The Top 7 Risk Factors for Oral Cancer (Part 2 of 3)

You know your dentist is looking for cavities during regular check-ups, but you may not realize your dentist can check for cancer at the same time. It’s estimated that approximately 51,540 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer and cancers of the throat, tonsils and back of the tongue in 2018.

Tobacco 
Whether you smoke it or chew it, tobacco use increases your risk dramatically. Smoking can cause oral cancer, as well as cancer in other parts of the body. Pipe smokers are also at a higher risk for developing cancer in their lips. Smokeless tobacco, like chew, can lead to many issues in your mouth, the most serious being cancer of the cheeks, gums, and lips.
 










Alcohol 
According to the American Cancer Society, 7 of 10 oral cancer patients are heavy drinkers. Heavy drinking, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is an average of two drinks a day or more for men and an average of more than one drink a day for women. If you are a heavy drinker and a heavy smoker, your chances of developing oral cancer increase significantly.  











Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) 
The sexually transmitted disease is now associated with about 9,000 cases of head and neck cancer (specifically those occurring at the back of the tongue, in or around the tonsils) diagnosed each year in the United States, according to the CDC. People who are diagnosed with HPV-related head and neck cancer tend to be younger and nonsmokers. People with HPV-positive cancers have a lower risk of death or recurrence, even though these cancers are often diagnosed at a later stage because it develops in difficult-to-detect areas.  
 










To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

Westside Dentistry  
Stephen J. Kimball, DMD   
7181 Westwind Dr., Suite A 
El Paso, TX 79912  
(915) 581-1511  
Westside-Dentistry.com

Treatment of Abscessed Teeth

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about the treatment of abscessed teeth.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Westside Dentistry  
Stephen J. Kimball, DMD   
7181 Westwind Dr., Suite A 
El Paso, TX 79912  
(915) 581-1511  
Westside-Dentistry.com

Children's Dental Care

Choosing a Child’s Dentist is Not Much Different than Selecting a Pediatrician

Instilling good brushing habits early, in an office that is comfortable and enjoyable, is essential for the best oral health. Children’s teeth can be susceptible to cavities for several reasons. Children often don’t brush well by themselves. Therefore, it is important for adults to be involved in their child’s daily brushing and flossing. This makes sure a child receives both a thorough cleaning and the long-term development of good dental habits. Younger kids tend to eat more throughout the day (called grazing). This can result in a prolonged exposure to mouth acid (whenever you eat, you create acid), which can lead to more cavities. 

Teeth that are not as clean as they should be generate additional acid exposure. This acid can accelerate the development of any cavities. The good news is that identifying poor eating or hygiene habits, along with a fluoride application to the teeth, can substantially lower the chance of your child getting cavities.

Westside Dentistry  
Stephen J. Kimball, DMD  
7181 Westwind Dr., Suite A
El Paso, TX 79912 
(915) 581-1511 
Westside-Dentistry.com

The Top 7 Risk Factors for Oral Cancer (Part 1 of 3)

You know your dentist is looking for cavities during regular check-ups, but you may not realize your dentist can check for cancer at the same time. It’s estimated that approximately 51,540 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer and cancers of the throat, tonsils and back of the tongue in 2018.

Regular visits to your dentist can help you detect such cancers early, and changing a few potentially harmful habits may help reduce your chances of developing them. Read on to find out the top risk factors.
 










Gender 
Men are twice more likely to get oral cancer. The American Cancer Society attributes this to higher rates of alcohol and tobacco use by men, but says more men of a younger age are being diagnosed with HPV-related forms of oral cancer.











Age 
Most people who are diagnosed with oral cancer are 55 or older, according to the American Cancer Society. HPV-related oral cancers, however, are often diagnosed in people who are younger.  













To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

Westside Dentistry  
Stephen J. Kimball, DMD   
7181 Westwind Dr., Suite A 
El Paso, TX 79912  
(915) 581-1511  
Westside-Dentistry.com

The Importance of Brushing and Flossing

Learn what the American Dental Association has to about the importance of brushing and flossing daily.

 

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Westside Dentistry  
Stephen J. Kimball, DMD   
7181 Westwind Dr., Suite A 
El Paso, TX 79912  
(915) 581-1511  
Westside-Dentistry.com

6 Habits That Harm Your Teeth (And How to Break Them): Chewing Ice Cubes

The habit: “Tooth enamel is a crystal. Ice is a crystal. When you push two crystals against each other, one will break,” Dr. Messina says. “Most of the time it’s the ice, but sometimes the tooth or a filling will break.”

The solution: Drink chilled beverages without ice, or use a straw so you're not tempted. “The risk of chewing ice is greater than any pleasure that comes from chewing it,” he says. “Besides, ice is really cold!”

To read the entire article please visit MouthHealthy.org

Westside Dentistry  

Stephen J. Kimball, DMD

7181 Westwind Dr., Suite A

El Paso, TX 79912

(915) 581-1511
Westside-Dentistry.com

Dental Gum Disease Linked to Heart Disease

Gum Disease Can Contribute to Conditions Such as Heart Disease and Stroke

Recent medical research has led many doctors to reach a startling conclusion: gum disease, stroke, and heart disease are linked. Because heart disease can be fatal, it is clear that gum disease is a serious matter. The American Dental Association estimates that 8 in 10 Americans have gum disease. If this were any other disease or affliction, it might be considered epidemic! Many dentists think it is. They also knew gum disease wouldn’t be labeled as an epidemic because “people don’t die from it.” The worst thing that happens is that you lose teeth. Not a pleasant scenario – but certainly not a life-threatening situation. But now that’s all changed. 

