This year in the U.S...

• More than 43,250 people will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer, and in five years almost half will die.

• Oral cancers will kill more than 8,000 people.

• Every hour, it will claim another victim.

There are many types of oral cancer, however around 90% are squamous cell carcinomas.

Oral cancers have a higher death rate than cervical cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, Hodgkins lymphoma, and others. This is because the signs are hard to find and typically discovered in late stages.

Studies touting the benefits of the paleo diet are pouring in daily, but what interest us as dentists are the impacts this lifestyle can have on your dental health. Below are a few concepts pertaining to this diet that may be compelling if you’re looking to improve your oral situation as well as your overall health.

Far Fewer Inflammatories

While low-carb diets have been popular for years, cutting out grains will do more than just whittle your middle. Studies of nutrition and digestion suggest that the lectins and omega-6 fats in bread, crackers, rice, and chips actually damage our intestines and contribute to tissue inflammation.

How Do I Know If I Have Gum Disease?

Sometimes gum disease can be a silent disease and you may not be aware of any current symptoms.  This is why it is important to have regular exams and professional cleanings.  If you are concerned about the health of your gums, look for the following symptoms. These could be signs of a serious problem and should be checked by a dentist.

• red, swollen, tender and/or bleeding gums

• sensitive teeth

• receding gums

• persistent bad breath

• painful chewing

• loose teeth

Call the Doc

As soon as you realize you've lost a piece of your tooth, make an appointment with your dentist ASAP. There's no need to panic, though, because your dentists should have plenty of experience repairing chipped or broken teeth. Although your teeth are pretty hard (enamel is actually the hardest body tissue) they do have their limits. A damaged tooth will be much more vulnerable if it is already suffering from decay when you hit your face or fall. This will make further damage or even infection more likely, and any unchecked chip could wind up costing you your entire tooth.

The Anatomy Of A Dental Implant

The "implant" is a titanium screw that will serve as the root for your new tooth. We use medical-grade titanium screws because it doesn't corrode and its properties allow it to fuse permanently with your jawbone. And, if you’re hoping to replace a full arch, you’ll be relieved to know that you’ll only need the strength of four posts to support it.

What you see above the gum is called the “crown.” It's made of porcelain, and it’s customizable so that together we can design a flawless new smile that still looks like you. Your new crown will be strong enough for you to bite into things you may have been missing, like apples or corn on the cob.

Amalgam is a mixture of several metals including silver, aluminum, copper, sometimes zinc, and yes, mercury. Mercury is in there because it makes the filling material pliable, quick to set, and extremely durable. However, the mercury also releases from fillings over time as a vapor.

Back in 1990, an episode of “60 Minutes” reported on the negative health effects of mercury in amalgam, spurring rampant fear across America. Although it was later suggested that the primetime news program used a “great deal of false information,” hundreds of studies both national and independent followed, suggesting that mercury entering the body from amalgam fillings is bad for your health. At the same time, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the American Dental Association (ADA), and other health organizations have been working hard to squash scare tactics and offer some clear answers.

These resolutions will give you a healthier smile, and could also go a long way toward better overall health in the coming year:

If you have sensitive teeth and receding gums, you may be one of the millions of Americans that brush their teeth too hard.

Armed with a firm-bristled toothbrush and only a few seconds to spare in the morning, you may assume that the harder and faster you brush, the cleaner and whiter your teeth will be. But, you are likely doing more harm than good. Research has proven that brushing too hard is one of the leading causes of enamel erosion and receding gums, which often leads to sensitivity, gum disease, and decay.

What Is Considered A Dental Emergency?

When a tooth is forced out of position, loosened, fractured, or knocked out entirely, this should be considered an emergency and you should see your dentist as soon as possible. Lips, gums, and cheeks are often affected and will need medical attention as well.

Get A Mouthguard To Wear At Night

Your dentist can make a custom-fitted mouthguard for you to wear while you sleep. While it may not completely prevent you from grinding, it will redistribute the pressure and protect your teeth from damage. Your will need to see your dentist regularly so he or she can monitor your progress.

Make A Point To Relax Your Jaw

Keeping your lips closed but your teeth apart will give your jaw and teeth a break. Try it now. The trick is in maintaining this position. Your teeth should really only be touching when you chew or swallow.