How many times have we bit the side of our cheek or tongue assuming that, although painful, within a week to ten days the sore would be gone? Most people that are diagnosed with precancerous lesions have no symptoms, such as pain, to alert them of the fact that something may be terribly wrong.

Each year 30,000 people die of oral cancer and the sad reality is that the vast majority of these cases could have been caught much earlier. With early detection treatment could have been less radical or invasive with a more successful outcome. We all know about the risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol use, poor oral hygiene, compromised immune systems and poor nutritional support that might increase the likelihood of precancerous tissue changes. However, how do we know when a sore spot occurs if it is something we need to have checked?

Any lesion or sore that has been present for more than two weeks should be examined. In our office we use a treatment protocol consisting of a visual exam at which notations are made concerning the size, shape and characteristics of the lesion. A two week follow up is scheduled and if the lesion is still present a special light called a Velscope is used which aids in further identifying the extent and seriousness of the sore. If there is superficial changes to the tissue a brush biopsy may be done, which is a simple, noninvasive way to collect cells to be analyzed by an oral pathology lab. If the results are positive for further treatment then a referral to an oral surgeon would be recommended for removal and follow up.

Mouth sores can and do occur the question of how serious is one we need to pay attention to, especially if an individual falls into the higher risk categories. April is oral cancer awareness month. If you do have any concerns regarding areas in the mouth that seem to not heal, please contact our office to set up a free exam. Remember catching something early is really your best medicine!! 708-479-9797



A recent university study came to the conclusion that childhood asthma can also lead to an increase incidence of tooth decay.  The reasoning behind this was that children with asthma are more challenged during sleep and tend to breath through their mouth.  The problem with being a chronic mouth breather is that the tissue will become very dry, leaving bacteria on exposed tooth surfaces.  The bacteria, in turn, can begin the process of enamel breakdown and demineralization making the tooth more susceptible to decay.

 So what are some possible solutions?  One of the more obvious options is to drink more water and limit or, better yet, eliminate the use of soda.  The acid from the soda will cause further breakdown of the enamel surface.  Being more diligent with dental exams so any early decay can be detected as well the use of special fluoridated pastes (MI paste) might be very beneficial.   Finally the use of xylitol products such as rinses, tooth pastes and even chewing gum can promote a healthier oral environment and reduce the chances of decay.

Can everyone have whiter teeth by bleaching and is it safe?

The correct answer to the first part is “it depends” and as to the safety, the ADA has endorsed its safety especially while done under the supervision of the dental team.  There are a number of factors that play into just how much of a “WOW” effect the bleaching process will have on any given individual. The important point here is the word “individual”.  Everyone, regardless of which bleaching process is used, can have significantly different results regardless of the type of system used.

The obvious obstacles such as, the intensity or type of existing stain present probably is the biggest influence on degree of success.  Stain from use of certain antibiotics during tooth formation such as tetracycline is the most difficult case to treat.  Superficial staining may also be present which is why it is important to have your teeth professionally cleaned prior to initiating a program.

The distinction should also be made between whiter and lighter teeth. The majority of people notice a lighter shade then they were, not so much a whiter shade.  Although whiter shades have been achieved it is usually with those people who already have a much lighter starting point to begin with.

There also seems to be a particular natural shade range some people exhibit that severely impacts the whitening process. For instance, if teeth have a slight grayish cast to them, the degree of success seems to be limited.  In almost thirty years of practicing general family dentistry I can safely say that I have seen all degrees of success.  However, the bottom line is that it is an individual phenomenon and the degree of success is difficult to predict.  I do find that the tray/syringe system tends to offer the best long term success and the best value over the one hour bleaching in office systems or over the counter products.  

If you have any questions about bleaching or whitening your teeth please call our office at 708-479-9797 and find out more about the process or any special promotions.

What is it about the end of fall that brings about an epidemic of people complaining of sensitive teeth?  Although I can't with certainty identify one specific answer to this question, it does seem to consistently be true on an annual basis. There are a couple of factors that could be at play here.  First, sensitive root surfaces that are exposed from receded gum tissue are the most obvious culprit. Many times this can be corrected by modifying the brushing technique to a gentle circular motion angled at 45 degrees to the tissue using a soft- bristled toothbrush. Use of desensitizing toothpastes containing fluoride- releasing components can help "seal off" the area of root exposure over time.

Secondly, sinus issues can produce pressure on the roots of the upper teeth which in turn can make it feel like all the teeth are sensitive to any type of stimulation. Once the sinus problem has cleared up, the sensitivity usually disappears fairly quickly.

