Thursday, July 17, 2014

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.

Dentist San Francisco Oral Cancer Screening

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.


Thursday, July 10, 2014

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.

Thursday, July 3, 2014

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.
Laser Dentistry San Francisco
Gingivectomy
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.

Dentist San Francisco Gingivectomy

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.

Mouth Sore Removal Dental San Francisco

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 laserlaser 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.