The following are a few of the most common mouth sores people experience and their causes, as well as when you should seek professional treatment!

Canker Sores

Canker sores can have a variety of causes, from hormones to food sensitivities to stress. Presenting as small sores with a whitish center and red edges, canker sores can happen anywhere on the soft tissues of the oral cavity.

Most canker sores will go away within 10 days and are nothing to be concerned about. However, you should seek help if your canker sore isn’t gone within two weeks, is extremely painful, or you have a fever along with the sore [1].

Cold Sores

Occurring outside the mouth on the lips or around the lips, cold sores are caused by herpes simplex viruses (most commonly type 1). While painful and uncomfortable, the sores generally only last a week.

You should seek treatment for cold sores if you have several sores, sores spreading to other parts of your body (such as near your eyes or on your hands), or your sores don’t go away after two weeks [2]. People who have a weakened immune system or get cold sores frequently should also seek treatment.

Oral Cancer

Mouth sores caused by oral cancer can develop anywhere on the soft tissues in your mouth and may present as a red or white lesions that don’t go away [3]. The sore may also be a lump that could be small and painless, but if it’s oral cancer, it will continue to grow.

Your dentist can identify oral cancer during your regular checkup, which makes keeping your bi-annual exams all the more important. While people who use tobacco are at the highest risk for oral cancer, anyone can develop the disease. Any lesions that don’t go away within two weeks—whether or not they’re painful—should be evaluated by your dentist.

Oral Thrush

A small amount of a yeast called candida normally exists in your mouth. Oral bacteria and your immune system help keep this yeast from overgrowing and causing problems. However, for some people, candida will overgrow and cause a condition called oral thrush.

Oral thrush can cause white sores in the mouth and on the tongue that can be uncomfortable [4]. People who have compromised immune systems, diabetes, or are taking steroid medications are more at risk to develop oral thrush. You should seek treatment if you’re having symptoms, including pain when swallowing, bad breath, a white tongue, or abnormal taste.

Experiencing Mouth Sores?

If you frequently suffer from mouth sores or have persistent mouth sores that don’t go away, it’s time to follow up with your dentist. Your oral healthcare professional can identify your mouth sore and discuss potential causes and treatment options with you to help you feel your best!

Sources:
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/canker-sore/symptoms-causes/syc-
2. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/cold-sores-treatment
3. https://oralcancerfoundation.org/dental/oral-cancer-images/
4. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/thrush-children-and-

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However, there are some risk factors that you can control when it comes to oral cancer, and they are some of the most influential ones in whether or not you develop the disease. Here are the top three causes of oral cancer you should know about!

1. Tobacco Use

Tobacco use is the number one cause of oral cancers worldwide. In fact, 85 percent of oral cancers are linked to tobacco use [1]. Tobacco includes chewing tobacco, smoking cigarettes, and smoking natural tobacco and cigars.

What about e-cigarettes? Although not technically considered tobacco use, vaping can also cause DNA mutations similar to those seen in cigarette smokers, and could increase your risk of oral cancer [2]. In addition, research on marijuana use also tentatively indicates a higher risk of oral cancer, so when it comes to smoking, it’s best to avoid all forms!

2. Alcohol

Alcohol is the second biggest risk factor for oral cancer and has been linked to several types of cancers, not just oral cancer. Drinking and smoking combined is particularly harmful, and increases your risk of oral cancer even more [3].

Although heavy drinkers have the highest risk, research shows that even moderate consumption (one drink per day) can affect your oral cancer risk as well as your risk for breast, colon, and liver cancer [4]. The safest thing you can do for your smile is to not consume alcohol at all, but if you choose to drink, go for moderation!

3. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is a type of sexually transmitted infection that can, like the other risk factors on this list, increase your risk for several types of cancer. HPV is unfortunately common but is also preventable [5]. It’s also one of the leading causes of oral cancers including those of the tonsils and the back of the tongue.

There are different strains of HPV, and while women can get tested, there is no HPV test that exists for men. There is also a vaccine against HPV that you may qualify for; you can talk to your doctor for more information!

