Baseball Major Leaguer Loses Battle With Oral Cancer

Posted on Jun 17, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

There was sad news for baseball fans recently. Tony Gwynn of the Padres died of oral cancer, something Gwynn blames on his use of smokeless tobacco. Apparently, the habit is rampant throughout Major League baseball teams.

A 1999 survey found that nearly a third of Major League rookies were regular smokeless tobacco users (primarily chew and snuff). Other studies found that approximately 30% of all players were smokeless tobacco users. Recognizing the growing trend and the message it sent to young fans, the MLB set forth rules regarding the use of these products. Still, in 2012, approximately 11% of high school boys were using smokeless tobacco.

Users typically tuck chewing tobacco or snuff in the side of their mouths and spit out the juices. Snuff is occasionally inhaled (snorted) through the nose. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention points out that these products contain 28 carcinogens, a known cause of oral cancer.

Gwynn was diagnosed with cancer in 2010, which began in his salivary gland. He underwent chemotherapy and radiation to fight this aggressive cancer. Unfortunately, it had progressed too far. Oral cancer has one of the worst survival rates of all cancers, taking the life of one American every hour.

Smokeless tobacco users become physically dependent on and emotionally addicted to nicotine. Nicotine, the addictive substance found in cigarettes, occurs naturally in all tobacco. Those who try to quit go through a withdrawal phase, which can cause weeks of depression, headaches, irritability, weight gain and dizziness.

As hard as it may be to quit, reducing the risk of oral cancer is worth it. Users should immediately react to any spot or sore in the mouth or on the lips. Also, a persistent sore throat or difficulty swallowing are symptoms that should be checked immediately. When treated early, oral cancer is survivable.

Never Ignore Unusual Oral Symptom

Posted on Apr 19, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Oral cancer is on the rise and, of all major cancers, has the worse five-year survival rate … only 54%. The death rate of oral cancer is higher than cervical cancer or melanoma. It is the seventh most common cancer among males with incidence and mortality rates almost three times higher for men than women.

Oral cancer includes cancer of the tongue, lip, palate, floor of the mouth, gum tissue, and oropharynx. Most lesions grow slowly; however, some double in size within a few days or a week. Being aware of the signs and symptoms of oral cancer is in the best interest of your health. These include:
• A sore in the mouth that bleeds easily and does not heal
• Pain, burning sensation, or numbness in the tongue or other areas in the mouth
• Change in texture of the tongue
• Sore throat or feeling there is something stuck in the throat
• Change in voice or hoarseness
• White or red patch on tongue, gums, or tonsil
• Browning discoloration that borders the lip
• Lump, ulcer, or swelling of jaw, neck, or oral tissues
• Thickening of soft oral tissues of the mouth

Early detection is vital, with survival rates as high as 81%. Late intervention has an average survival rate of 17% or less. Most dental check-ups include an annual examination for signs of oral cancer. The screening process is painless and takes only minutes.

React quickly to any symptoms by calling (828) 274-9440 for an examination.

Trying To Quit Smoking? Good Move For Oral Health!

Posted on Jan 17, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

If one of your New Year’s Resolutions is to quit smoking, here are some added reasons to stick to your commitment. Your smile — teeth, gums, throat, lips, all soft tissues in the mouth — will thank you as much as your lungs!

Publicity campaigns have helped to make the American population more aware of the deadly and debilitating effects of smoking. Lung cancer is widely associated with cigarette smoking. However, oral cancer takes the life of one person every hour. Oral cancer also has one of the worst survival rates, but is curable if detected in early stages.

Smoking doesn’t just cause bad breath and stained teeth, other problems include a higher risk for gum disease, tooth loss, cavities, breakdown in dental work, and slower healing after dental procedures.

You may already know that plaque is cause of dental decay, however, smoking boosts plaque buildup on teeth, leading to decay. The tar and nicotine in cigarettes stick to gums, teeth and other places in the mouth. This is one reason that smokers often have bad breath.

Smoking also has a drying effect to the mouth, decreasing the flow of saliva. This creates an environment where bacteria breed and thrive. Smoking also causes many challenges to the gums. The results of tobacco use cause a decrease in blood flow, throughout the body as well as to oral tissues. This can cause serious problems to the gum tissue as well as the bones of the mouth’s structure.

Gums can become severely inflamed and send bacteria into the bloodstream through tears in oral tissues. Once this inflammation penetrates areas below the gum line, it becomes a difficult process to treat and eliminate. Gum disease is the nation’s leading cause of tooth loss.

Every dentist wants their patient to enjoy a successful outcome for dental treatments. For smokers, we discourage smoking during healing times since they risk a lower rate of success and higher risk for complications than non-smokers.

The good news is, once you quit smoking, the health of your gums will increase tremendously, which you should notice in a year or less after quitting.

Remember, your gums and teeth are vital parts of your body. They deserve just as much respect and care as other parts of the body. Enjoy your resolution by knowing your smile will improve greatly along with the rest of you!

Your Mouth May Be Telling You Something!

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

The mouth is like a door to the entire body. So, it’s not surprising that occasional symptoms are indications of some common problems, such as:

•Bad Breath: This typically occurs from an overload of bacteria in the mouth.
The bacteria that break down food in your mouth excrete odor-producing materials. If not thoroughly cleansed away, the build-up becomes obvious in your breath odor. What to do? Naturally, brush and floss twice daily and use a tongue scraper to clear embedded bacteria in the tongue. Chew sugarless gum after meals to aid saliva flow, which washes away germs. And, drink plenty of water.

•Canker Sores: These painful mouth sores often occur during times of fatigue or stress.
When your immune system is vulnerable, an added helping of stress can trigger a canker sore. While over-the-counter medications help to numb the pain, swishing with warm, salty water may help just as well. Generally, canker sores last a week to ten days. Ask Dr. Claiborne about medications that will speed healing.

•Very Sensitive Teeth: This often indicates too-rigorous brushing or using a hard bristle toothbrush.
While you want to be thorough when brushing your teeth, overdoing it can damage enamel and gum tissue. When the gum tissue surrounding teeth is damaged, tooth roots become exposed to heat and cold. Use a light hand and toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Damaged enamel and worn gum tissue doesn’t heal itself. During an examination, we can assess if your damage needs to be repaired by gum therapy.

•Sores, Red or White Patches, Etc.: When an unusual oral problem does not go away in 10 days to 2 weeks, make arrangements to be seen promptly!
Some unusual spots or soreness in the mouth may be a sign of oral cancer. Although some are painless, it doesn’t mean they are harmless. Oral cancer is one of the deadliest of all cancers and has the worst survival rate if not caught in earliest stages. Schedule an appointment immediately!

For problem that involves the tissues in the mouth (including the tongue and soft palate), call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation.