ViziLite Plus-Oral Cancer Screening

The American Dental Association encourage people to take part in Oral Cancer Awareness Month in April by seeing your dentist an having an exam. Although many dentist's perform oral cancer screenings as a routine part of your exam, but for those of you who may not visit a dentists regularly its very important you schedule soon. In 2010 36,540 people were diagnosed with oral cancer and approximately 7,880 people died of this. Early detection is very important. Virtually everyone is at risk for oral cancer. ViziLite Plus makes it simple. ViziLite helps your dentist identify oral lesions a their earliest stage of development. When premalignant lesions or early stage oral cancer is found, treatment is simpler, less invasive and more than 90% successful. One American dies every hour from oral cancer, that's news you cant ignore. So the next time your at the dentist ask him about ViziLite, your life depends on it.
Come see Dr. Rose or call us a 866-76-SMILE, Schedule you exam today!

TMJ and Inflammation

This time of year, a lot of people suffer from allergies. With all the pollen of spring in the air, there are a lot of irritated sinuses and general inflammation. This is seasonal and often controlled with over the counter medication. However, if this sort of discomfort in the head and neck area is only made worse by the allergy season, it may be time to be evaluated for TMJ.

TMJ or tempromandibular joint disorder manifests itself with both pain and irritation in and around the head and neck. The jaw joint is not properly aligned causing inflammation in the surrounding connective tissues. This can lead to all kinds of irritation beyond the standard jaw pain and jaw clicking and popping. TMJ can cause ringing in the ears, waxy build up in the ears and general inflammation and discomfort in the face and neck area.

I am trained in the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ and I make a point of mentioning it frequently because many people tend to just live with TMJ pain or simply get pain medications diagnosed to deal with the discomfort and pain. If you have any persistent head, neck or jaw pain, including migraine headaches, please contact me today to be checked out for TMJ.

The Hidden Dangers of Sleep Apnea and Snoring

What is Sleep Anpea?
Apnea means to stop breathing. Sleep apnea refers to a condition wherin you stop breathing during sleep. Most of us know someone who snores during sleep. You may also know someone who has commented that their partner has stopped breathing during sleep for seemingly long periods-long enough to be frightening. While snoring is often made the subject of jokes or teasing, it could be an indication of a serious health problem.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
*snoring *waking up tired
*dry mouth/throat *difficulty concentrating
*fatigue *weight gain
*sleepiness *irritability

Sometimes there can be an obstruction in the airway that causes the apnea. It could be soft tissue at the back of the throat that collapses, jaw is to small to accommodate tongue and this constriction impedes airflow. When breathing stops, blood oxygen levels fall forcing the heart to work harder, causing blood pressure to rise.
Some of the conditions associated is high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, gastric reflux, depression, diabetes and impotence in men.
What is the Dentist's role in Treatment?
Properly trained dentists can make custom fitted oral appliances that are worn over the teeth at sleep, keeping the airway open. If you or someone you know exhibits any of the symptoms bring it to you dentists attention.

Oral HPV ans Oral Cancer: Are you at risk?

Human Papillomavirus is one of the most common virus groups in the world. There are many different types of HPV, and the health risk varies depending upon the type of virus. While some types of HPV are low-risk and may cause skin lesions such as warts, there are other HPV types that are classified as high-risk. Recent studies show that these same high-risk types cause cancers of the mouth, tongue, tonsils, and throat areas. Along with excessive smoking and alcohol consumption, specific types of oral HPV are now considered to be a separate and serious risk factor for developing cancer in the head and neck regions. HPV transmission of the most common types can be quite simple. With just close contact between people, the infection can be spread. These types of HPV are considered to be low-risk. However, the more serious types of HPV that may lead to cervical cancer or oral cancer are known to be sexually transmitted. Other avenues of transmission may also occur. Studies are ongoing to further understand how, in addition to sexual transmission, these virus are transmitted. Both males and females are at risk when intimate contact is made with HPV-infected individuals. Individuals at greatest risk are those that are in intimate relationship with HPV-infected partner.
Clinical sign of oral HPV infections vary depending on the type of HPV that is present in the infection. Low-risk oral HPV types lead to a wart, or papilloma. High-risk oral HPV may present as a sore that wont heal, which is a worrisome sign of potential cancer.
An HPV test can be taken at a dental office and is very simple. Dr Rose and his team provide the greatest care and has this test available if needed. Please ask at your next dental visit if you have further question. Or you may go to there website at www.OralDna.com

Cut the Carbs

Your tush and your teeth will thank you if you just step away from the carbs. Foods that contain sugars and starches--aka carbohydrates-fuel the bacteria that live inside your mouth. Like we said before, these bacteria produce acids that destroy tooth enamel, which ultimately results in tooth decay and cavities. You don't have to quit the carbs altogether, though: just brush after you eat sugary and starchy foods, and limit snacking between meals.