News Blog
During April, Let’s Focus on Oral Cancer Prevention
April 3rd 2012
April is National Cancer Control Month, and you might not be aware of the fact that incidences of oral cancer are on the rise. Few people think about oral cancer, but it kills more people every year than brain cancer, cervical 
cancer, and testicular cancer put together. But the more you learn about oral cancer and its signs and symptoms, the better able you’ll be to get an early diagnosis and more effective treatment should oral cancer happen to you. Oral cancer responds very well to treatment in the earliest stages.
What are the risk factors for oral cancer?
The risk factors for oral cancer include smoking and chewing tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and human papillomavirus (HPV), although some people develop oral cancer despite having none of these risk factors. It is believed that genetics, too, plays a role in the development of cancers, including oral cancer, as well as dietary factors. Because there are so many various contributing factors, everyone should get checked by their dentist for oral cancer at their dental checkups.
What are the symptoms of oral cancer?
The symptoms of oral cancer include:
- A flat, painless, white or red spot or sore.
- A sore that bleed easily or does not heal.
- A color change of the oral tissues.
- A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust, or small, eroded area.
- Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips.
It can be hard to see every spot in your mouth clearly, which is where your dentist comes in. He or she can take a look at any questionable areas and alert you if there’s a potential problem. Waiting until the symptoms become extremely obvious means wasting valuable treatment time that could save your life.
So why not make an appointment with your dentist for an exam during National Cancer Control Month? Set your mind at ease knowing that you’ve gone the extra mile for not only your oral health, but your overall health, too!
Foods and Drinks That Can Help Your Smile
March 6th 2012
You already know how important brushing and flossing are for the health of your smile. But did you also know that certain foods can benefit your oral health too? Any number of specific foods can be beneficial, but today we’re targeting just a few general foods or drinks that can help you.
Green Tea
As we mentioned in an earlier post, green tea has been used medicinally for ages and is consumed by millions of people around the world every day. It has a higher number of antioxidants than black tea, which helps explain its many benefits for patients. Among the oral health benefits to look forward to, green tea actually kills cancer-causing free radicals and can reduce periodontal inflammation.
But that’s not all. Green tea is also known to aid in the reduction of dental plaque and can interfere with the production of hydrogen sulfide, which causes bad breath.
Dairy Products
Whether you’re talking about a slice of cheese, a cup of yogurt, or a glass of milk, dairy products can influence your smile for the better. For one thing, their low acidity protects teeth from decay and promotes a healthier pH. Dairy products are also high in calcium and phosphate, which help fortify teeth and bones alike. (You can view our earlier post on dairy here.)
Fruits and Vegetable
You’re probably all too familiar with the phrase “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Well, there’s some truth to it. The chewing action involved in eating raw fruit massages your gums and helps keep plaque from forming on teeth. What’s more, many fruits contain vitamin C, which is not only good for your overall health, its’ also good for supporting gum health. Likewise, the act of eating raw vegetables, which contain a host of important nutrients (including vitamin A), helps keep teeth clean and strong, in addition to supporting overall health.
Water
If someone asked you to think about foods or drinks that are good for your smile, you might not have considered that water might be one of the best. But in addition to hydrating the body, water can help you wash away food trapped between your teeth and give the body extra protection from the development of bacteria and plaque, as it aids the natural neutralizing effects of saliva.
Want to know more about how certain foods can help your smile? Call your local dentist to schedule a visit, or you can also check out these two articles (from WebMD and Dental.net) on diet and oral health.
Even Dogs Get Gum Disease: February is National Pet Dental Health Month!
February 14th 2012
Did you know that February is National Pet Dental Health Month? Did you even know that you should be concerned with your pet’s dental health?
Animals can’t operate tooth brushes, so it’s easy to assume that they don’t need to brush their teeth. But you can brush their teeth for them, and it’s actually highly recommended. Just as gum disease is common in people and causes a variety of systemic health problems — diabetes, heart disease, stroke — your pet can develop gum disease as well. Many people complain that their dog or cat suffers from bad breath, but few realize that this can signal periodontal disease.