Get an Oral Cancer Screening With Your Dentist

Getting an oral cancer screening is painless, doesn’t take long, an can help catch oral cancer early. Your dentist can conduct an oral cancer screening during your regular checkup, and can talk more with you about your risk for the disease. Talk to your dentist about oral cancer today!

Sources:
1. https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/oral-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/risk-factors-and-
2. https://news.usc.edu/154348/e-cigs-may-not-be-as-benign-as-many-believe/
3. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/basic_info/hpv_oropharyngeal.htm
4. https://www.fdiworlddental.org/news/20181011/lancet-report-ties-alcohol-use-to-oral-
5. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/basic_info/hpv_oropharyngeal.htm

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Research shows that plant-based diets can be beneficial for your overall health, even reducing the risk of heart disease, depression, and certain types of cancers [1]. But what does research have to say about plant-based diets for your dental health?

A Plant-Based Diet Could Help Prevent Oral Cancer

Oral cancer includes cancers of the mouth, tongue, cheeks, and throat, and affects tens of thousands of Americans every year. If diagnosed early, oral cancer has a fairly high successful treatment rate, making those checkups with your dentist that include oral cancer screenings all the more important.

Current evidence shows that a diet high in plant-based foods including fruits and vegetables may help prevent oral cancer [2]. Of course, avoiding tobacco products and reducing your consumption of alcohol are important factors in avoiding oral cancer as well!

Veggies Are an Essential Part of a Healthy Diet for Teeth

Vegetables are part of a healthy diet for oral health, and provide essential nutrients that your smile needs to stay healthy [3]. All types of veggies and fruits can support your oral health! Protein is an important component of dental health as well, as it supports strong and healthy teeth and gum tissue.

Protein is able to be consumed in the form of plants, and it’s certainly possible to get all the protein you need from plant-based sources, but you may also choose to supplement with animal products. Excellent protein sources from plants include beans, nuts, soy, quinoa, seeds, oats, and rice.

Eating Mostly Plant-Based Could Improve Gum Health

In one study, vegetarians had less inflammation and gum damage than non-vegetarians [4]. In this same study, vegetarians also had better oral hygiene, fewer missing teeth, and stronger teeth.

While this evidence shows that vegetarians may have better oral health, it doesn’t mean you have to stop eating meat or other animal products completely—just that you can focus more on plants to reap the benefits for your smile!

So What’s the Verdict?

Your body needs a well-balanced diet to support not just your oral health but your overall health as well. Choosing a plant-based diet can positively impact your health, but it doesn’t mean you have to completely get rid of animal products. Try to aim for smaller and fewer servings of animal products, or have them only a few days a week instead of every day.

And, of course, always brush and floss your teeth daily, and schedule regular visits with your dentist every six months or as recommend by your oral healthcare professional. Diet plays a critical role in your oral health, but so do your oral care habits—so do your best to pay attention to both!

Sources:
1. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-a-plant-based-diet-and-why-should-you-
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21282682
3. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/diet-and-dental-health
4. https://www.nature.com/articles/ejcn2013101

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The goal of oral cancer screenings is to identify any cancerous growths early to prevent the spread of the disease. An oral cancer screening is a simple process that typically happens during your regular checkup with your professional dentist.

Here’s what you can expect during an oral cancer screening!

A Physical Exam of Your Oral Cavity

Your dentist will conduct a physical exam of your oral cavity to look for areas in the mouth that may be red or white, such as sores or lesions [2]. Your dentist will also feel for lumps in your face, neck, and jaw that could be indicative of cancer.

The exam is comprehensive and includes your lips, the lining of your cheeks, gums, tongue, and the floor and roof of your mouth. This process is usually simple and painless—even for patients that experience dental anxiety, there’s no instruments used, just a simple visual exam.

A Few Brief Questions

During your oral cancer screening, your dentist will ask you about any changes in your health or if you’re having any symptoms related to oral cancer [3]. These symptoms could include unexplained pain, numbness, or bleeding in your oral cavity.

