Prevent oral disease by seeing your dentist for cleanings, oral exams

Thursday, July 1, 2010
Passaic Valley Today
Whether you realize it or not, oral health is an essential part of our daily lives. The health of our mouths enhances our everyday interactions. It affects our ability to smile, speak, chew, taste, swallow and convey facial expressions. Oral diseases cause millions of Americans pain and disability annually. These oral diseases include cavities (tooth decay), gum (periodontal) disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer.
Tooth decay is the most common oral diseases, impacting adults and children alike. Left untreated, cavities can cause pain, infection, poor functioning, absences in school and work, trouble concentrating, and poor esthetics. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a condition caused by bacteria that destroys gum tissue and the bone supporting your teeth. It leads to loosening and eventual loss of teeth. Recent studies have shown links between periodontal disease and diabetes, heart disease, stroke and premature childbirth. Scientists are continuing to study these correlations.
Each year, over 7,600 Americans, die from oral and pharyngeal cancer. In 2010, approximately 35,000 new cases of oral cancer will be diagnosed. The five-year survival rate for these cancers is only about 50 percent. Detection of cancer lesions in the mouth in early stages increases the survival rate significantly for oral cancer. Seeing a dentist annually will help you identify risk factors for the disease. A thorough oral examination by a dentist may help find a precancerous lesion in your mouth and improve your chances of preventing oral cancer.
The bottom line is that most oral diseases are preventable. Many children and adults still go without simple measures that have been proven effective in preventing oral diseases and reducing dental care costs. In children, fluoride and dental sealants have been shown to prevent decay. Fluoride may be delivered to communities through water fluoridation. Alternately, fluoride is found in varying amounts in many oral health products. Dental sealants are a plastic coating that is applied to the chewing surface of the back teeth where most decay occurs. Sealants can only be provided by your dentist or dental hygienist.
Finally, routine dental cleanings and oral examinations can help detect dental problems before they become worse. It is recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA) that children and adults should receive a dental cleaning and examination every six months. Following these guidelines will help promote good oral health.
Dr. Ernesta Parisi, owner of Parisi Dental LLC, 224 Union Blvd., Totowa, wants to help you and your family prevent cavities, gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer. To schedule your appointment, call Dr. Parisi at 973-595-1700. For more information, visit www.parisidental.com.
Whether you realize it or not, oral health is an essential part of our daily lives. The health of our mouths enhances our everyday interactions. It affects our ability to smile, speak, chew, taste, swallow and convey facial expressions. Oral diseases cause millions of Americans pain and disability annually. These oral diseases include cavities (tooth decay), gum (periodontal) disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer.

Tooth decay is the most common oral diseases, impacting adults and children alike. Left untreated, cavities can cause pain, infection, poor functioning, absences in school and work, trouble concentrating, and poor esthetics. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a condition caused by bacteria that destroys gum tissue and the bone supporting your teeth. It leads to loosening and eventual loss of teeth. Recent studies have shown links between periodontal disease and diabetes, heart disease, stroke and premature childbirth. Scientists are continuing to study these correlations.

Each year, over 7,600 Americans, die from oral and pharyngeal cancer. In 2010, approximately 35,000 new cases of oral cancer will be diagnosed. The five-year survival rate for these cancers is only about 50 percent. Detection of cancer lesions in the mouth in early stages increases the survival rate significantly for oral cancer. Seeing a dentist annually will help you identify risk factors for the disease. A thorough oral examination by a dentist may help find a precancerous lesion in your mouth and improve your chances of preventing oral cancer.

The bottom line is that most oral diseases are preventable. Many children and adults still go without simple measures that have been proven effective in preventing oral diseases and reducing dental care costs. In children, fluoride and dental sealants have been shown to prevent decay. Fluoride may be delivered to communities through water fluoridation. Alternately, fluoride is found in varying amounts in many oral health products. Dental sealants are a plastic coating that is applied to the chewing surface of the back teeth where most decay occurs. Sealants can only be provided by your dentist or dental hygienist.

Finally, routine dental cleanings and oral examinations can help detect dental problems before they become worse. It is recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA) that children and adults should receive a dental cleaning and examination every six months. Following these guidelines will help promote good oral health.

Dr. Ernesta Parisi