Treatment for Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is diagnosed during your visit to the dental clinic.

Your dentist might see sores or discolored tissue in your oral cavity and mouth. She will then check on the roof of your mouth, back of throat and inspect for irregular tissue changes or lumps in your neck and head.

If the dentist sees some symptoms or oral cancer, allow her to perform an oral brush biopsy. This is a painless exam wherein the dentist will take a small sample of the discolored tissue. This sample will be analysed if there are any abnormalities. Remember that cancer is instigated by uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells.  Make sure to have your regular check-up to the dental office scheduled for early detection of mouth cancer. When detected early, there is a high chance of recovery from oral cancer.

If you do have mouth cancer, the dentist will then examine the stage or extent of the cancer. Laboratory tests may be required.  Prepare for an endoscopy, where in a tube will be inserted through your nose or mouth to check on the throat, windpipe, and lungs. You will then find out how big the tumor is and where the abnormal cells have spread in your mouth and body.

Apart from the endoscopy, oral cancer prognosis may also call for dental x-ray, chest x-ray, CT scan, and a MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).

Your general dentist may refer you to a specialist. There is a team of oral and maxillofacial surgeons, otolaryngologists, medical and radiation oncologists are some of the kinds of doctors your dentist will tell you about. Your dentist may also refer a plastic surgeon. Be prepared for some surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Before starting treatment, some opt to obtain a second opinion. This is so they are 100% secure that they do have oral cancer and that the oral cancer treatment plan is best. Treatment will be based on the size of the tumor, the place in your mouth where the cancer began, and up to where the cancer has spread.

You may opt for a surgery. This is common practice wherein the tumor will be removed. There are times when your surgeon may also take away lymph nodes, and even other tissues in your mouth and neck. Those who opt for a surgery may or may not avail of radiation therapy.

Radiation therapy targets cells in a certain area. This may be used for patients with small tumors or those who cannot have surgery. It may also be beneficial before a surgery as this may kill cancer cells and minimize the size of the tumor.

A common treatment for cancer, chemotherapy may also be expended for oral cancer. Chemo is often given in injections, and seldom is the need for hospitalization.

Learn as much as you could about mouth cancer. Oral cancer treatment includes knowledge about the disease you are battling. However, you need not ask every question at once. You are learning about the disease, and it is best that you understand this through careful responses from your doctors.

Dr. Cecilia Lontoc DMD is one of the best dentists. For more information or to schedule your dental checkup, please call (310) 782-6155  or visit our website at www.cecilialontocdmd.com

Signs of Oral Cancer

Cancer has been defined as a disease with out of control cell growth.  When you have oral cancer, this means that there is out of control cell growth in a part of your mouth.

Oral Cancer not only affects your mouth, but it also includes lips, tongue, cheek, sinuses and pharynx.

The American Dental Association lists symptoms of mouth cancer. If ever you feel any of the following for more than two weeks, be warned that this is an oral cancer sign.

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Oral Cancer signs

·         Leukoplakia or erythroplakia or having white or red patch in your mouth

·         Having a lump or thickening of the oral soft tissues

·         Unexplained bleeding in the mouth

·         Swelling that affects the teeth and dentures

·         Difficulty in chewing or swallowing

·         Difficulty in moving the jaw or tongue

·         Excessive sore throat

·         Hoarseness or change in voice

·         Continuous sores on mouth, face, and even neck

Oral Cancer by the Numbers

Oral cancer means that there is out of control cell growth in a part of your mouth. Want to know more about Oral Cancer, we list down eight important oral cancer statistics.

·         One out of 92 adults will be diagnosed to have the disease.

·         39,000 Americans suffer from oral cancer each year.

·         81% of oral cancer patients, whatever stage of oral cavity, survive during the first year.

·         While a big 56% for five year survival year rate, and 41% for ten years.

·         Men are most likely to be affected, as oral cancer strikes more than 2 times in men than women.

·         The risk of getting mouth cancer increases as you turn 42

·         The median age of oral cancer diagnosis is 62 years old

      8,000 people die because of oral cancer

Your routine visit to the dental clinic will check if you have any lumps in your mouth. If anything is irregular, let your dentist perform an oral brush biopsy.

Dr. Cecilia Lontoc DMD is one of the best dentists. For more information or to schedule your dental checkup, please call (310) 782-6155  or visit our website at www.cecilialontocdmd.com

Five Home Remedies for Gum Disease

Swollen red gums is a sign of periodontal disease. After setting an appointment with your dentist and waiting for the red letter day, here are gum disease treatment at home that you can try.

Reduce Stress.  There is a connection with your stress levels and gum health. If you are under stress, your immune system weakens making it hard to fight off bacteria. What more, research suggests that worrying about your finances can make you more vulnerable to gum disease.

Reduce Stress (photo from google)

Sea Salt Solution.  A pinch or two of salt in your cup of warm water is good for your gum infection.  Salt water helps lessen swollen gums. Gargle the solution in your mouth for thirty seconds, and then spit out.  Repeat for several times.

Seasalt (photo from google)

Sweet for you. Honey is an antibacterial agent that will work for your gum infection. Rub the honey in the infected area. Make sure that you only place it on you gums and not on your teeth.

Honey (photo from google)

Garlic for your gums. Garlic is not only a vampire repeller, it is also a pain killer. Crush a few cloves of garlic, add a pinch of salt and rub into the infected area, and make presto treatment for gum disease.

