Oral Cancer and Alcohol

Dentists are a vital part of the care team for oral cancer patients. At Chapel Street Dental in New Haven, we want to help our patients understand how to avoid this disease and how to care for themselves if they do get it, which is why we’re sharing new research linking oral cancer to alcohol.

According to the study, conducted by the American Society of Clinical Oncologists, 5-6% of all new cancer cases, including cancers of the throat and oral cavity, are attributable to alcohol. This was one of the first studies to examine alcohol separately from smoking, which was already known to be one of the most common causes of oral cancer. One of the most concerning findings of the study was that most people are unaware that alcohol raises their risk for cancer and that it interferes with the success of chemotherapy.

The study provides evidence that even moderate drinkers are at a higher risk for oral cancer. It did not matter what type of alcohol they consumed. However, the study also found that when people gave up drinking, their risk of oral and throat cancer declined to the level it had been out before they started.

Chapel Street Dental is located at 806 Chapel St, New Haven, Connecticut, 06510. To schedule an appointment, call 203-772-1000 or visit New Haven Dental and fill out a contact form.

 

National Children's Dental Health Month

Did you know that February is National Children’s Dental Health Month? Each year, the American Dental Association decides on a theme for our child education programs, and this year’s is how to use fluoride toothpaste.

The most common children’s oral health problem is caries: the bacterial infections that secrete acid and damage tooth enamel, resulting in cavities. Fluoride shields teeth against acid, which is why we provide fluoride topical treatments during cleanings. It is important for children to develop a habit of brushing their teeth regularly since this will serve them well their entire lives. Although their baby teeth will fall out, pain from decay can interfere with their sleep, eating, and speech development, and make them more irritable and easily distracted.

Children, and everyone else, should brush for two full minutes during each session. They should use soft-bristled toothbrushes and be sure to brush on every tooth surface, and on the tongue. Fluoride toothpaste should be spat out after use because absorbing too much of it could cause the teeth to become discolored.

Chapel Street Dental is located at 806 Chapel St, New Haven, Connecticut, 06510. To schedule an appointment, call 203-772-1000 or visit New Haven Dental and fill out a contact form.

 

Don’t Neglect Your Tongue

Most of us have been brushing and flossing our teeth for many years. If done correctly, and practiced frequently, we should be brushing our teeth at least twice a day for two minutes and flossing at least once a day. Though our doctors at Chapel Street Dental suggest brushing your tongue, not everyone practices this method and we are here to tell you why you should.

After you’ve given your teeth a good scrub, it’s time to focus on your tongue. At a minimum, you should clean your tongue once in the morning, and once at night before you go to bed. It’s just fine to brush your tongue with your toothbrush in a circular motion, but it’s even better to invest in a tongue scraper. A tongue scraper is a tool that is made of soft, flexible plastic, that gently peels away the layer of bacteria that food leaves behind. Using one can help you keep foul odors out of the mouth and leave you with fresher breath.

If you have questions or concerns regarding oral hygiene or preventive dentistry, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.newhavendentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Chapel Street Dental in New Haven, CT, call 203-772-1000.