Oral Cancer: Why it is Important to be Screened

Oral Cancer: Why it is Important to be Screened

By Mina Levi, DDS, 07/17/2014

You may have noticed at your last regular dental visit that someone asked you if you have had an oral cancer screening in the last few years. Oral canceris a disease in which cancer cells form on the lips, oral cavity or oropharynx. Without noticeable symptoms, you may not think it is necessary to have an oral cancer screening. However, by the time physical symptoms appear, the oral cancer can be progressed too far to be removed easily. In this article, we discuss oral cancer and the importance of oral cancer screenings such as the Vizilite test available with Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS.

About Oral Cancer

Most people are surprised to learn that one American dies every hour from oral cancer; a death rate that has remained virtually unchanged for more than 40 years. In fact, recent statistics published by the American Cancer Society indicate that while the incidence and death rates for cancers overall has decreased, the incidence of oral cancer has increased by 5.5% and the death rate has increased by 1.5%. Oral cancer is far too often discovered in late stage development, the primary reason for the consistently high death rate. Oral cancer treatment often results in disfiguring effects on patients, and can seriously compromise their quality of life. Early detection and diagnosis can make a tremendous difference in life expectancy; oral cancer is 90% curable when found in its early stages. Unfortunately, 70% of oral cancers are diagnosed in the late stages, III and IV, leading to a five-year survival rate of 57%.

Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer screening tests look for cancer in the mouth and throat before a person has any symptoms. This makes it possible to identify cancer at an early enough stage to start successful treatment. Screening tests are given when there are no symptoms, so it is important to keep in mind that suspicion of cancer is not the reason for the test. For those who are non-smokers, it is suggested that an oral cancer screening is performed once every two years. For tobacco or recreational drug users, it is important to have the test performed once per year since it is a higher risk.

Vizilite Test

The Vizilite oral cancer screening test is an easy and quick system that takes about two minutes to complete and highlights any cancerous or pre-cancerous tissues. The Vizilite system gives no false negatives, meaning that every lesion identified by Vizilite is either cancerous or pre-cancerous. TheVizilite test also significantly reduces the number of false positive lesions identified during standard visual examinations, limiting the number of biopsies that need to be performed.

If you have questions or concerns regarding the Vizilite oral cancer screening test or oral cancer, visit Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS on the web atwww.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

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How Weight Loss Products and Health Drinks Affect Teeth

By Mina Levi, DDS 07/10/2014

We are almost constantly being bombarded with advertisements for new weight loss supplements or health and energy drinks, whether it is on television, the radio, or a big printed ad at the supermarket. What many people don’t think of when they are determining whether or not to try this type of health drink or weight loss product is what affect they will have on the teeth. In this article, we will discuss how different health/weight loss substances affect oral health.

Weight loss drinks/supplements

Many weight loss drinks and supplements contain high acid content. Acid in the mouth causes an increase in the speed of development of dental cariesand also produces cervical staining. Also, acids like this may cause gum recession, which exposes more tooth structure and can cause sensitivity.

Cleanses, juices and shakes

Detox cleanses and juice fasts may cause severe tooth structure loss and can even expose the dentin, causing extreme sensitivity. The structure loss also makes the teeth look shorter. Shakes and smoothies tend to be high in acid, sugar and carbohydrates. If these products are over-consumed, they can lower the pH in the mouth (making it more acidic) and lead to demineralization and dental caries.

Energy and sports drinks

Energy and sports drinks, like soda, are highly acidic. While a person is drinking the energy drink, the acid stays in the mouth and can erode the tooth surface, causing decay, gum recession and loss of tooth structure.

source: www.agd.org

Diet fads and their effects on the health of the teeth are a large concern for dentists and patients. It is important to understand the effects of these products and understand the consequences that follow consuming these products. If you are concerned about your diet or supplements you may be taking, contact Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: Dentist San Francisco, diet, diet fad, diet supplement, weight loss products, weight loss supplements, diet products, sports drinks, weight loss drinks, diet soda, diet drink, juice cleanse, weight loss shake, energy drinks, sports drinks, tooth decay, decay, dental decay, dental caries, dental cavities,tooth loss, tooth structure loss, loss of tooth, tooth sensitivity, acid, acidic, oral health

Laser Dentistry

Laser Dentistry

By Mina Levi, DDS, 07/03/2014

As you search the web, you may have come across a term called “laser dentistry”, such as that used by Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS. This term refers to a type of treatment that uses a laser to change or remove the soft tissue in the mouth. There are many functions of a dental laser, such as for cosmetic or hygienic procedures. In this article, we will discuss the types of treatment that dental lasers can be used for.

Gingivectomy

A gingivectomy is the removal of gum tissue, called gingival, by surgery or with the dental laser. It was originally used to treat periodontal disease or gum disease. Today, it is mostly used to remove excess gum tissue in order to improve the appearance of the gums for cosmetic reasons. Gums may have an unusual shape or be overgrown over the teeth, and the dental laser can trim the gum tissue to have a more natural look.

