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
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
