Alcohol and Oral Cancer

We’re proud of the work we do at Greenville Family Dentistry protecting our patients from oral cancer. Regular screenings are vital for adults, but prevention is the best strategy. To that end, we’ve kept up with cancer research and want to inform our patients of a new study linking oral cancer to alcohol.

The study by the American Society of Clinical Oncology differed from earlier studies by examining alcohol in isolation. Studies have long found that alcohol in combination with smoking increases the risk of cancer, but the new study found that alcohol alone is responsible for about 5% of new cancer cases, including oral cancer. It is unclear why alcohol would cause oral cancer, although researchers speculate that it damages the mouth’s soft lining, which then has to regrow, creating a risk each time that DNA will be miscopied. What did seem clear is that the type of alcohol consumed was irrelevant and that light and moderate drinking also created a risk, although heavy drinking was the most dangerous. However, the research also found that when people quit drinking, their risk of contracting cancer in the aerodigestive tract decreased.

Dr. Christopher Emuedue operates Greenville Family Dentistry at 7215 I-30, Suite B, Greenville, Texas, 75402. To schedule an appointment, call 903-455-6701 or visit GreenvilleFamilyDentistryTX.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Diabetes and Dental Implants

Diabetic patients receive top-rate care at Greenville Family Dentistry. As a result of their difficulty fighting off infections and vulnerability to inflammation, people with diabetes have particular dental needs, which we are sensitive to. In the past, they may have wondered whether they were good candidates for implants, and on that front, we have good news.

People with diabetes do not recover from wounds as quickly. This was perceived as a problem when undergoing surgery, including the incisions that need to be made for implant placement. However, the process during which the implant and jawbone fuse together is also a long one, providing enough time for the incisions to heal. The bigger problem thought to confront diabetic implant patients was that gum inflammation is associated with implant failure. Diabetic patients are more vulnerable to gum disease and inflammation, so dentists worried that they may have higher rates of implant failure, as well. However, the American Dental Association recently conducted a study which showed that people with uncontrolled diabetes did not experience higher-than-average failure rates, after all. It is still necessary for gum disease to be kept in check through attentive oral hygiene practices, but the additional challenges diabetic people face do not necessarily rule out implants as a possibility.

Dr. Christopher Emuedue operates Greenville Family Dentistry at 7215 I-30, Suite B, Greenville, Texas, 75402. To schedule an appointment, call 903-455-6701 or visit GreenvilleFamilyDentistryTX.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Enamel Erosion

Tooth enamel is the hard, outer surface of the teeth that protect against tooth decay and protect the nerves located underneath. Tooth enamel is considered the hardest mineral substance in the body, but this doesn’t mean that it’s indestructible. Regardless of strength, enamel can be eroded by sugars and harmful acids that attack the teeth when we consume food and beverages. Once enamel is gone, it won’t return, and Dr. Christopher Emuedue at Greenville Family Dentistry will need to take measures to restore it.

A common clue that enamel has eroded is increased sensitivity to taste, textures, and temperatures, as well as cracks, chips, or discoloration. Enamel erodes because of the food and beverages we eat, particularly, sugary, starchy, and acidic foods. This is why we encourage patients to put away the soda and sip on H2O because water cleans the mouth with every sip and protects enamel in the process. If you suffer from tooth sensitivity, Dr. Emuedue can suggest a few techniques to reduce the pain.

If you have questions or concerns regarding oral care or dental health, please give us a call.  To learn more about regular dental cleanings and all the services we provide at our practice, visit www.greenvillefamilydentistrytx.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher Emuedue at Greenville Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX, call 903-455-6701.

Dental Phobia

It is one thing to lose sleep over a dental appointment the night before, but it’s another to put off dental work for years because of dental phobia. Dental phobia differs from dental anxiety because those who suffer from dental anxiety usually make it to the office. People develop a dental phobia for a variety of different reasons such as a traumatic dental experience in the past. Dr. Christopher Emuedue of Greenville Family Dentistry encourages patients with a fear of the dentist to schedule a consultation to talk through these fears and determine a resolution.

People who suffer from a dental phobia may suffer from poor oral health as a result. Poor oral health can result in tooth loss if certain conditions such as periodontal disease, are left untreated. There are different levels of fear that a person may experience, and Dr. Christopher Emuedue is here for his patients every step of the way. We also offer different types of sedation options to meet your needs and ease your fears.

If you have questions or concerns regarding sedation dentistry or dental phobia, please give us a call.  To learn more about regular dental cleanings and all the services we provide at our practice, visit www.greenvillefamilydentistrytx.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher Emuedue at Greenville Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX, call 903-455-6701.

Dental Cleanings

It is recommended by the Academy of General Dentistry you have a dentist or hygienist perform a dental cleaning every six months.  Greenville Family Dentistry encourages our patients to maintain a great oral health routine at home, but it is still important to come into the office for regular professional cleanings.  However much you brush and floss, some harmful bacteria grow in your mouth that cause gum disease and can only be removed by a dental professional.

It’s important to see a professional regularly to locate and monitor areas in the mouth that may need special attention, and a dentist can tell you if you may be missing a spot or skipping an important step in your regular oral care routine.  During a teeth cleaning, our hygienists thoroughly clean the area above and below the gum line with scaling tools to rid them of plaque and tartar. After the surfaces of the teeth are cleaned, the hygienist flosses between every one of your teeth and may apply fluoride if recommended by the dentist.

If you need your teeth cleaned, don’t wait any longer.  To learn more about regular dental cleanings and all the services we provide at our practice, visit www.greenvillefamilydentistrytx.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher Emuedue at Greenville Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX, call 903-455-6701.

Oral Cancer Screenings

The doctors and staff of Greenville Family Dentistry want you and your family to be aware of the risk of oral cancer.  We encourage you to ask about an oral cancer screening with each dental checkup.  Heavy smoking and drinking of course increase the risk of oral cancer, but oral cancer can still occur if someone never smokes.  In fact, the human papilloma virus (HPV) was recently found to be responsible for most oral cancers that originated in the back of the mouth. 

To screen for oral cancer, our doctors perform a visual exam and use an ultraviolet light device to detect any cancerous irregularities in tissue.  This exam can be done in a short length of time and in addition to any dental appointment.  Regular screenings are the best way to protect you and your family, but always contact us if you notice any inexplicable pain, swelling, or numbness in your throat or jaw.

To learn more about oral cancer screenings and all the services we provide at our practice, visit www.greenvillefamilydentistrytx.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher Emuedue at Greenville Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX, call 903-455-6701.

Preventive Dentistry Refresher

The dental appointment with Dr. Christopher Emuedue of Greenville Family Dentistry is a very important part of preventive dental care, but prevention starts at home. The most important preventive technique should be utilized every day which includes brushing and flossing at least twice a day (or after every meal) to reduce plaque. If plaque is left on the teeth, this can lead to periodontal disease and other dental complications.

Preventive measures include eating a healthy diet, visiting our dental office twice a year for routine checkups, practicing proper oral hygiene habits at home, and avoiding cigarettes and alcohol. Foods containing sugar can cause tooth decay. Instead, choose foods that are more beneficial to teeth, like cheese, fruit, nuts, and vegetables. Additionally, poor oral hygiene habits, as well as smoking and drinking, can negatively impact your oral health.

If you would like to discuss dental health, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.greenvillefamilydentistrytx.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher Emuedue at Greenville Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX, call 903-455-6701.