With the dental laser, there is no need for anesthetic of the area like there is for the same procedure using a scalpel. The laser also cauterizes the gums, so there is no bleeding or discomfort during the gingivectomy.

Canker Sores

The dental laser can also be used to remove uncomfortable canker sores in the mouth. The laser kills bacteria and relieves pain in a matter of minutes. The sore heals at a much faster rate and there is no discomfort when using the laser to treat canker sores.

Bacterial Reduction/Debridement

When the dental laser is used to reduce bacteria in the periodontal pockets, there is no removal of any gum tissue. The laser energy, when directed into the periodontal pocket between the tooth and gum, reduces bacteria, reduces risk of bacteria entering the blood, softens calculus and tartar deposits, and improves the effectiveness of a scaling and root planing procedure (deep cleaning).

At the office of Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS, a DenMat Sol Diode laser is used for gingivectomies, bacterial reductions and canker sore removal. If you have questions about the dental laser, laser dentistry, or procedures that may be right for you, visit the San Francisco Dentist on the web atwww.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: Dentist San Francisco, laser dentistry, dental laser, diode laser, gum tissue removal, laser tissue removal, gingivectomy, cosmetic dentistry, gum recontouring, gum reshaping, canker sore, sore in mouth, mouth sore, mouth sore removal, canker sore removal, bacteria removal, scaling and root planing, deep cleaning, periodontal laser treatment, periodontal laser, laser bacterial reduction, laser treatment, San Francisco laser dentistry, dental laser 94108

Amalgam Fillings vs Composite (Tooth Colored) Fillings

Amalgam Fillings vs Composite (Tooth Colored) Fillings

 By Mina Levi, DDS, 06/05/2014

Many people have similar questions in mind when they find out that they will be in need of a dental filling. These questions include ones such as “what is the difference between amalgam fillings and composite fillings?” and “which type of filling is right for me?” In this article, we will discuss both amalgam(metal) and composite (tooth colored) fillings, the differences between them and pros and cons of both.

Amalgam fillings

Amalgam is a mixture of metals, which consists of liquid mercury and an alloy of silver, tin and copper. Amalgam is about 50% mercury.

Pros:

   1. Strength. Amalgam fillings are strong, and the amalgam itself is not likely to break easily.

   2. Expense. Amalgam fillings are the least expensive dental restoration.

Cons:

   1. Mercury poisoning. Amalgam fillings contain mercury, which releases low levels of mercury vapor that can be inhaled. High levels of mercury exposure are associated with kidney and brain problems.

   2. Metal allergies. Although rare, people may have allergies to mercury or the silver, tin or copper found in amalgam fillings and have an adverse reaction to the filling being placed in the mouth.

   3. Poor aesthetics. Amalgam fillings have a silver color and contrast with the white-translucency of the natural tooth structure.

   4. Destruction of healthy tooth structure. Healthy parts of the dental enamel and tooth structure usually need to be removed to make a space large enough to hold the amalgam.

   5. Fractures. All materials contract and expand in the presence of cold and hot liquids; however, amalgam expands and contracts at a different rate than the tooth structure. This causes the tooth to crack and fracture. These fractures, when left untreated, can collect plaque and bacteria and ultimately start decaying the teeth.  

Composite fillings

Composite is a plastic material called synthetic resin. Composite fillings contain no metal alloys.  

Pros:

   1. Aesthetics. The shade of the composite material used in the filling can be almost identically matched to the original tooth color, no matter what the shade, which allows for blending and a more natural look of the filling.

   2. Keeping healthy tooth structure. Less tooth structure needs to be removed in order to place a composite filling in comparison to the amount of healthy tooth structure that is destroyed when placing amalgam fillings.

   3. Bonding ability. The composite material chemically bonds to the tooth structure, which increases its strength and prevents decay from forming in crevices between tooth structures and filling material, which can happen with amalgam fillings.

   4. Metal-free. Composite fillings are completely metal free and are made of a plastic material, so those who suffer from metal allergies will be completely safe with the resin composite filling.

   5. Versatility. Composite filling material can be used to fill cavities and also to repair chipped or damaged teeth for cosmetic purposes.

Cons:

   1. Durability. Composite material is not as strong as amalgam, and can chip under pressure of clenching and grinding of the teeth more easily than amalgam will.

   2. More costly. Composite fillings are usually more costly than amalgam fillings, and many insurance companies will only cover up to the amalgam filling fees, leaving the patient with a higher out-of-pocket cost.

If you have any questions regarding amalgam or composite fillings, or think that you may need a filling, give Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

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Does Chewing on Ice Hurt My Teeth?

