This acid works to dissolve tooth enamel, which can result in decay. However, it’s important  to know that this is not only true of sugar; it applies to anything containing starch or carbohydrates. Food  such as crackers, bread, potato chips, fruit, peanut butter and pasta have the same effect on your teeth.  The solution: Brush and floss after meals and snacks, or rinse well with water if you can’t brush. 

Misconception #5 – If my gums bleed, I should stop flossing 

Bleeding gums are often the first sign of gum disease. This happens when bacterial infections inflame  your gums due to inefficient cleaning. With regular brushing and flossing, gums will be much healthier and  should rarely bleed. However, gum inflammation can occur despite best oral hygiene habits. In such  cases, you should see improvement if you rinse with warm salt water and continue to brush and floss. 

Excellent oral health promotes overall good health and is definitely not a misconception. It is important to  practice good oral hygiene habits. If you have any questions regarding your dental health, please contact Patton Smiles and make an appointment with our Annapolis dentist today. 

Dry socket is a temporary but painful complication of tooth extraction. It not only causes intense pain; it stalls the  healing process. Fortunately, it is rare, temporary, and usually preventable. Here are the causes of dry socket as  well as tips to prevent this condition after oral surgery and ensure a quick and comfortable recovery. 

What is a Dry Socket? 

When a tooth is extracted, a blood clot forms in the space left behind. This clot helps to block the underlying bone,  gum tissue, and nerves from bacterial infection or food debris. The clot is meant to stay in place while the  extraction site heals. In a few cases the clot may not form correctly or it becomes dislodged. This leaves the wound  exposed, a condition called alveolar osteitis, or dry socket. 

The most common sign of dry socket is a deep, throbbing pain from within the extraction area. Sometimes the  trapped food or infection creates an unpleasant odor, causing bad breath and a bad taste in the mouth. If this  happens, call our office right away. 

What Causes Dry Socket?  

Developing dry socket is rare, but certain factors can put you at increased risk. Poor oral hygiene, sucking motions,  oral contraceptives, and gum infection around the extraction site are all risk factors. One of the top culprits is  smoking. Studies show that 12 percent of people who smoke after a tooth extraction will develop this condition,  compared with only 4 percent of nonsmokers.  

Why? The inhaling action can break the blood clot loose. It is also believed that the chemicals in tobacco products  can delay healing. To prevent dry socket, avoid smoking a few weeks before and after the procedure. Our dentist  can help advise you on smoking cessation steps.  

Other causes of dry socket include drinking with straws, and brushing or rinsing the extraction area vigorously  during the healing process. Follow your post-treatment instructions and contact our office if you have questions. 

Treatment of Dry Socket 

If you develop a dry socket, we can offer quick, effective treatment. Our team will flush the extraction site to  remove any debris and pack it with gauze or other dressing. We may prescribe medication to help reduce  discomfort. It is important to attend follow-up appointments to ensure your timely recovery. 

Remember that dry socket is rare, temporary, and treatable. Our experienced dental team will guide you  throughout your recovery. For more information on post-extraction care, contact our office.