Oral Cancer

The Oral Cancer Foundation states that 40,000 people will be diagnosed with an oral cancer this year.  Oral cancer is not rare.....100 new people in the United States will be diagnosed everyday,and that one person every hour of the day will die from it. 


Risk Factors
Smoking
Alcohol 
Sexually transmitted virus(HPV)- This is actually the biggest risk factor


Symptoms
A painless lump on the lip,in the mouth or throat
A sore on the lip,or inside the mouth that does not heal
A painless white or red patch on the gums, tongue or lining of the mouth
Pain or difficulty with chewing or swallowing
Swelling of the jaw
Discolored lesions on the border of the tongue



If symptoms persist for more than two weeks, you may want to make an appointment with a health professional for a definitive diagnosis.

Cancers of the mouth and throat are often found during routine dental appointments. At Dr. Smyth's office our hygienists preform oral cancer screenings at your routine check up appointments. If you should have any questions or concerns about oral cancer, Dr. Smyth and Dr. Abernethy would be more than happy to speak with you.




Sources:
The Oral Cancer Foundation
emedicine

Zoom In-Office Bleaching

What is Zoom?  Zoom is an in-office bleaching procedure to lighten discolored teeth, using 25% hydrogen peroxide and a chairside LED lamp to accelerate the bleaching process.


What causes tooth discoloration?    There are many reasons for teeth to become discolored. The most common are: coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, cola drinks and the aging process.


Who may benefit from Zoom?   Almost anyone can benefit. Our staff at Dr. Smyths office will evaluate your smile with an exam and a shade assessment to see if you are a good candidate for Zoom.


How does Zoom work?   Using 25% hydrogen peroxide with the LED lamp. As the hydrogen peroxide breaks down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin,bleaching the teeth . The light accelerates and aids in penetrating the teeth.


What can I expect to experience during Zoom treatment?   The procedure takes a little over an hour. All you need to do is , sit back and relax while listening to music of your choice.


How long will the results last?   Your teeth will always be lighter than they were before your Zoom treatment. Our staff at Dr. Smyth's office recommends biannual check ups and maintaining good oral hygiene habits to help keep your smile bright. Every so often you may elect to touch up, which usually requires you to bleach for just a couple of days, using your bleaching trays and nite/white bleaching gel.


Are there side effects?   Sensitivity may occur during and/or after the procedure. Two weeks prior to the procedure we place you on a highly fluoridated toothpaste to help minimize any sensitivity that may occur.


Is whitening/bleaching safe?   Clinical studies have shown that whitening your teeth with hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide under the supervision of a dental professional is safe.


How is Zoom different from OTC products?   Over the counter products are NOT customized. Zoom whitening is a customized process with custom fitted bleaching trays.

So what do you think? Are you happy with your smile? Do you think your teeth could look better, whiter and brighter? Do you have a special event coming up in the next few months, such as a wedding, family reunion or even a high school reunion? Why not show everyone your new smile and schedule your Zoom treatment today. Give Dr. Smyth's office a call, we would love to help you achieve that new smile.


Source-Discus Dental

Fortify Your Teeth

Eating the right foods is not only good for a healthy body, some foods play an integral part in protecting and strengthening your teeth and gums. 

Some examples of fortified foods are:

Milk- Milk  contains calcium, which helps protect against periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss.The calcium in milk can also help to remineralize your teeth..

Oranges-Vitamin C contained in oranges helps reduce inflammation and works to keep your gums healthy.Other citrus fruit such as grapefruits are also a good source of Vitamin C.

Strawberries- Similar to oranges and other citrus fruits, strawberries are loaded with Vitamin C. Vitamin C also aids in the production of collagen. Collagen helps maintain the strength of your gums.

Salmon- Salmon is a great source for Vitamin D.  The Vitamin D found in salmon allows your body to absorb and use calcium at it's full strength.

Water-One of the many benefits of drinking water is that it can help remove debris from your teeth.Water also helps to keep your saliva level high.Saliva contains proteins and minerals that aid in the fight against acid erosion from sugary drinks.Sugary drinks such as, soda and sports drinks can damage enamel and promote tooth decay. Saliva is the mouths best protection against tooth decay.

Apples- Apples contain vitamins and minerals which help protect your teeth and gums. Eating apples increases saliva flow and reduces cavity causing bacteria. Apples have also been called "natures toothbrush".