If you’re new at your dentist office, they may also ask about your history of cancer, smoking, or tobacco use to better understand your risk for oral cancer. Based on this information, your dentist will recommend screening options. Typically, oral cancer screenings happen annually for adults.

What Happens If Your Dentist Suspects Oral Cancer

If your dentist finds something that requires further investigation, don’t panic. Some lesions or bumps are benign—non-cancerous—and nothing to worry about. Your dentist may want to conduct a few additional tests to get a better idea of what their findings are.

These tests could include staining options such as blue or florescence stains, which can help healthcare professionals identify potentially cancerous growths [4]. Your dentist may also want to take a biopsy, in which cells are scraped and looked at to determine if further diagnosis is required.

Based on their findings, your dentist can refer you to a specialist for further testing and
diagnosis.

When Was Your Last Checkup?

Your regular dentist visits aren’t just for teeth cleanings—with an annual oral cancer screening, you can help catch oral cancer early to increase your chances of treatment success. Ask your dentist about their process for oral cancer screenings during your next checkup!

Sources:
1. https://report.nih.gov/nihfactsheets/ViewFactSheet.aspx?csid=106&key=O
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/oral-cancer-screening/about/pac-
3. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/o/oral-cancer
4. https://www.cancer.gov/types/head-and-neck/patient/oral-screening-pdq

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Just as certain medical conditions can be hereditary, so can certain dental diseases. Each of us
has a unique genetic makeup, and our genes in combination with our environment play a huge
role in what constitutes our everyday health.

When it comes to oral diseases, there are a few conditions that can negatively affect your
dental health that research has suggested are hereditary. It’s possible that you could have
inherited the following oral health conditions.

Gum Disease

If one of your parents has a history of gum disease, you’re more likely to have the disease as
well. Even if you take good care of your teeth, your genetic makeup may predispose you to
developing periodontal disease [1].

Visiting your dentist for regular checkups combined with proper oral care habits at home can
help you prevent gum disease and maintain your smile. Gum disease is progressive, so ignoring
the condition isn’t an option without consequences.

Oral Cancer

Although oral cancer hasn’t been proven to be passed down from parent to child, it’s possible
that with a family history of oral cancer that you contain genes that make you more likely to get
the disease.

It’s important to tell your dentist if you have a known family history of cancer, especially oral
cancer. Fortunately, by getting oral cancer screenings with your professional dentist—which are
painless and can be life-saving—you can catch oral cancer early.

Other risk factors of oral cancer include tobacco use, alcohol abuse, and having an unhealthy
diet [2].

Tooth Decay

Some people are more likely to have tooth enamel that contains defects which can be the
result of genetics, according to research [3]. Although the development of tooth enamel is
affected by both genes and environment, it may help to know that if your parents have weak
tooth enamel that you might as well.

With softer tooth enamel, you’re more likely to suffer from cavities. When tooth enamel is
missing on parts of your teeth, the softer tissues of your tooth are exposed to bacteria that can
lead to tooth decay.

When tooth enamel is beginning to wear away, you may notice a whiter spot on your teeth or
eventually a yellowish hue where the enamel has actually worn away to expose dentin, the
layer underneath enamel.

Are you worried that you may have inherited a health condition that affects your smile? You
may be predisposed to certain oral health problems, but that doesn’t mean that you need to let
your smile succumb to bacteria and decay.

It’s possible to have a healthy smile even with a history of oral disease. Visit your local dentist to learn more about how regular checkups and professional teeth cleanings can help you have the healthiest smile possible!

Sources:
1. https://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease-risk-factors
2. https://oralcancerfoundation.org/understanding/risk-factors/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3267319/

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What exactly is the impact of marijuana on dental health? Here’s how marijuana could be harming your teeth and gums over time.

Increased Risk of Periodontal Disease

Similar to smoking cigarettes, smoking marijuana has been linked to gum disease. Research shows a correlation between regular marijuana use and an increased risk of gum disease.