Garlic (photo from google)

Tea adds glee. After sipping on your afternoon tea, use the teabags for your gums.  Tea is a gum disease cure as it contains tannic acid, which is set to ease gum infection.

Teabag (photo from google)

Dr. Cecilia Lontoc DMD is one of the best dentists. For more information or to schedule your dental checkup, please call (310) 782-6155  or visit our website at www.cecilialontocdmd.com

Dental Care Tips for your Baby

Now, just because your baby has only a couple of tooth showing, doesn’t mean you should leave these baby teeth alone. We list down some ways on how you can practice good family dental care for your little one.

Watch the bottle. Check for baby bottle decay. This is when sugar containing liquids, like milk and juice, tarnish your baby’s teeth causing cavities. Before nap time, make sure that your baby has his fill of water or even a pacifier to prevent this. You may also try wiping your baby’s gums before napping and after feeding for some basic home pediatric dentistry.

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High in fluoride. We all know that fluoride strengthens our teeth. This is why your baby needs fluoride as his or her teeth are just forming. One source of fluoride is water. Check on your pediatrics dentistry if your infant may need supplements.

First toothbrush. When your baby’s first tooth appears, proud parents can now start brushing that lonesome tooth. Make sure to choose one that has a soft brush and small head. For the toothpaste, non-fluoride toothpaste is recommended; introduce a fluoride filled paste when your baby is two.

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Good dental care starts from your baby’s conception. Tetracycline, an antibiotic, should not be used by pregnant women or nursing mommies, as it causes tooth discoloration. 

Dr. Cecilia Lontoc DMD is one of the best dentists. For more information or to schedule your dental checkup, please call (310) 782-6155  or visit our website at www.cecilialontocdmd.com

Unease on that Gum Disease

Many adults often sway away good dental hygiene, thus giving them not only a tooth ache but a gum disease as well.

What causes gum disease?

Our gums or gingiva are tissues that cover the teeth.

If you do not brush your teeth properly, or forget to floss, food debris will build up with bacteria and other particles in your mouth. This creates plaque, and if not removed plaque will harden to become tartar.

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Signs of Gum Disease

Most adults aged between 30 to 40 are most susceptible to periodontal disease.

However if you are not within this age bracket, don’t feel secure just yet. Our gums are commonly firm and pale pink in color, if you have red or swollen gums, then best schedule an appointment to the dental clinic.

Signs of gum disease include persistent bad breath, loose or sensitive teeth, bleeding or swollen gums.

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Treatment for Gum Disease

There are two basic types of periodontal disease, gingivitis and periodontitis. For you to cure gum disease it is best to first control the infection.  Before treating gum disease, first recognize what type of periodontal disease you have, gingivitis the mild form or periodontitis which affects your gums and bones. 

Dr. Cecilia Lontoc DMD is one of the best dentists. For more information or to schedule your dental checkup, please call (310) 782-6155  or visit our website at www.cecilialontocdmd.com

Be Wary of Periodontitis

If you have red swollen gums or gingivitis, and paid it no heed, then be wary as the bone underneath your gums may be inflamed. This is called periodontitis, a serious gum infection.

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Gums are normally firm and pink in color. You will know that you have periodontal disease if your gums are red and bleed easily.

The inner layer of the gum and bone yank away from the teeth forming periodontal pockets. These pockets can turn to a rest stop for food debris, making your gums more infected.  Your body’s immune system starts to fight the bacteria and plaque buildup, in turn the tissues that hold your tooth in place starts to break down.

If left untreated, the periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss, heart attack, stroke and other critical illnesses.

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The dentist may recommend a non-surgical procedure such as root planing and antibiotics. However, if your periodontal disease has advanced, you now have to opt for surgical treatments such as periodontal pocket reduction, tissue and bone grafting, enamel matrix derivative application, among others. 

Dr. Cecilia Lontoc DMD is one of the best dentists. For more information or to schedule your dental checkup, please call (310) 782-6155  or visit our website at www.cecilialontocdmd.com

FAQ on Gingivitis

Suffering from red swollen gums that easily bleed when you brush or floss? You may have gingivitis.

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What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a gum disease that happens when tissues encasing and supporting your teeth becomes inflamed. Gingivitis is quite common, and since can be mild, you may not know that you have this.

What causes gingivitis?

Poor dental hygiene is the cause of gingivitis. It starts with tiny food leftovers that mix with your saliva, which then forms bacteria filled plaque. If you do not brush this off the surfaces of your teeth, it then becomes tartar. Tartar is hard and can only be removed with a visit to the dental clinic.

Is gingivitis contagious?

The answer is a simple yes. If you have gingivitis be warned that your saliva carries bacteria that may be easily transferred to other people.

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What is the treatment for gingivitis?

Go to the dental office to have an initial evaluation of your gum disease. She will also do an oral prophylaxis. Ask your dentist for advice and directions on how you can properly care for your teeth. Your dentist might recommend medications and even dental procedure.

What happened if I don’t get gingivitis cured?

Gingivitis causes other gum diseases such as periodontitis, and even lead to tooth loss. 

Dr. Cecilia Lontoc DMD is one of the best dentists. For more information or to schedule your dental checkup, please call (310) 782-6155  or visit our website at www.cecilialontocdmd.com