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Oral cancer, also known as mouth cancer, is largely viewed as a disease that affects those over the age of 40.  But it can affect all ages—even non-tobacco and alcohol users and can occur on the lips, gums, tongue, inside lining of the cheeks, roof of the mouth and the floor of the mouth. Our team at Paul D. Rosel, D.D.S. LLC Family and Cosmetic Dentistry recently put together some facts and figures to illustrate the importance of visiting our Olathe, KS. Our friends at the The American Cancer

Society recommends an oral cancer screening exam every three years for people over the age of 20 and annually for those over age 40. Because early detection can improve the chance of successful treatment, be sure to ask Dr. Paul Rosel and our team to conduct an oral exam during your next visit to our Olathe, KS office.

•    Symptoms of oral cancer may include a sore in the throat or mouth that bleeds easily and does not heal, a red or white patch that persists, a lump or thickening, ear pain, a neck mass, or coughing up blood. Difficulties in chewing, swallowing, or moving the tongue or jaws are often late symptoms.
•    The primary risk factors for oral cancer in American men and women are tobacco (including smokeless tobacco) and alcohol use. Risk rises dramatically (30%) for people who are both smokers and consumer alcohol regularly.
•    Oral cancers are part of a group of cancers commonly referred to as head and neck cancers, and of all head and neck cancers they comprise about 85% of that category.
•    Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer among men.
•    Oral cancer is more likely to affect people over 40 years of age, though an increasing number of young people are developing the condition.
•    Death rates have been decreasing over the past three decades; from 2004 to 2008, rates decreased by 1.2% per year in men and by 2.2% per year in women, according to the American Cancer Society.
•    About 75% to 80% of people with oral cavity and pharynx cancer consume alcohol.
•    The risk of developing oral cavity and pharynx cancers increases both with the amount as well as the length of time tobacco and alcohol products are used.
•    For all stages combined, about 84% of people with oral cancer survive 1 year after diagnosis. The 5-year and 10-year relative survival rates are 61% and 50%, respectively.
•    It is estimated that approximately $3.2 billion is spent in the United States annually on treatment of head and neck cancers.

Cancer can affect any part of the oral cavity, including the lip, tongue, mouth, and throat. Through visual inspection, Dr. Paul Rosel and our team at Paul D. Rosel, D.D.S. LLC Family and Cosmetic Dentistry can often detect premalignant abnormalities and cancer at an early stage, when treatment is both less extensive and more successful.

Please let us now if you have any questions about your oral health either during your next scheduled appointment, by giving us a call or asking us on Facebook.

At Paul D. Rosel, D.D.S. LLC Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we have been creating beautiful smiles for years. Whether you have visited Dr. Paul Rosel and our team for a week or for years, we would love to hear your thoughts about your experience! In fact, we encourage you to leave a few words for us below or on our Facebook page!

We look forward to reading your feedback!

Concerned parents often ask Dr. Paul Rosel about which kinds of snacks are best for a child's teeth. While most know that candy isn't always the best choice, many parents are confused about which kinds of after-school snacks can actually be beneficial for teeth. Left to their own devices, children might pick the sugary snack that comes in colorful packaging. There are, however, choices that are much better for your child's teeth.

Go Natural

The foods that are best for your children's teeth are also the best for their overall health. Choosing whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables, is always the best option for snacks. Try sticks of celery and let your kids dip it into all-natural peanut butter, or a juicy and crunchy apple cut into wedges.

Lean Proteins

Lean protein, such as chicken breast, fish, turkey, and lean cuts of pork also make good snacking options. For the best overall health, avoid giving your child a lot of lunch meats, because such products are often higher in sodium. However, these proteins are also low in sugar, which is always a preferable choice when it comes to teeth.

Avoid Packaged Foods

Sugars are unhealthy partly because they stick more readily to the surface of the teeth. Even foods that appear to be healthy, such as many brands of granola bars, can in fact be loaded with hidden sugars. Sugar can also be found in higher concentrations in dried fruit, honey, and syrups. The rule is that if a foodstuff has been altered in any way from its original state then there are perhaps better choices.

Beverages

Drinks are another murky area. Parents often presume that fruit juices are an acceptable beverage when in reality many of them are loaded with excessive sugar as well. The best beverages for your child's teeth are water and low-fat milk. Milk has the added benefit of containing calcium, which is highly beneficial for the bone structure that supports the teeth.

An apple a day might keep the doctor away, but it is also a great snack to keep teeth healthy. The next time your children are looking for an after-school snack, guide them toward healthier, low-sugar options that are beneficial to their overall health and their teeth.

Dry mouth, also medically known as xerostomia, is the condition of not having enough saliva, or spit, to keep your mouth wet. There are many ways to keep dry mouth at bay, including:

• Brushing your teeth after every meal with a fluoride toothpaste

• Flossing every day after a meal

• Avoiding tobacco, as well as drinks containing alcohol or caffeine, which tend to dry out the mouth

• Avoiding dry foods, as well as foods containing high salt, acid, spice or sugar levels

• Drinking water frequently or sucking on ice chips

• Using a humidifier at night

• Visiting Dr. Paul Rosel and our team at Paul D. Rosel, D.D.S. LLC Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at least twice a year for a dental checkup

Please call our convenient Olathe, KS dental office to learn more about dry mouth, or ask us during your next visit!