The American Academy of Periodontology reports: “Studies found periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases.” Perio disease is characterized by an infection of the gums. These bacteria may travel to the bloodstream – where it then has a pathway to the heart.

Westside Dentistry  
Stephen J. Kimball, DMD  
7181 Westwind Dr., Suite A
El Paso, TX 79912 
(915) 581-1511 
Westside-Dentistry.com

Wisdom Teeth

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about wisdom teeth.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Westside Dentistry  
Stephen J. Kimball, DMD   
7181 Westwind Dr., Suite A 
El Paso, TX 79912  
(915) 581-1511  
Westside-Dentistry.com

6 Habits That Harm Your Teeth (And How to Break Them): Constant Snacking

The habit: Grazing all day, especially on sugary foods and drinks, puts you at a higher risk for cavities. When you eat, cavity-causing bacteria feast leftover food, producing an acid that attacks the outer shell of your teeth.

The solution: Eat balanced meals to feel fuller, longer. If you need a snack, make sure it's low in fat and sugar. If you indulge in the occasional sugary treat, follow it with a big glass of water to wash away leftover food.

To read the entire article please visit MouthHealthy.org


Westside Dentistry  
Stephen J. Kimball, DMD
7181 Westwind Dr., Suite A
El Paso, TX 79912
(915) 581-1511
Westside-Dentistry.com

Implant Retained Dentures

Overdentures — Throw Out the Messy Denture Adhesives!

People with dentures often get frustrated with movement, loosening dentures that require adhesive, and that “aged” look that comes with bone loss once teeth are lost or removed. But now, at Westside Dentistry, we offer our denture patients the alternative of overdentures. Using a few dental implants to support dentures, your teeth will be securely “locked” into place so they don’t move. At the same time, they easily can snap off for cleaning. The implants help stimulate healthy bone in the jaw, too. Be sure and ask if you are a candidate for overdentures!

Westside Dentistry  
Stephen J. Kimball, DMD  
7181 Westwind Dr., Suite A
El Paso, TX 79912 
(915) 581-1511 
Westside-Dentistry.com

6 Habits That Harm Your Teeth (And How to Break Them): Using Your Teeth As Tools

The habit: Your teeth were made for eating, not to stand in as a pair of scissors or hold things when your hands are full. When you do this, you put yourself at a higher risk of cracking your teeth, injuring your jaw or accidentally swallowing something you shouldn’t.

The solution: Stop and find something or someone to give you a hand. Your mouth will thank you.

To read the entire article please visit MouthHealthy.org


Westside Dentistry  
Stephen J. Kimball, DMD
7181 Westwind Dr., Suite A
El Paso, TX 79912
(915) 581-1511
Westside-Dentistry.com

Nutrition: What You Eat Affects Your Teeth

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org

Your mouth, teeth, and gums are more than just tools for eating. They’re essential for chewing and swallowing-the first steps in the digestion process. Your mouth is your body’s initial point of contact with the nutrients you consume. So what you put in your mouth impacts not only your general health but also that of your teeth and gums. In fact, if your nutrition is poor, the first signs often show up in your mouth. Here are a few helpful things to know about how what you eat can impact your dental health.

Diet and Tooth Decay
The foods you eat and the beverages you drink can have a direct influence on the incidence and progression of tooth decay, depending upon: 

• The form of the food-whether it’s liquid, solid, sticky or slow to dissolve makes a difference. 
• How often you eat sugary foods and beverages and how often you eat or drink acidic foods and beverages. 
• The nutritional makeup of the food. 
• The combination of the foods you eat and the order in which you eat them. 
• Medical conditions you may have, such as gastrointestinal reflux and eating disorders, which can increase risk of cavities and weaken teeth.

How Snacking Affects Your Dental Health
For dental health, it’s recommended that people limit eating and drinking between meals. Of course, sometimes eating between meals must happen. Unfortunately, most people choose foods like sweets and chips for snacks; foods that harm teeth by promoting tooth decay. If you do snack, make it a nutritious choice-such as cheese, yogurt, fruits, vegetables or nuts-for your overall health and the health of your teeth. Did you know that certain foods can put you at risk for cavities and other dental health problems? Here are some MouthHealthy tips.

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

The remainder of the article details the following:

• Recommended Nutritional Guidelines
• Foods That Harm Your Dental Health
• Sugar and Your Dental Health
• How Sugar Substitutes Affect Your Teeth
• 4 Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Cavities

Westside Dentistry  
Stephen J. Kimball, DMD   
7181 Westwind Dr., Suite A 
El Paso, TX 79912  
(915) 581-1511  
Westside-Dentistry.com

What if an Object Gets Caught in Your Teeth?

Learn what the American Dental Association's answer is to the question: "What if an Object Gets Caught in Your Teeth?".

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Westside Dentistry  
Stephen J. Kimball, DMD   
7181 Westwind Dr., Suite A 
El Paso, TX 79912  
(915) 581-1511  
Westside-Dentistry.com