Spots In Mouth Can Indicate Oral Cancer

Posted on Dec 29, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

If you don’t see your dentist for twice-a-year dental cleanings and exams, you’re missing out on a very important part of the exam. At least annually, your dentist performs an oral cancer screening to check for warning signs. A white or red spot on the tongue, lips or inside the cheeks are possible signs of oral cancer. More than 90% of oral cancers start on the tongue, floor of the mouth or gums.

Every year, over 30,000 people in the U. S. are diagnosed with oral cancer. On average, one person dies of oral cancer every hour. However, if detected early, oral cancer is 90% survivable.

It is especially frightening that there has been a rapid increase in oral cancers in comparison to other cancers. For instance, in the past 5 years, oral cancer has increased 21% while new cancers of all types have risen only 8%. Alarmingly, cancer of the tongue rose more than 37% during this period.

The most common symptoms are a mouth sore that does not heal; white or red patch of tissue; difficulty swallowing; a lump or mass in the mouth or neck; a long period of hoarseness; pain or numbness in the oral region; change in the voice; or, a long period of ear pain. Some things as simple as a bite on the inside of your cheek may mimic the look of a dangerous tissue change. It is important to have any sore or discolored area of your mouth that does not heal within a week checked by a Periodontal Specialist.

Oral cancer is deadly and nothing to just “wait and see” if the spot goes away. Early treatment can mean the difference between life and death. I cannot stress enough the need to react promptly to these oral symptoms.

If you (or someone you know) experience any of the symptoms mentioned, call us immediately at (828) 274-9440. You may also want to visit the web site of the American Academy of Periodontology: www.perio.org.

Smoking & Oral Health

Posted on Dec 22, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Smokers already know they are taking health risks. However, many smokers are unaware of the negative oral health issues when it comes to tobacco use.

For example, research shows that smokers lose more teeth than nonsmokers. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, about 20 percent of people over age 65 who have never smoked are toothless, while over 41 percent of daily smokers over age 65 are toothless.

It’s no surprise to Periodontists that following periodontal treatment or any type of oral surgery (including implant placement), patients who smoke have longer healing times with less predictable treatment outcomes. Other oral problems include a heightened risk for oral cancer, bad breath, stained teeth, loss of taste, gum recession, mouth sores, tooth loss and deep wrinkling around the mouth.

As a smoker, you also have a far greater increase for periodontal disease. One reason is your increased susceptibility to calculus. This is the plaque that hardens on teeth and can only be removed through a professional cleaning.

When calculus is not removed, the bacteria it harbors can destroy gum tissue and cause gums to pull away from teeth. As a result, teeth look longer and are more vulnerable to bacteria. As bacteria growth develops into periodontal disease, sore pockets form between teeth and fill with bacteria, destroying tissues and supporting bone. Eventually, the teeth become loose and require removal.

Cigarette smoke contains a deadly mix of more than 7,000 chemicals. Smoking harms nearly every organ of the body and diminishes your overall health. Nearly 50 percent of those who don’t quit smoking will die of smoking-related problems.

Quitting is not easy but the benefits are almost immediate. Your circulation improves, your blood pressure starts to return to normal and breathing becomes easier. You’ll also have a healthier mouth.

A new year is an ideal time to kick the habit. The American Cancer Society’s web site, www.cancer.org, is an excellent resource for smokers who are trying to quit. Or, call us at (828) 274-9440 for more information.

Oral Cancer – Know Its Symptoms

Posted on Dec 02, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Oral cancer can form in the lining of the cheeks, gums, roof of the mouth, tongue, and lips. During dental check-ups, your dentist will screen for oral cancer. However, it is important that you are aware of the most common symptoms so you can react immediately between visits. They include:

White or red patches in the mouth or on lips: A white or red patch (or presence of both) inside the mouth or the lips is a common symptom of oral cancer. In early stages, these patches indicate abnormal cells, which is a pre-malignant condition. If untreated, they can become cancerous.

Sore or blister in mouth: A sore or blister in the mouth or on the lip that doesn’t heal within 10 days to 2 weeks is a symptom of oral cancer.

Difficulty swallowing: Difficulty chewing, moving the jaw, speaking or moving the tongue is a symptom of oral cancer and can be caused by many other conditions.

Change in bite alignment: Oral cancer can also cause loose teeth.

Oral bleeding: Bleeding from the mouth can be caused by varying issues but may be a symptom of oral cancer.

Ear aches: Frequent or persistent ear aches should be evaluated by a physician. While ear aches usually result from an infection in the ear, it can be related to oral cancer.

Any symptom should be examined promptly. Early treatment can greatly increase your rate of survival. Sadly, oral cancer has one of the worst survival rates of all cancers.

Call (828) 274-9440 if you have concerns about your oral health.

Canker Sore Or Cold Sore?

Posted on Sep 10, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

We always urge patients to pay close attention to any unusual sore or discoloration in the mouth or on the lips. Oral cancer is one of the most deadly of all cancers when not caught early. However, at this time of year, it seems that canker and cold sores are more prevalent.

Do you have a Canker or Cold Sore? 
Typically, if the sore is located inside your mouth, it’s likely a canker sore. If it’s on the outside, it is probably a cold sore.

Canker sores (mouth ulcers) generally occur inside the mouth and are bacterial in nature. They are often triggered by trauma such as biting your cheek, jabbing your gum with your toothbrush or even overzealous tooth cleaning.

Cold sores are tiny, clear, fluid-filled blisters that form around the mouth and are caused by the herpes simplex virus living inside nerve tissues. (It is not the same virus that causes genital herpes.) Here are some guidelines:

A cold sore occurs outside the mouth. A canker sore is on the inside of your mouth.

A cold sore appears as tiny, clear fever blisters. A canker sore is a small white or gray ulcer on the lips or under the nose base, often with a red border.

A cold sore will last about a week while a canker sore may hang around for one or two weeks. Keep in mind a cold sore is not contagious, but a canker sore is.

A cold sore can be treated with Aloe Vera or over-the-counter topical anesthetics to cut pain and discomfort. You can also rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash or salt dissolved in warm water. Canker sores require over-the-counter medications or prescription antiviral drugs to prevent outbreak, especially if they are frequent. Over-the-counter oral anesthetics may help with pain relief.

Please remember that any sore or unusual spot that doesn’t get better in two weeks should be examined IMMEDIATELY. Oral cancer can take on many shapes and colors and is a serious, and even deadly, disease that requires early treatment.

Call (828) 274-9440 if you have questions or need an examination.