Higher rates of gum disease have been noted among people who use marijuana frequently, so the more you use marijuana, the more likely you are to have gum disease. In addition, studies have shown that gum disease may manifest earlier in life for marijuana users.

Although a causal link hasn’t been established, experts speculate that marijuana irritates the soft tissues of the mouth and causes damage to the ligaments that help anchor the teeth in place, making gum disease more likely.

Reduced Saliva Contributes to Tooth Decay

Marijuana dries out the oral cavity by reducing production of saliva. This leads to dry mouth, which has been linked to tooth decay and chronic bad breath.

How does this happen? Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active component in marijuana, inhibits salivary glands in the mouth from producing saliva. When saliva production is blocked, the mouth quickly becomes dry.

A dry mouth typically has a lower pH, leading your oral cavity to be more acidic. Having a lower pH increases the chances that tooth decay will occur, as harmful bacteria attack tooth enamel and can erode it away.

Potentially Higher Risk of Oral Cancers

In some studies, marijuana has been linked to an increased risk of oral cancer. These cancers include cancers of the mouth and neck. Research has been inconclusive when it comes to marijuana and an increased cancer risk, but here’s what we do know.

Marijuana contains many of the same carcinogens as cigarettes. Marijuana smoke also contains higher concentrations of these toxic chemicals than cigarettes. Ongoing research is needed, but at this time, it’s best to be cautionary when it comes to marijuana and its known toxins.

Yellowing Teeth

Although not exactly a health impact of marijuana, marijuana smokers, just like tobacco smokers, are more likely to have yellow teeth. Their teeth are more at risk to take on a yellow or brown hue due to using this substance. By minimizing smoking or avoiding it altogether, you can help your teeth remain white and free of deep staining.

When it comes to marijuana, we know that it’s been linked to a higher risk of periodontal disease and is known for drying out the oral cavity, which can increase your risk for tooth decay. Although the jury is still out on whether or not marijuana use increases your risk for oral cancer, avoiding smoking or reducing your use can help you better maintain a healthy smile!

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Whether you enjoy a drink a day, a few times a week, or rarely, here’s what you need to know
in regards to alcohol consumption and your dental health.

Increases Damage to Tooth Enamel

Alcohol is very acidic with many drinks containing a pH of around 3-4. With alcohol being so
corrosive, enjoying this beverage can cause your tooth enamel to erode and create weak spots
that are susceptible to tooth decay, discoloration, or tooth sensitivity.

When areas of your tooth enamel are eroded away, your teeth aren’t protected and are more
at risk to experience problems. To keep alcohol from ruining your tooth enamel, be sure to sip
water with your drink and always wait 30 minutes after consuming alcohol to brush your teeth.

More Oral Plaque

Since many forms of alcohol contain sugar, these drinks put you at risk to experience more
plaque on your pearly whites. Plaque is an accumulation of bacteria that feels fuzzy on your
teeth. If left unchecked, this material can harden into tartar, which is impossible to remove at
home.

When drinking alcohol, it’s easy for plaque to build up in your mouth, making tooth decay and
gum disease more likely. In order to keep your mouth plaque-free, it’s imperative to brush
twice a day and visit your dentist for regular cleanings.

Higher Risk of Oral Cancer

Abusing alcohol is the second largest risk factor for getting oral cancer. Oral cancers include
those of the mouth, tongue, throat, lips, and cheeks. Alcohol increases your risk for oral cancer;
in fact, alcohol is a risk factor for many cancers.

The good news is that many oral cancers have a high survival rate of 84% if caught early. Your
dentist can perform an oral cancer screening during your appointment and talk with you about
your risk for oral cancer.

Alcohol Causes Dry Mouth

Since alcohol actually dehydrates your body, it causes dry mouth. Dry mouth has more of an
impact on your oral health than you think. Without proper saliva production, your tooth
enamel is more at risk to be damaged.

