Here are several medical conditions that during your regular dental exam, Dr.Shlafer may see signs of a health problem.

• Oral Cancer:  Dr.Shlafer can screen for precancerous changes in the oral tissues. This type of early detection of oral cancer(using ViziLite Plus)  can result in successful treatment. Even better, oral cancer can be prevented if found and treated in the precancerous stages. About  25% of  people diagnosed with  oral cancer (the 6th most common cancer in the U.S.) have none of the traditional risk factors associated with the disease, such as the use of tobacco products.
• Pregnancy Complications: Infants born prematurely in the U.S. account for 6%-9% of all births, but 70% of all prenatal deaths. The National Institute of Health  reports  that as many as 18%  of the  250,00 premature low-weight infants born in this country each year may be the result of inflammatory gum disease. Studies show that pregnant women with severe gum disease have 7 times the risk of delivering a low-birthweight baby.
• Heart Disease:  Studies have shown that people with severe periodontal disease, are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease  than those without gum infection.  A study released  in February of 2005 shows that older adults who have higher proportions of periodontal disease causing bacteria in their mouths also tend to have thicker carotid arteries, a stronge predictor of stroke and heart attack.
• Diabetes: Many people with diabetes may not know they have it. Dr.Shlafer can play an important role in discovering oral symptoms and help with the management of it. Diabetics tend to get periodontal disease at a rate of 3-4 times higher than people without diabetes. Other oral problems diabetes can cause is  dry mouth, burning of mouth or tongue, a fungal infection, or a distinct breath odor.

It makes sense to safeguard your general health through  proper oral health care. Call us today with any health concerns you may have.

Yes! Even if you do not have teeth,or have only had a few dental problems, it is wise, especially as we age to see Dr.Shlafer regularly.  For example, some older patients with arthritis may be having difficulty cleaning their teeth, we can help you find a way to adapt. At your visit with Dr.Shlafer he would be checking  for signs of oral cancer,completing a head and neck exam, looking at ill-fitting dentures or partials, reviewing new medications, recent illnesses, and other health concerns that may compromise your oral health. Why struggle, “making do”, when there is help available?

 Dental implants, what should I know? First you should know that today’s older adults are keeping their natural teeth longer. This is attributed to new technology and advancements in dental care, in addition to the growing awareness of good oral hygiene practices. There are still older adults who suffer from tooth loss and will need dentures, bridges or dental implants. Dental implants are replacement tooth roots. Implants can provide a strong foundation for permanent or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth. Patients should have healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant. Talk to Dr.Shlafer to see if implants may be an option for you.

Long term smoking, how does it impact your oral health? For one, smoking increases your risk of oral cancer. Other consequences include delayed healing following a tooth extraction, increased bone loss within the jaw, bad breath, and tooth discoloration. A quick and painless oral cancer screening, ViziLite would be recommended to set your mind at ease.

As you can see, there are a number of “unknowns” that may not be causing  you any discomfort yet, so to avoid an unexpected dental emergency,why not schedule an evaluation appointment with Dr.Shlafer today?

There are several dental concerns that seniors may want to be aware of:

Do you still need to be concerned about cavities? Yes! Cavities can be more frequent in older adults for a number of reasons. Life long exposure to fluoride through community water supplies and toothpaste may not have been possible—it simply wasn’t available. Senior adults may be at risk for decay around older fillings.

Sensitivity: Receding gums could be the cause of sensitivity. As the gum tissue pulls back away from teeth, the root of the tooth becomes exposed. Dr.Shlafer would make a diagnosis so that the sensitivity can be treated properly.

Are you more at risk for oral cancer?  The risk or oral cancer does increase with age. Any lesion found on the tongue or anywhere in the mouth needs to be examined.

What about loose teeth from periodontal disease? Some teeth that have become loose may be holding a partial or be part of a bridge, periodontal disease can cause these teeth to fail. It is important to have the soft tissue of the mouth (the gums) and the supporting structure (the bone) examined by Dr.Shlafer to review your condition and discuss possible solutions.

Stay tuned—-we will discuss other common problems, such as ill-fitting dentures, difficulty chewing, effects of medications on your teeth, dental implants, and help for arthritic patients.

Oral cancer is one of the most curable diseases when it’s caught early. This is why Dr.Shlafer recommends an annual ViziLite  Plus screening in combination with your regular check up. The ViziLite Plus exam is performed immediately following a regular visual exam and is quick and painless. ViziLite Plus uses technology that has been proven successful in identifying precancerous and cancerous abnormalities.

News you can’t ignore: One American dies every hour from oral cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates a 5.5% increase in new cases of oral cancer and a 1.5% increase in deaths associated with oral cancer. If you think you are not at risk, think again: 25% of oral cancers occur in people who don’t smoke and have no other lifestyle risk factors.Virtually everyone is at risk, that’s why Dr.Shlafer recommends this simple and potentially life saving screening exam.

ViziLite Plus will help Dr.Shlafer identify oral lesions at their earliest stage of development. Cancer screening technologies have been saving lives for years. The key to reducing the impact of oral cancer is early detection. A few minutes once a year, is worth it for a healthier life.