In dentistry, nothing is more feared than oral cancer. This terrible disease claims around 10,000 lives every year, and it’s often preventable! This April, join us on our oral cancer awareness month journey to help prevent this disease.

What is Oral Cancer?

In addition to tumors inside of the mouth, oral cancer also covers growths that occur in the sinuses, throat, and lips. Often, this cancer is diagnosed after it has started to spread. At this late stage of the disease, the five year survival rate is only 66%. Those who survive this stage are often left with terrible disfigurement from surgery, and they may be unable to eat or drink.

How Can a Dentist Near Me Help Prevent Oral Cancer?

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent oral cancer. If you have a history of the disease, be sure to attend regular dental checkups. Likewise, if you happen to have a history of HPV, you’ll want to ask a dentist if your strain has increased the likelihood of oral cancer. You can also cut habits that contribute to oral cancer’s development, such as:

• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Poor oral hygiene
• Poor diet
• Smoking and vaping

Dentists may not be able to entirely prevent oral cancer, but we wish we could! Fortunately, we can easily screen you for the disease. The earlier oral cancer is found, the better the outcome will be. For cases of oral cancer that are found in its early stage, the five year survival rate is 85%! Because the cancer has not had a chance to spread in these early stages, surgical intervention is often minimal, which means that visual and functional outcomes are often positive.

By visiting us at Spath Dentistry in Newport Beach, California you can consult with Dr. Spath expert on how to best improve your oral health. Proper brushing and flossing are essential parts of your routine, and we can show you how to perform these tasks properly. Regardless of if you ask for it, we’ll also screen you for signs of oral cancer whenever we perform a routine cleaning and checkup.

This April, schedule a dentist appointment! In addition to making your smile sparkle, our oral cancer scans just might end up saving your life.

Quality sleep is a novelty that we’re all after. It’s not uncommon to have a poor night’s sleep every now and then but having sleep disturbances consistently is cause for concern. What’s even more concerning is that your oral health could be at the root of the problem. Prioritizing your sleep and your teeth go hand in hand so taking the time to plan your next appointment with your local dentist is essential.

• Bruxism (aka teeth grinding): Most people are unaware that they grind their teeth in their sleep. Especially if they sleep primarily alone. Unfortunately, teeth grinding can cause severe damage to teeth by wearing them down leading to cavity formation.
• TMJ (temporomandibular joint syndrome): If you are experiencing clicking noises, tightness in your muscles along the jawline, or locking of the jaw you most likely have an issue with your jaw joint. It’s important to bring up your concerns with your dentist and create a plan of action.
• Difficulty Breathing: If labored breathing, or multiple bouts of breathing complications interrupt your sleep it is time to raise your concerns to your general health practitioner as well as your dentist.
• Dry Mouth: Are you waking up in the morning and feeling like your mouth is akin to the desert? Then your saliva is unable to do its job and break down the harmful bacteria that can easily decay your teeth.

Are you experiencing any of the symptoms above or a combination of them? It’s time to put your oral health and your sleep first. Check in with Spath Dentistry in NewPort Beach California to see how your teeth are affecting your sleep. During your visit the dentist can do a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, bite and determine if intervention is necessary. Intervention could be brush tips, flossing recommendations, and even a mouth guard depending on the severity. Don’t forget to see your dentist regularly for cleaning and dental exams to reduce the risk of sleep disturbance and ensure a better night’s sleep. Have more questions? Schedule your next appointment with Spath Dentistry to chat about them!