Saliva also helps to balance bacteria, so without enough of it, the mouth turns acidic and
bacteria can attack the tooth enamel. This not only increases your risk for tooth decay but can
also cause bad breath.

Alcohol’s dehydrating effect on the mouth can also make oral tissues more susceptible to toxins
and carcinogens, such as those found in cigarette smoke. If you do choose to drink, staying
hydrated with water is important!

No matter how much you drink, it’s important to know how alcohol affects your oral cavity to
understand your risk of health problems such as oral cancer, tooth decay, and dry mouth. Be
sure to follow up with your dentist to ensure your smile is healthy if you enjoy alcohol, even in
moderation!

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Fortunately, taking care of our smiles as we go through life and enter our golden years isn’t all
that different from our regular oral care routine, with a few exceptions. Here are our top oral
care tips for seniors!

Stay Hydrated

Seniors have an increased risk for dry mouth. This is because many medications can cause dry
mouth, including those for high blood pressure and even allergies. In addition, our salivary
glands may not produce as much saliva as we age, leading to a sticky feeling in our mouths.

This is why it’s essential to stay hydrated as we get older. We can do this by being aware of our
caffeine consumption—drinks such as coffee, tea, and cola can cause us to become dehydrated.

Alcohol can also severely dry out the mouth, although it doesn’t contain caffeine.
The most important thing you can do is drink more water. Sipping on water throughout the day
can prevent dry mouth and dehydration. If dry mouth is a chronic problem for you despite your
daily fluid intake, talk with your doctor as you may need to switch medications or there may be
another health issue to blame.

Schedule Regular Checkups

Regular checkups with your dentist can prevent a host of oral health problems. Your dentist is
specially trained to spot cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer early. By keeping your dental
appointments every 6-12 months, you can prevent many oral health problems.

Since everyone is different, your dentist may suggest you come more or less often. If your teeth
and gums are in excellent shape and have been for a while, a yearly visit may suffice. However,
if your teeth are prone to problems or if you smoke, your dentist may recommend coming more
often.

Eat Well

Eating well is important to everyone’s oral health, not just seniors. By saying no to refined
flours and starches such as white bread and potato chips and simple sugars such as baked
goods, we can help our smiles to be healthier.

Important foods to focus on include healthy fats such as those found in nuts, oils, and
avocadoes, as well as lean protein and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. By eating the right
foods, seniors can reduce their risk of tooth decay as they age!

Brush and Floss

Of course, continuing to care for your teeth as you age is essential. With Americans losing an
average of 12 teeth by age 50 and 26% of Americans losing all their teeth by age 74, it’s more
important than ever to care for your smile.

You can do this by daily brushing and flossing to remove plaque and bacteria to keep your smile
strong and healthy. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush can help you be as gentle as possible with
your smile while still keeping it clean. Your dentist can supplement your care routine to create a
healthy smile!

As we age, it’s important to take care of ourselves. The oral cavity is no exception, requiring
some additional care as we age. By staying hydrated, visiting your dentist, and employing
regular care habits such as brushing and flossing, you can enjoy a beautiful smile well into old
age!

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Cigarette smokers are more prone to many different illnesses. In addition to increasing your risk
for asthma, heart disease, stroke, and cancer, cigarette smokers are also more likely to have
dental health issues. Here’s how cigarette smoke can damage your smile.

Gum Disease

Cigarette smoke affects the soft tissues of the mouth in addition to the teeth. Your gum tissue
is essential in supporting your teeth. Smoking inhibits blood circulation in the gum tissue,
meaning the teeth won’t be as healthy due to lack of blood supply and nutrients in the gums.

Smoking also means you’re more likely to get infections, such as those from gum disease,
because your immune system is impacted by the toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke. People
who smoke are not only twice as likely to get gum disease, but gum disease is harder to treat in
people who smoke because the body doesn’t respond as well to treatments as someone with a
healthy immune system.

The longer you smoke and the more you smoke, the more your smile will be impacted by oral
health problems such as gum disease.