Does Chewing Ice Cubes Hurt Your Teeth? By Mina Levi, DDS, 05/29/14 When you get to the bottom of your pop or your glass of water, it is tempting to sometimes chew and eat the ice cubes that are left at the bottom of your glass. Many people chew on ice cubes for different reasons. Even though ice cubes are zero calories, chewing on them is not all that healthy for you. In this article, we will discuss the reasons why you shouldn’t chew on ice cubes for the sake of your oral health.       1. Chewing on ice cubes puts pressure on the teeth. The enamel that covers your teeth is very hard and brittle. Chewing on ice can wear down the enamel and chip pieces of the enamel off of the teeth. This can expose the underlying dentin and make your tooth sensitive, and can make way for oral bacteria to gather there and decay the teeth.       2. Chewing ice can damage the gums. Ice cubes are hard and can be sharp at times. Chewing ice puts pressure on the gums as well as on the teeth, and can cause the gums to recede away from the teeth. Once gums recede, they will not grow back so it is important that you keep your gums as healthy as possible.        3. Chewing ice causes a hot/cold cycle in the mouth. This hot/cold cycle can cause micro-fractures in the enamel of your teeth over time. Tooth enamel expands at a different rate than fillings, so if you have any fillings, they will expand/contract with the hot and cold temperature changes. This will cause fillings to pull away from the tooth and cause fractures, as well as leaving space for decay to form. It is important that you identify the times and situations in which you chew on ice, so that you can recognize them beforehand and stop the habit. If you have any concerns about chewing ice and the effect it is having on your oral health, give Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS a visit on the web atwww.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066. Topics: Dentist San Francisco, ice, ice cubes, chewing on ice, ice in the mouth, chewing, tooth pressure, teeth sensitivity, chew ice cubes, gum damage,hot/cold cycle, cold sensitivity, hot sensitivity, fillings, breaking teeth, chipping teeth, restorative dentistry, dental enamel

Invisalign Trays and Retainers

Invisalign Trays and Retainers

By Mina Levi, DDS, 05/22/2014

After orthodontic treatment, patients are supposed to wear a type of retainer. This retainer is an orthodontic appliance that helps keep the teeth in the optimal position that was achieved through orthodontic treatment such as metal braces or Invisalign. There are different types of retainers and there are upsides and downsides to every option. In this article, we will discuss orthodontic retainers so that patients can decide which retainer is the best fit.

Why do I need to wear a retainer?

Retainers need to be worn because even though the teeth have been moved to the ideal placement, the teeth are capable of shifting back to their original placement or out of alignment. When this happens, orthodontic treatment may need to be repeated, which is a very costly and completely avoidable experience. A retainer, unless permanent, is usually only worn at night and reinforces the alignment of the teeth, making sure there is no deviation from the optimal placement.

Types of retainers

1. Vacuum formed clear retainers. These retainers are manufactured in the dental office from impressions made of the patient’s teeth. They are made out of a rigid, clear plastic material.

Pros: 

• Easy to clean. These retainers are easily able to be removed from the mouth and can be cleaned with a toothbrush and occasionally with denture cleaner. For more information on how to clean the retainers, check out our article: Cleaning and Maintaining your Night Guard and Invisalign Trays.
•  Only have to wear them at night. In comparison to a permanent retainer which is in the mouth at all times, this retainer is able to only be worn at night. The retainer must be worn at night diligently; however, otherwise the teeth can shift.

Cons:

• Not long-lasting. These orthodontic retainers do not last very long, usually between 12-16 months. After they wear down, a new set will need to be manufactured, as retainers are required indefinitely.

• Costly. Although each set is only about two to three hundred dollars, considering that they will need to be replaced about once per year, the vacuum formed retainers are expensive.

2. Fixed wire retainers. This type of retainer involves a wire bar being placed on the inside (tongue side) of the teeth to keep the teeth in alignment. This is a permanent retainer that cannot be removed without the help of a dental professional.

Pros:

• Less personal responsibility. With this type of orthodontic retainer, there is no need to remember to wear a retainer at night. This is a better option for patients who are busy or forgetful and are not able to claim responsibility for wearing anon-permanent retainer.

Cons:

• Bulky. This type of retainer is bulky in the mouth and will take some getting used to. This bulkiness is not something that can be adjusted professionally without the removal of the bar completely.
• Accumulates plaque. The wire retainer collects plaque easily and makes it difficult for patients to clean thoroughly around it. This can cause plaque build-up and calculus, cause gum inflammation later on cause dental decay, periodontitis, and  the need for restorative dentistry.

3. Vivera Retainers. Vivera retainers are a set of orthodontic retainers that are made by Invisalign. These retainers are purchased as a pack of four sets of retainers.

Pros:

• High quality. The Vivera retainers are made professionally through Invisalign, and are made with a very high quality plastic material. This material is thinner and longer-lasting than the in-office vacuum-formed clear retainers.
• Come in a set. With the purchase of Vivera retainers, the patient will get four sets of retainers. This way, when the first set wears down and is no longer usable after about a year and a half, the patient can move on to using the next set rather than paying for another set to be fabricated.

Cons:

• Up-front cost. The up-front cost for Vivera retainers is more than the vacuum-formed clear retainers, ranging around five to seven hundred dollars. However, since the Vivera retainers come with four sets of retainers, the cost is markedly less per set than the other option that needs to be replaced every year.

If you have concerns about orthodontic treatment, orthodontic retainers, or Invisalign clear aligners, give Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS a visit on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

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