One of Dr. Smyth's favorites on this list is Salmon. Dr. Smyth  brings his lunch from home, which most often is a smoked salmon salad. After all, the mouth is the gateway to your body. Healthy diet, healthy body, healthy teeth.

Reference-Joy Bauer Food Cures-2012

The Cliff Walk

Dr. Smyth arranged an office get together,which was held on September 14.Destination...... Newport, Rhode Island, specifically, the Cliff Walk.

Our luxury bus arrived at 11:00 am, to take us to the beginning of the cliff walk at first beach in Newport. Prior to getting on the bus, Kim picked up our preordered  box lunches from Panera,so we could have a picnic lunch before we started out on our adventure.

After lunch we started on the 3.5 mile cliff walk. the scenery was absolutely beautiful. On our right we had the magnificent mansions, and on our left we had the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean.  Did I mention the weather? It couldn't have been nicer, sunny and warm with a slight breeze.

Th.e 3.5 mile walk starts out on a paved walkway, but soon enough you are walking on a dirt path, then jumping on rocks and passing through tunnels. Sneakers were a definite must for this adventurous trail.

The walk took us a couple of hours to complete. We stopped often to take pictures of the mansions, group photos and other sights along the way.

After the cliff walk ,we ventured into downtown Newport to find a place to relax by the water. We decided to have a little something to eat and drink,before getting back on the bus for our ride back to Franklin.

A great time was had by all, we are already looking forward to planning our next office outing. A huge thanks goes out to Dr. Smyth for taking us to Newport for the day.

Baby Bottle Syndrome

Baby bottle tooth decay can develop with babies due to over exposure to sugary liquids. Baby formula, milk and juices contain sugar, which bacteria feeds on , causing an acid attack which may result in tooth decay.

Baby bottle tooth decay is preventable. The problem arises when babies are allowed to suck on bottles or sippy cups containing these liquids for long periods of time. It is recommended to use plain water in a bottle or sippy cup when putting a child to bed,whether it is naptime or bedtime.

Dr. Smyth would suggest trying  to keep regular feeding schedules to help avoid extended exposure of teeth to sugary liquids.

Mouthguards

Mouthguards help prevent injury to the mouth, teeth, lips, cheeks and tongue. Mouthguards also help prevent or reduce the severity of concussions. Injuries to the mouth can have far reaching consequences. Immediately after an injury there is pain and also the expense of treating the injury. Injuries to the teeth require follow up care for years to come.






Mouthguards are recommended and in some cases, required to be worn during such sporting activities as:


football
soccer

basketball
hockey
field hockey
lacrosse 
wrestling
martial arts


When choosing a mouthguard, you have a few options:


Stock mouthguard
Boil and bite

You can find these two options at a sporting goods store. They are relatively inexpensive.


Custom mouthguard


Custom made mouthguards provide the best protection, because they are made from impressions of your teeth. This allows you to breathe  better and speak more clearly while wearing the mouthguard.


Call Dr. Smyths office today to make a custom  mouthguard for the best protection of your mouth!

Creating Good Dental Habits in Children

It is important to teach good oral hygiene to children very early, to help prevent cavities and other dental problems,as they grow.


Once a child develops their first tooth, you can clean it with a toothbrush and water, no toothpaste.


Toothpaste - You may introduce toothpaste around the age of 2 or 3. Children should have the ability to spit after brushing, so they don't swallow any toothpaste.  Use only a pea size amount.


Make it Fun - Let children pick out their own toothbrush, they will be more excited to use it. There are alot of choices with kids toothbrushes today,characters, bright colors, movie themes and also spin brushes. You can have them brush their teeth to a song, that way they brush for a certain amount of time. Brushing for 2 minutes is recommended.

Flossing - Parents can help children with flossing if they are not coordinated enough to handle this task on their own. Usually around the ages of 6 to 8, they can begin to try this on their own. Again, there are many different options for flossing, check with Rhonda, Maureen or Linda for helpful ideas on what to use. Here is an example of kid friendly floss aids.

Diet - Control sugar  by limiting the amount of sugary drinks and snacks. Teach them to rinse their mouth out with water after drinking sugar drinks, such as soda , gatorade or fruit juices.


Dentist - Children should come for their first dental visit around the age of 3. The first visit should be a fun and positive experience. You can talk to your children about getting a ride in the dental chair, their teeth will be counted and polished, and the Dentist will come in and meet them as well. 


Begin good oral hygiene habits early to help children understand the importance of  maintaining a happy healthy smile.