The third trigger to sensitive teeth can be related to clenching or grinding, particularly while sleeping. Much greater pressure can be applied to the teeth in a subconscious state than while awake. The grinding literally "squeezes" the nerve tissue (pulp) causing inflammation that leads to hypersensitive teeth. This problem is usually managed quite well with the use of a night guard  (bite splint) worn while sleeping.

So there you have some of the possible reasons for tooth sensitivity as it occurs, especially more prevalent when the weather begins to turn colder. Of course another solution might just be to move to some place warmer in the winter-- like Florida!

      Ok, so summer is over and you missed out on getting those teeth just as white as you possibly can! There seems to be a seasonal bias toward people wanting to lighten or consider bleaching their teeth and summer is definitely the one in play. The other times are geared toward more targeted events like weddings, reunions or job interviews. Bleaching can be achieved in a number of ways. It can be done by over the counter methods that can work however tend to be a bit less concentrated and may take awhile to see noticeable results. Crest makes a professional grade White Strips that can be purchased through dental offices that are quite a bit more effective than what is available in stores.    

      A second method is with bleaching trays and a syringable product that is placed in the trays.  Advantages with this are it is more concentrated and works faster with a bit more dramatic, consistent results. The down side is cost and perhaps sensitivity issues in some cases. One other benefit is that you can always touch up and perform maintenance with the tray technique as well as the product tends to have a long shelf life and the trays can last for several years.  

     A third option is an in-office treatment performed with a high intensity light. This can have an immediate effect although it is also the most costly and the long term lightening effect may not be as predictable. The lightness initially may be due to a dehydrating process that the teeth undergo due to the light intensity and sensitivity may also be a big issue. In either of these options that were briefly described it must always be remembered that there is an end point at which teeth will no longer continue to get lighter. It is hard to gage which individuals bleaching is going to have the most dramatic effect with and that's one of the frustrations about trying to match someone's expectations. It is true that white teeth are in the eye of the beholder and for some that expectation is met but for others it may fall short. But then life isn't always fair is it?

There are many times that tooth pain occurs that is often described as vague, generalized and chronic. If nothing specific is identified and any xrays taken are uneventful, the next area of concern is the sinus. The sinus is actually a large (usually) open space that sits right above the area of the bicuspids and molars. The floor of the sinus can be quite thin, in fact on an xray it may even appear that the roots of the teeth actually protrude into the sinus space. Typically, if sinusitis (inflamed lining of the sinus) occurs along the floor of the sinus pressure is exerted on all the teeth directly beneath it and ever so slightly effects the way the teeth come together. This in turn produces a slight inflammation to the ligament of the tooth, which attaches the tooth to the surrounding bone.

Many times once the issue with the sinus is resolved then the tooth pain is also alleviated.  Sometimes sinus medication like antihistamines are used to "dry" the sinus lining which thereby reduces the pressure that is exerted on the ligament of the tooth. Occasionally, I have been presented with cases like this and the patient wants the pain taken care of, even if losing a tooth was the end result. Typically however, relieving the bite, if necessary, and use of an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen is enough to manage the situation until the sinus returns to normal usually in about 5-10 days. This is an event that generally happens during seasonal changes and in some cases with people who never had a sinus issue before.

To someone who experiences the shooting pain throughout all their teeth when they take a sip of ice water, their cries for help can seem pretty futile. Take heart you sensitive ones for a simple remedy may make life much more bearable, at least as far as your sensitive teeth are concerned. Many times, under stress, we find ourselves clenching or grinding our teeth. This is a natural instinct done subconsciously to manage the stressful events in our lives. When this grinding is done at night while asleep we refer to it as bruxism and the problem is the amount of pressure that can be generated. 

The teeth are clenched so tightly that the pulp within the crown of the tooth is literally "squeezed" to the limit that inflammation or pulpal irritation can occur. At this point the teeth can become very hypersensitive to just about anything. The good news here is that a simple bite splint appliance can be fabricated by your dentist to alleviate the condition. Some patients have experienced almost instant relief once the splint is worn. This is also the same appliance therapy offered to patients suffering from TMJ symptoms. Soooooo if you or someone you know suffers with this condition, please pass this information on as they will not be able to find the right words to thank you enough!!!!!

