Lake Oconee Dentist Archives - Page 4 of 4

Early Oral Cancer Detection Saves Lives

October 6, 2010

Filed under: Blog,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: cosmetic dentist greensboro, Dr. David Bradley, Dr. Patti Bradley, Dr. Phil Boswell, Lake Oconee Dentist, Oral Cancer Greensboro — @ 11:07 pm

HERE AT LAKE OCONEE DENTISTRY, IT’S ALWAYS SURPRISING TO US HOW LITTLE “PRESS COVERAGE” ORAL CANCER SEEMS TO GET compared to all of the other types of cancer. The statistics, however, are significant… In the U.S. alone, over 35,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. And while early detection boosts survival rates way up to 80 or 90%, often the diagnoses doesn’t happen until the cancer has progressed much farther than it needs to.

Now, you may be asking yourself, “Why does something as serious as oral cancer go undetected so often?” One of the reasons is that most of the time the symptoms are not painful—and people just don’t know to check! After all, if it doesn’t hurt, there’s no problem, right? Unfortunately, we’re sorry to report that some dentists don’t really check for it either. Detecting oral cancer in its later stages significantly lowers the survival rate.

The Oral Cancer Foundation reports thatif you’re experiencing some of all of the following symptoms, you should have Drs. Patti Bradley, David Bradley, or Phil Boswell take a look:

Abnormal jaw swelling
Thickening or lump in one of your cheeks
Difficulty swallowing or chewing (often)
A sore in your mouth that doesn’t seem to heal within 2 weeks
Difficulty moving your jaw or your tongue
White and/or red patches on any part of your mouth or throat
Numbness in parts (or all) of your mouth

Of course, there could always be some other causes for these symptoms—but having them checked by our team here at Lake Oconee Dentistry will provide the peace of mind you need in knowing the real causes of these symptoms.

It goes without saying (just like in sports) that the best offense is a great defense…That is, keep your regularly scheduled cleaning appointments and screenings. Doing so GREATLY increases the liklihood that problems will be detected early. Trust us… IT IS SO absolutely worth it.

Here at our Greensboro practice, as your lifelong oral health partner, we want to keep you and those you love as healthy as possible. Let us know if you have other questions about oral cancer or any symptoms above. And share this information on Facebook OR on Twitter with someone you know! Staying informed helps us all stay healthier.

We look forward to talking with you the next time you visit our office. Thanks!

Comments (0)

The Apparent Connection Between Gum Disease And Heart Disease

September 28, 2010

Filed under: Blog,Your Health — Tags: Dr. David Bradley, Dr. Patti Bradley, Dr. Phil Boswell, Greensboro Dentist, Lake Oconee Dentist — @ 9:26 pm

HERE AT LAKE OCONEE DENTISTRY IN GREENSBORO, IF YOU’RE LIKE MOST OF OUR VALUED PATIENTS, you want to take care of your health, right? And that includes taking care of your heart! Did you know that your humble little toothbrush may rank right up there with your monthly gym membership and your healthy cookbooks in helping keep your heart healthy? It’s true!

According to Dr. Patti Bradley, “There are quite a number of recent studies that suggest gum disease—and some other oral health issues—are DIRECTLY related to heart problems.”

In a recent American Academy of Periodontology study it was reported that people with periodontal disease are nearly two times as likely to have heart disease. Another study concluded that common oral health problems, including gingivitis, missing teeth, and/or cavities are as good at predicting heart disease as are bad cholesterol levels!Surprised?While there’s still an awfully LOT to learn about these connections, the evidence seems to be mounting each year. Dr. David Bradley adds, “We know that the bacteria in our mouths can actually enter the bloodstream through our gums. Studies have shown that these same bacteria are often found clumped up in artery plaques. One theory that is gaining some acceptance is that they stick to fatty plaques in one’s bloodstream which can directly contribute to blockages.”Several other theories revolve around your body’s defenses against bacteria, including a natural inflammation response. Oral bacteria travelling through your bloodstream can cause blood cells to swell, which can then lead to narrowing of arteries and clot risks.

The exact relationships between cardiovascular disease and periodontal disease is still unclear, but today’s research has concluded there’s definitely a connection. Of course, you don’t want to ignore all of the other things you can do to keep your heart healthy while just focus on brushing! That would be silly. Keep eating healthy foods, exercise regularly, and take care of risk factors like diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.

And, when it’s SO EASY to have us help you clear up any periodontal disease problems… Be sure to do that too! It makes good common sense! And don’t forget that PREVENTION goes a long way in preventing problems in the future.

If you have any questions, be sure to ask. We love visiting with our patients. Don’t forget to become a fan of our Facebook microsite.

We look forward to your next visit in our practice. Thanks.

Comments (2)

« Newer Posts