Every year 33,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed and more than 8,000 deaths are recorded.  So, if you notice any of these symptoms, please contact your Woburn Dentist immediately:

• Non healing and bleeding sores.
• White or red spots in the mouth.
• Lump, thickening, rough spot, crust, or small eroded area.
• Numbness or pain in the face, mouth, or neck.
• Feeling of something caught in the mouth.
• Difficulty Chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue.

In the office, we can do a regular visual exam,or we can do a more a thorough Visilight exam which is a special rinse.  The difference between them is the Visilight exam has an 80% survival rate, and the visual exam has 50% survival rate. So, if you have any concerns about anything in the mouth you need to call the dentist as soon as possible.

Dr. Massabni

Often pregnant women shy away from dental cleanings thinking it is bad for the baby. On the contrary, if the pregnant woman does not get her regular cleanings on time, she is more at risk to develop gum disease which in turn causes premature births and still born infants.

Fusobacterium nucleatum is linked to premature births and still born infants, it increases in number when gum disease is present. This increase in number of F. Nucleatum bacteria with the immune system working less than normal during pregnancy, cause this bacteria to attack the placenta and the amniotic fluid through the blood stream which results in preterm birth.

Please Brush, floss, and rinse with anti bacterial rinse. Visit your dentist for check ups and cleanings. It is as simple as that.

Is not prevention simple and the best?

HELPFUL FACTS

• An oral evaluation is recommended no later than the age of 1. In most cases this assessment is done by the Pediatrician, if there is any area of concern contact the family dentist.
• By the age of six, most children will have their first set of permanent molars, as well as start losing their baby teeth. Routine checkups are recommended twice a year starting from the age of three. These appointments will help maintain optimal overall health, by assessing any risk factors that can lead to cavities, gingival diseases and malocclusion. At these appointments, an exam, cleaning, fluoride treatment and possibly x-rays will be performed. Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens teeth and helps fight tooth decay. X-rays allow for areas that are not visible clinically to be assessed, it is recommended that periodically unseen areas are evaluated. Other preventative measures such as sealing molars that have deep grooves on the chewing surfaces may be recommended. Sealants are a plastic white material that adheres directly onto the teeth preventing plaque and acids from embedding itself in the grooves of the teeth.
• Frequent snacking increases the risk for developing decay. Limit sugary snacks and drinks to meal time. In between meals healthier snacks such as fresh fruit, vegetables, dry cereals and other non-sticky foods are recommended. Consuming plenty of water and chewing sugar-free gum are natural and easy ways to help the oral cavity self cleanse throughout the day.
• Teeth should be brushed with a soft bristle brush and water as soon as they erupt in the mouth.
• Children 2 years of age and older, should brush twice a day with a pea size amount of fluoridated tooth paste. An adult should monitor this practice to make sure that the toothpaste is not being consumed and assist with the technique for children 2-7 years of age. Flossing once a day is recommended once the child's teeth start making contact. Children should always use the proper size children's toothbrush with soft bristles, and replace it every 3-4 months, or after a cold or infectious virus.

This article was written by Mariely Nicasio RDH.

Many individuals avoid the dentist because of fear of pain or fear of embarrassment. Let me tell you, we have seen it all. We are not in the dental business to judge people nor to inflict pain. We are here to help all people to achieve ever lasting healthy smile. All we need is for the patient to tell us in the first visit about their fears so we can customize the treatment. Also, dentistry has advanced so much to help different needs.

there are many other reasons why these individuals should not avoid the dentist:

• They will miss on their oral cancer exam
• They will miss on their dental, gum, and TMJ exam
• They will miss on the PH balance of the mouth exam.
• They will miss on any opportunity to save the teeth, or prevent bone loss
• They will miss on the opportunity of learning about regular home and office care.
• They will miss on a possibility of cosmetic enhancement.
• They will miss on the education we provide for a long time maintenance.
• Finally I would like to say let us help you when things show up in the mouth not when they blow up.

Post operative soreness and discomfort after a dental cleaning is directly related to the amount of plaque present around your teeth and gum. Plaque is very sticky and hides every where especially between the teeth and below gum line where flossing is our best defense. The bacteria in the plaque cause swelling and inflammation. The longer the plaque stays in our mouth the more calcified it becomes which will in turn trap more bacteria and the inflammation becomes even worse.

The Hygienist role is to remove all hard and soft plaque above and below the gum line, so the tissue can reattach to the teeth. The post operative pain is related to the amount of the inflammation present in the tissue which will last up to one week. During the healing period it is absolutely necessary to keep the teeth clean by brushing, flossing, rubber tipping, rinsing with warm water and salt,and taking Advil or Tylenol. you may need to double your efforts in your home care at the beginning until we bring the gum to the optimum health.

home care instructions are tailored to each patient's needs. we do not give the same instructions to all patients.

Most importantly, we need to hear your feedback after your cleaning. we take your feedback seriously, and it helps us to adjust our work to your comfort level.

Have a happy brushing and flossing.

this article was written by Jackie Forbes. RDH.