Study Shows Connection between Cavities and Oral Cancer
November 8, 2014
It’s widely recognized that having cavities is bad for your oral health. Recent studies, however, are shedding some interesting light on the correlation between dental decay and oral cancer. Your local Salinas, CA experts, Dr. Klugman and Dr. Bianco, can assist you in developing a healthy smile through preventative and restorative dental treatments.
Cavities and Oral Cancer Detection
A September 2013 study published in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery by researchers at the University of Buffalo found that people with the most cavities were the least likely to have oral cancer. The researchers compared 399 patients with oral cancer with 221 cancer free patients. They found “… an independent association between dental caries [cavities] and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma [oral cancer cells]”, citing that the lactic acid produced by bacteria in cavities actually stop the development of these cancer cells. Researchers state that the bacteria are similar to those found in yogurt. In addition to preventing head and neck cancer, they can also help lower the risk of inflammatory diseases, allergies and some other types of cancer. Critics of the findings say that the results are preliminary and don’t distinguish between the causes of the cavities (periodontal disease) and don’t address the associated consequences of dental diseases that carry their own health risks. Other experts agreed, but noted that the findings could lead to new ways to treat and prevent oral cancers.
Oral cancer is a serious condition that must be detected early for positive treatment outcomes. Dentists screen for oral cancers as part of your regular dental checkup which is one reason why visiting the dentist every 6 months is vital to your good health. During an exam, the dentist will check your head, neck and the inside of your mouth for abnormal lumps, bumps, lesions and discolorations. If an abnormality is found, the dentist will take a tissue simple for analysis or send you to a specialist for further investigation. Increased risks for developing oral cancer include excessive consumption of tobacco products, alcohol and contraction of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
Cavity Prevention and Oral Cancer Screening in Salinas, CA
Whether you are concerned about cavities or oral cancer, it’s important to have regular dental checkups to protect your teeth and your overall health. The doctors at Blanco Circle Dental Care are happy to help you do so today. Contact Dr. Klugman and Dr. Bianco today to schedule your next visit. The doctors proudly serve residents in Salinas, CA, Hollister, Monterey, Seaside, Prunedale, Marina, Greenfield, Gilroy, and King City.
Back To School Dental Checkups in Salinas
September 4, 2013
Here at Blanco Circle Dental Care, we stress the importance of regular dental checkups for all members of your family. Just because your children may still have their baby teeth doesn’t mean that they can skip their dental checkup appointment. Since your children are heading back to school, now’s the perfect time to schedule their next appointment if it’s been a while. These appointments should take place every 6 months.
Regular dental checkups are an important part of preventative dentistry and having a healthy smile. Our staff will inspect and clean your child’s teeth and gums. Any concerns are discovered and addressed to ensure continued oral health. We can also use dental sealants and fluoride treatments to help protect your child’s teeth against decay and cavities. Also, this is when we work with your child to make sure they’re learning proper brushing and flossing techniques.
Help your child start off the school year right with a dazzling smile. All it takes is a call to our office to schedule your child’s regular dental checkup. Give us a call today before the school year is in swing and you’re busy with other activities. Making the time now for dental care will pay dividends in the future.
At Blanco Circle Dental Care, Dr. Gary Klugman and Dr. Christina Bianco provide quality general, cosmetic and sedation dentistry services. Our Salinas, CA dental office serves patients from Hollister, Monterey, Seaside, Prunedale, Marina, Greenfield, Gilroy, and King City. Call us today to schedule your next appointment.
Delaying Dental Treatment
June 11, 2013
Do you need dental work performed but find yourself putting it off? Unfortunately, you’re not alone. At Blanco Circle Dental Care we try to encourage our patients to visit us as soon as possible. Many people delay dental work for numerous reasons, including the following:
- Fear
- Cost of the procedure
- Sounds and smells
- Appointment time
- Pain or discomfort
- Not wanting to be judged
- Health concerns
No matter how good your reasons to delay your dental care may seem, in the end they’re simply not worth it. Delaying dental care only makes the issues worse. This could lead to more pain or discomfort, or even a dental emergency. When you finally do seek treatment, it may end up being more expensive than if it had been treated earlier.