There are pet toothpastes and toothbrushes available at your local pet store. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends daily brushing, but even every other day or a few times a week can greatly reduce your pet’s chances of developing gum disease. Never use toothpaste designed for people on your pet. That would cause them to get a tummy ache.
Here are some tips for brushing your pet’s teeth:
- Let your pet taste the toothpaste from the tip of your finger first. The paste should be designed to taste good to your pet, leaving him or her wanting more.
- Once your pet has tasted the toothpaste, put a little on the toothbrush. There are two different types of pet toothbrushes available. One looks like a traditional human tooth brush, while the other is a finger-shaped rubber cuff with bristles that fits over the tip of your finger. This second type of pet toothbrush can be easier to use — you simply stick your finger in your pet’s mouth!
- Gently massage the teeth, paying special attention to the gum line. If you can’t get all of your pet’s teeth the first few tries, don’t fret. They’ll get used to it eventually, letting you finish the job as they become more comfortable.
Pet toothpaste is completely edible, so there’s no need to rinse after brushing.
Your pet’s vet can also perform dental exams and provide you with guidance on preventing gum disease for your pet. With a little attention and tender loving care, your pet can live a long, healthy life. The best part? No more bad breath!
Here’s a Twig … Now Brush Your Teeth
January 31st 2012
Parents have been telling their children to brush their teeth for at least 6,000 years. Archaeological excavations have uncovered evidence of ancient tooth cleaning implements, including twigs, feathers, bones, and quills. In fact, tooth brushing tools have been found as early as 3500 BCE in the Babylonian and Egyptian cultures, when people used frayed ends of twigs to scrub off bacteria and food particles.
Several early cultures used chewing sticks with aromatic or antiseptic properties, such as neem or miswak. The sticks not only cleaned teeth, but also freshened breath.
In 1498 in China, an enterprising soul plucked stiff hairs from a pig’s neck and attached the bristles to a bone or bamboo handle. When this toothbrush was adopted by the Europeans, they opted for softer bristles—using horsehairs or feathers.
The toothbrush was modernized around 1780 by Englishman William Addis when he tied boar bristles into tufts and glued them into drilled holes of a bone handle. In fact, he’s responsible for the first mass-produced toothbrush. The company that Addis started more than 230 years ago, Wisdom Toothbrushes, still exists today.
In 1857, H.N. Wadsworth was the first American to be granted a toothbrush patent. However, mass production on toothbrushes in the United States didn’t begin until 1885, and animal bristles were still used as the brushing components. Fast forward to 1938 when DuPont created a new material called nylon. These synthetic fibers soon replaced natural bristles in toothbrushes.
These days, you have a variety of toothbrush options, including electric and disposable. If you’re not sure which type of toothbrush is best for your dental care needs, ask your dentist at your next checkup. And skip the twigs.
Vegetarianism may be good for your heart, but is it good for your teeth?
December 30th 2011
Many people make losing weight and getting healthy their new year’s resolution. If this is your goal for 2012, you might decide to try vegetarianism. While vegetarianism can help reduce your intake of fat and cholesterol while in
creasing your intake of those healthy fruits and vegetables, are there any dental care issues associated with becoming a vegetarian?
How Vegetarianism Can Affect Your Oral Health
When designing your vegetarian diet, it’s essential to make sure you’re still getting certain nutrients. Some vegetarians might not get enough calcium, riboflavin, vitamins D or B12, or protein, and this can have a negative effect on the oral health of vegetarians.
A diet low on vitamin D and calcium can increase your risk of periodontal disease (gum disease), a very serious oral health problem. But take heart! You can counteract this problem with dietary supplements. It’s also recommended that you get guidance from a nutritionist before pursuing a vegetarian lifestyle to make sure you’re on the right track.
If giving vegetarianism a go is your new year’s resolution, there’s no need to be afraid for your oral health. Just make sure you’re getting all the important nutrients by eating a balanced diet. And don’t forget to make brushing and flossing a part of your oral health routine, too!
Located in the Aspenwood Professional Building at 600 S. St. Vrain in Estes Park, Dr. Rauk’s dental office serves patients from surrounding areas, including Pinewood, Glen Haven, and Allenspark. Give us a call today to schedule your initial visit.