Oral Cancer

Our doctors can’t tell you with certainty what causes oral cancer. It’s more than likely a combination of genetic predisposition and factors in your environment. Tobacco is the most common factor contributing to oral cancers.  Obviously, smoking cigarettes, cigars or pipes and using chewing tobacco greatly increase your chance of getting oral cancer.

Signs and symptoms of oral cancer for cancers in the mouth, you, your dentist or your physician can actually see or feel something abnormal in most cases. This is different from cancers in other parts of the head and neck, which can remain hidden for some time.  In our Sandy Springs office symptoms we watch for are:

1.      Painful sores in your mouth

2.      Pain or difficulty swallowing

3.      A patch in your mouth

4.      Difficulty opening your mouth

5.      Numbness (resulting from an effected nerve)

6.      Difficulty speaking

7.      Recurring bleeding from the mouth

8.      Bad breath (a rare sign)

9.      Loose teeth or dentures that won’t fit properly (because of underlying tumors)

10.   A lump in your neck

Remember, not all lumps, patches or bumps are cancer.  There are many of these presentments that are non-cancerous.  Yet there are also a few common pre-malignant lesions of which you should be wary about, which is why you need to see your dentist regularly.  Your visits to your dentist are a visit to your oral health care provider. We recommend preventive dental checkups at least twice a year, if not more, depending on your particular needs. Routine exams and annual x-rays not only to protect against tooth decay but also oral cancers. If we can be of assistance please contact us.

ZoAnna Scheinfeld, MS, DMD

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta, GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

THE MOUTH

The Missing Piece to Your Overall Wellness and Lower Medical Costs

New research by insurance giant United Concordia builds on the connection between good oral health and lower medical costs and reduced hospitalizations.  This landmark study was conducted through a partnership between United Concordia Dental and Highmark, examining three years of medical and dental claims for 1.7 million members.[1]

Chronic medical conditions are a widespread issue in our country, affecting an estimated one out of every two adults over 21.[2] And, periodontitis (gum disease) is an epidemic of its own:

47% of Americans suffer from periodontal disease at any one time[3]

The good news is, United Concordia’s study found that regular professional dental care can not only improve overall health, but can also reduce your medical expenses and hospitalizations.

What this means for patients in our Sandy Springs office who have one or more chronic conditions or  are pregnant is:

If you have a chronic condition, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke or pregnant, it is more important than ever to keep up with consistent oral care at home and see your dentist regularly. You many need additional treatment to keep your mouth healthy, which can help improve your overall health, and keep your medical costs down.[4]

How we make better oral health a part of your overall wellness.

The basics of good dental care are relatively simple—brush twice day, floss once a day and see your dentist. But, it’s also important to follow your dentist’s recommendations for treatment.  With over 90 years of experience in metro Atlanta, we have long understood that the mouth is connected to the body, and with better oral care and our expertise, you could see improvements in your overall health, plus savings in medical costs and reduced hospitalizations.

The opportunity for cost savings and better health is significant.  Routine oral care helps prevent and respond to problems before they develop into complex and more expensive ones.  Without a doubt, good professional oral health care is critical to your overall health.  If we can be of assistance, do not hesitate to contact us.

ZoAnna Scheinfeld, MS, DMD

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta, GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

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[1] This study shows reduced hospitalizations and health care costs are possible when individuals with at least one chronic condition or who are pregnant receive treatment for their gum disease. Having the study peer-reviewed speaks to the importance of the findings and the credibility of our work." -Dr. Marjorie Jeffcoat, D.M.D.

[2] CDC, The Power of Prevention: Chronic Disease…the Public Health Challenge of the 21^st Century,  2009

[3] CDC, Prevalence of Periodontitis in Adults in the United States: 2009 and 2010, 09/12

[4] Published in American Journal of Preventive Medicine

How Often Should I See the Dentist?

At least every six months.

There are those who are at greater risk for oral diseases and other health related issues that should have dental cleanings and oral health check-ups more than twice a year, such as, diabetes, periodontal (gum) disease, possible heart disease, pregnancies and in rare instances alcohol and tobacco users.

Poor oral hygiene and certain medical conditions are some of the many factors that your dentist takes into consideration when deciding how often you need your dental cleaning and check-ups.  One of the real problems that has invaded oral healthcare are the restrictions placed on insurance coverage by insurers.  You need to understand that insurance companies serve a self-interest in reducing the number to times you visit your dentist.  More than not, our ability to be oral health care providers is hindered by what your insurance dictates.  We recommend you try not to let what your insurance covers be your benchmark for your healthcare.  It could result in expanded dentistry in the long run.

Going on a regular basis will help to keep your oral health on track as well as detect any early signs of periodontal disease, oral cancer or cavities.  In our Sandy Springs office we recommend the best way to maintain good oral health is to visit your dentist on a regular basis coupled with brushing your teeth, flossing and drinking fluoridated water

.

Seeing patients from all over metro Atlanta I sometimes like to joke, ‘the best toothbrush is the one you use’ and ‘brush the ones you want to keep’.  But in all seriousness, if you live in nearby Dunwoody, Roswell or East Cobb, please, if we can help feel free to call us.

ZoAnna Scheinfeld, MS, DMD

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

Do you have cancer?

Are you being treated?

Often patients in our Sandy Springs office, who are taking medications to treat cancer or receiving chemotherapy or radiation, end up suffering from dry mouth because these treatments may dry up your salivary glands.  Besides being uncomfortable, insufficient saliva increases your chances of having tooth sensitivity, decay and cavities.

It’s important to replenish the minerals in you mouth that you would otherwise have under normal circumstances.  See your dentist for an oral exam and evaluation.  There are solutions to counter dry mouth and restore mineral loss.

If we can be of assistance please feel free to contact us.

ZoAnna Scheinfeld, MS, DMD

290 Carpenter drive, 200A

Atlanta, GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com