Oral Cancer

The immune system is impacted by cigarette smoke in addition to your cells—healthy cells have
the potential to turn cancerous, meaning oral cancer is a very real risk for smokers.

Oral cancer includes cancers of the mouth, throat, and tongue. People who smoke aren’t just
affected by oral cancer. Tobacco is known to cause lung cancer, kidney cancer, stomach cancer,
and pancreatic cancer, in addition to being linked to many other diseases.

Smokers can expect to have a substantially greater risk for oral cancer than non-smokers. Most
dentists advocate for an oral cancer screening yearly for everyone, not just people who smoke.
People who smoke may be encouraged to come in more often for these screenings.

Tooth Loss

Along with increased plaque and tartar in the mouth, smoking affects the teeth as well as the
immune system and your gum tissue, which, of course, are all connected!

Since smoking can impact the gum tissue and cause infections and gum recession, teeth have
the potential to fall out. Gum tissue plays a major role in supporting teeth, and gum disease is
one of the major causes of tooth loss in older adults.

In addition, smoking causes loss of bone in your jaw, which can further inhibit the necessary
support for your teeth. Smoking cigarettes also means your body doesn’t heal as well as
someone who doesn’t smoke, so smokers typically see lower success rates with tooth
replacements such as dental implants.

If you’re a daily smoker or even just a recreational one, you’re increasing your chances for
major oral health problems. In addition to seeing your dentist every six months for a checkup,
ask your doctor or dentist about quitting. Your body and your smile will thank you!

The post Are Cigarette Smokers More Prone to Dental Health Issues? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Think again. It can be nearly impossible for even the best brushers to get all the plaque and food particles out of their teeth. This is because teeth such as the molars can be deeply grooved, making them the perfect place for bacteria to get trapped.

A professional cleaning does more than step up your brushing routine. Here’s why a dental deep cleaning is necessary for all of us!

Impossible to Get all The Spaces

How conscious are you of getting all the necessary spaces when you’re brushing your teeth? Each tooth needs to be brushed on every side. For the majority of your teeth, you won’t be able to reach every side of the tooth. This is where floss comes in to help remove plaque and food debris that may have gotten stuck from teeth that are next to each other.

During your two minutes of brushing, being aware of all the surfaces of your teeth is important. Your dentist can further facilitate a healthy mouth by doing a deep cleaning during your regular checkup and let you know what you’re missing, therefore helping you improve your brushing routine. Your dentist will also remove plaque from those tight spaces you can’t get to with your toothbrush to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Plaque Can Turn into Tartar

Tartar is a mineral substance that builds up on your teeth when plaque is not removed. The plaque essentially hardens, turning into tartar. Once you have tartar in your mouth, it will need to be professionally removed.

Since tartar typically builds up just below the gumline, it can begin to irritate gums and even lead to gum disease. It can also cause cavities and tooth staining. Tartar gives plaque a better platform on which to grow, therefore making it more difficult to clean your teeth.

Many adults have tartar to some degree in their mouths, making a dental deep cleaning
necessary to remove the tartar so you can have a healthy smile again. Any place that you miss on your teeth while you’re brushing has the potential to get tartar!

You Want Healthy Teeth for Life

Your teeth are meant to last you your entire lifetime. Although teeth have the potential to
weaken as you get older if you have an underlying health condition, insufficient mineral intake, or poor oral hygiene, this isn’t what’s meant to happen to your teeth. Your teeth can remain strong and healthy for a lifetime with the right care.

Replacing a tooth can be costly and time-consuming when you factor in any additional
maintenance and dentist visits. Going to the dentist regularly can help prevent tooth loss, gum disease, sensitive teeth, tooth decay, and even catch oral cancer early.

Why put off the dentist now when you could have a healthy, worry-free smile for life?
Getting your teeth professionally cleaned is a habit everyone needs to make. From removing plaque to helping you improve your brushing routine to giving you a healthy smile for life, your professional dentist does more than simply remove stains during your deep cleaning. Make an appointment today to have your best smile!

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