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.

 

Soft Tissues Care in Winter

This has been a brutal winter for New Haven, and at Chapel Street Dental, we want to make sure our patients understand how to care for their mouths in cold weather. The health of the lips and other soft oral tissues are connected to dental health, so we’ve made this guide on how to avoid chapping and dryness.

One of the most important things to know is that wetting the lips causes them to dry out faster as the moisture evaporates. Long, hot showers will cause them to crack more easily and tucking them under the teeth will irritate them. If done as a habit, it could also cause the teeth to become misaligned. Lip balm works by sealing in moisture, but some fragrances and common ingredients, such as menthol, cause inflammation in some people, so it is a good idea to check the label and switch to a different product at the first sign of redness or pain.

Cold air contains less moisture, so a person who suffers from dry mouth will have worse problems in the winter. Because dry mouth increases the risk of tooth decay and other oral infections, this is something that needs to be taken care of. Throat moisturizers can provide protection, as can humidifiers placed in bedrooms, offices, or other places where people have to spend long periods.

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.