Also, you’re putting yourself at a higher risk for losing a tooth. Not only is it expensive to replace missing teeth, but it also puts you at risk for losing more teeth. Delaying dental care only serves to put the health of your smile at risk.
If you need dental work done, give us a call today. Our caring staff is here to help and meet all your dental needs. There’s no need to delay your dental care any longer.
At Blanco Circle Dental Care, Dr. Gary Klugman and Dr. Christina Bianco provide quality general, cosmetic and sedation dentistry services. Our Salinas, CA dental office serves patients from Hollister, Monterey, Seaside, Prunedale, Marina, Greenfield, Gilroy, and King City. Call us today to schedule your next appointment.
Selecting the Right Tools for Proper Teeth Care
March 19, 2013
Just because you’re brushing your teeth regularly doesn’t necessarily mean you are taking good care of them. Even people that brush regularly can still wear their teeth away. It is important to look carefully at your brushing technique, your toothbrush and your toothpaste. Blanco Circle Dental Care wants all of our patients to take the best care of their teeth possible.
Make sure you’re not brushing too hard. If your toothbrush bristles are looking frayed or bent after a short amount of time, it could be a sign that you’re brushing too hard. Brushing too hard can wear the gum tissue away. Also, make sure you’re using the right kind of toothbrush. If the bristles are too hard or rough, you could actually be wearing the enamel off of your teeth when you think you’re cleaning them.
Selecting the right toothpaste is very important to ensure a healthy smile, and is something most people don’t think a lot about. Not all toothpastes are created equal. Make sure it’s not too abrasive, or you could be accidentally wearing away the surface of your teeth when you think you’re cleaning them. Whitening toothpastes are often among the worst, as they may be ‘whitening’ your teeth by using abrasive materials to remove the top layer of your teeth. To get a copy of our list of different kinds of toothpaste and their abrasiveness, email us at drk@salinasdental.com.
It is not enough to just brush your teeth. Make sure you’re using the proper tools while doing so to ensure the continued health of your smile. Pay careful attention to your toothpaste selection, they are not all created equal. Call us to learn more and make sure you’ve made the right choices for your smile.
At Blanco Circle Dental Care, Dr. Gary Klugman and Dr. Christina Bianco provide quality general, cosmetic and sedation dentistry services. Our Salinas, CA dental office serves patients from Hollister, Monterey, Seaside, Prunedale, Marina, Greenfield, Gilroy, and King City. Call us today to schedule your next appointment.
Effects of Acid on Tooth Enamel
March 5, 2013
Acidic foods and beverages can have a negative impact on your enamel. Enamel is the thin outer covering of the tooth that helps to protect it against damage from everyday use. At Blanco Circle Dental Care, we want our patients to be informed about their teeth to know how to better take care of them.
Acidic items include carbonated drinks, fruit juice, wine, fruit, pickles, yogurt, and honey. Citric acids that are found in these items can dissolve the enamel on your teeth. Once the enamel wears away, your teeth will be more vulnerable to decay and damage, as well as being more sensitive.
It is a better idea to skip sodas and have water instead, but if you can’t skip acidic foods and drinks, there are some things you can do to minimize the negative effects on your teeth. It is important to talk to us as we can give you specific tips based on your tooth health and your personal habits.
Generally, try and have acidic items at meals so the effect of the acid is minimized. While you’re eating, your body will produce saliva that will also help to keep the acid from lingering in your teeth. It’s a good idea to use a straw when having acidic drinks, and to avoid swishing them around in your mouth. Also, brush your teeth or rinse your mouth out with water after eating acidic food to help neutralize the acids.
Some signs that you may have acid erosion of your enamel include the following:
- Discolored teeth
- Cracks
- Small dents on tooth surface
- Teeth with a sand-blasted appearance
- Increased sensitivity
- Teeth appearing translucent near the edges
It is important to visit us regularly so that if your enamel is eroding, we can help alert you to the problem and come up with solutions for your smile. Erosion of enamel due to acid is a serious dental health concern, so it is important to stay informed.
At Blanco Circle Dental Care, Dr. Gary Klugman and Dr. Christina Bianco provide quality general, cosmetic and sedation dentistry services. Our Salinas, CA dental office serves patients from Hollister, Monterey, Seaside, Prunedale, Marina, Greenfield, Gilroy, and King City. Call us today to schedule your next appointment.