We have been reading more and more lately of the connection between inflamed gum tissue and systemic health. The concern here is that the inflamed gum tissue produces a byproduct called C-reactive protein which potentiates the tissue response in areas such as the heart and arteries. It has been linked to heart disease, stroke and diabetes. More recent studies have now made the connection between gum disease and increased levels of PSA (prostate specific antigen) which dramatically elevates the chances of prostate cancer. Sooooooo, the take away from this would be if you experience any bleeding from the oral tissue that lasts for more than ten days it should be checked and evaluated by your dentist. Even though there is no pain typically with gum tissue bleeding, being proactive and treating the underlying cause may prevent some more dangerous health challenges in the future.

Special offer for new patients  -  20% off any service or a FREE Crest Whitestrips Professional Kit ($70 value)

So you want whiter teeth but are a bit concerned about using some of the products your dentist recommends? You may be interested to know of a few tips that are very natural in origin and just might give those teeth the shine you're looking for!

Strawberries have a natural enzyme that removes tooth stains, according to TeethWhitener.net. Orange peels can be used to remove tooth stains, just by rubbing the inside of a peel against tooth surfaces. A little lemon juice and salt work very well to remove stains just wash your mouth out with this, or even rock salt and warm water will work at night to remove stains. Baking soda has long been known to work wonders for smiles. It may taste awful, however adding baking soda on a toothbrush along with mouthwash can help alleviate the negative taste. Also a strawberry mixture added to baking soda/peroxide not only adds a sweet taste to the concoction, but is yet another effective whitener.  My personal fave is the peroxide/baking soda mixture, it does a good job at removing superficial stains.

So there you have a few suggestions that may give some glean to your pearly whites the natural way!!

Those baby teeth and even extracted wisdom teeth may one day save your life or help the health challenge of a family member. Stem cell use is becoming more and more of a hot topic. The use of adult stem cells has proven to be beneficial as a choice for those facing certain health challenges. The real moral dilemma comes with the use of embryonic stem cells which come from a number of sources including aborted fetus tissue. Recent developments have shown that stem cells obtained from dental pulp tissue (adult stem cells) in both primary (baby) teeth or adult teeth can be used to treat a number of conditions with the possibility of more on the horizon. One company that "banks" the extracted teeth is Store-A-Tooth, which is gaining more interest from dentists and their patients wishing to gain more knowledge on such services. Their web site is www.store-a-tooth.com  and has a great deal of useful information. So don't be so quick to put that tooth under the pillow, it may end up being a life saver!!

Recent studies have shown that there is a high correlation between children diagnosed as learning disabled and incidence of mouth breathing. The child who is a chronic mouth breather has more difficulty attaining sound sleep as well as maintaining proper oxygenation to the brain.  The carbon dioxide levels are consequently much higher for these children and in turn effect proper brain function. This is a very serious situation as it sets the child up for a life long battle with being stigmatized as "LD".  

In most cases this can be treated with a simple expander appliance, placed by an orthodontist or a dentist. This appliance widens the palate thereby creating more room for the tongue and allowing for better air flow during sleep. If you notice a mouth breathing habit with your child, please bring this to the attention of your dentist so appropriate treatment can be planned.      More info? www.healthfinder.gov/newsletters/kids042610.aspx

Snoring may not only be a problem for someone else who has to listen to it, but it might also be a health disaster in the making for the person snoring. A condition known as sleep apnea, is actually a situation where the breathing stops during the snoring cycle. This disruption in the breathing pattern causes less oxygen to be carried to the heart which can lead to the development of heart disease. Many people use a C Pap machine that helps oxygen get by the obstructed airway through positive air pressure. Unfortunately some can not acclimate to the confinement of the mouthpiece and consequently do not use it. There are dental appliances that can be fitted to  help reposition the jaw during sleep thereby helping with air flow. Another interesting device is called the the Aveo TSD and helps to hold the tongue in a position that allows easy air flow, an informative web site is www.getaveo.com, which explains how this process works. 

Snoring alone is something that is an annoyance to the person who has to listen to it but when it comes to snoring coupled with sleep apnea it can be a serious threat to future health. If you know someone with this condition please encourage them to have it checked by a healthcare professional.

Recently antibacterial soaps have come under fire because they contain Triclosan,  readily inhibiting NOT the real bad bacteria but the milder forms. The reason this is not good is because it lowers your immunity by suppressing the "good" bacteria, which helps the body defend itself against the more virulent germs. Some toothpaste manufacturers have applied this concept in using the Triclosan to fight against gum disease. At first glance, this may sound logical, but in reality it allows the Triclosan to systemically penetrate the body's immune system much faster by being absorbed through the more vascular oral tissue. In time this can have unforeseen health related consequences.

My advice:  Read the label on your toothpaste and stay away from anything that includes Triclosan!