Oral Cancer Awareness: 7 Warning Signs That Oral Cancer May Be Present

Although the most common forms of cancer are prostate, lung, skin, and breast, there are over 100 types — some which are more severe than others. Of these, mouth cancer isn’t as widely discussed. In terms of risk factors, tobacco significantly increases one’s risk, accounting for approximately two-thirds of all mouth cancer cases.

There are both early and late warning signs, so any abnormal symptoms should be viewed by a medical professional. When caught early, oral cancer is one of the most preventable. Once advanced, it’s much harder to treat, taking the lives of over 9,500 Americans each year. The following 7 signs may indicate mouth cancer is developing.

7. A Sore That Doesn’t Heal

When suffering from mouth cancer, individuals often experience painful sores, known as ulcers. With that being said, broken areas of skin are not always painful, even if they are caused by cancer. They are generally yellow or red in color, appearing without any obvious cause, such as a sharp tooth which needs to be addressed.

If a mouth ulcer does not heal after three weeks, it needs to be examined by a physician. In many cases, a lesion is diagnosed as being precancerous. This means that although cells are abnormal, they are confined to the mouth lining. Once these cells develop below the mucosal lining, a malignancy can then progress into oral cancer.

6. Damaged Teeth

A number of studies have concluded periodontal disease increases one’s risk of oral cancer. Loose teeth may also be its own independent risk factor, as oral cancer causes chronic trauma to the oral mucosa. When biting down, some patients notice their teeth do not fit together as they once did. This can be due to a tumor on the jawbone, causing teeth to shift.

5. A White or Red Patch Inside Mouth

When areas of cells are abnormal, they can appear to be white or red. The white patches are known as leukoplakia, whereas the red patches are known as erythroplakia. Although these patches are not necessarily cancer, if left untreated, they can develop into mouth cancer. Since they can be precancerous, catching them early could prevent the spread of abnormal, cancerous cells.

Only about 5 percent of those with white patches develop cancer, whereas approximately 50 percent of red patches become cancerous. In order to test these patches, doctors take a sample of the affected area — better known as a biopsy. In many cases, a fungal infection is to blame, which can be treated.

4. A Lump in the Neck

If a lump develops in your neck, this could indicate an enlarged lymph node. This is a common warning sign in both mouth and oropharyngeal cancers. If the lump is red, hot, or painful, it could mean an infection has developed and is probably not cancerous. The same is true for lumps which come and go. When a lump is cancerous, it generally forms and grows slowly. Some also experience a lump on their lip, in their mouth, or throat.

3. Swelling, Thickening, and Rough Spots

Normally gums are smooth, but in the case of mouth cancer, they become almost sandy in texture. More commonly a firm, rough mass will develop. Some notice that their skin becomes thicker, while others experience swelling in their lymph glands. As inflammation increases, the ability to swallow can become more challenging.

2. Nerve Changes

Nerves that provide feeling to the tongue and lower lip can be affected, causing changes in feeling. Some experience numbness, while other notice tingling — almost like pins and needles. For those that suffer from diabetic nerve damage, it is similar to those sensations, but instead, is felt within the mouth. When nerve damage occurs, earaches may also develop due to the fibers that connect the tongue to the ear.

1. Bad breath

Obviously bad breath alone does not indicate cancer, however, persistent bad breath may indicate an early warning sign of cancerous cells. Bad breath may be a sign of oral, stomach, esophageal, pulmonary, or pharyngeal cancer. In many cases, this is due to decay.

Of course, if you’re a smoker, this can also contribute to bad breath. Through a combination of dry mouth, bacteria, and the tobacco itself, bad breath develops. Since oral health is generally a good indication of overall health, seek a full dental exam if you’re worried about problematic symptoms.

If you notice any of the above symptoms you should seek consult with your dentist or health professional immediately. You dentist may use a number of different techniques to evaluate for cancer:

tactile palpation: your dentist will palpate the tissues/glands of the head and neck to asses for any irregularities.

cancer screening lights: your dentist may use a special light that can illuminate cancer cells beneath the tissues surface before they are visible in the oral cavity.   

toludine blue: your dentist may use a special dye to determine is an oral lesion needs to be biopsied. The dye sticks to areas of dysplasia, thus indicating areas where the cells are changing and possibly becoming malignant.

Pregnancy and Oral Health: What Are The Risks?

Pregnancy affects nearly every aspect of a woman's life, including her oral health. You may think of your oral health as just one more thing to worry about, but taking care of your mouth and teeth is important during pregnancy.

What are the special oral health concerns of pregnant women?

Pregnancy Gingivitis
Most women notice changes in their gums during pregnancy. Some women notice that their gums look redder and bleed when they brush their teeth. And some women have severe swelling and bleeding.

All of these changes are referred to as "pregnancy gingivitis." They can start as early as the second month. The condition tends to peak around the eighth month. It often tapers off after the baby is born.

Pregnancy gingivitis is most common in the front of the mouth. The symptoms are the same as those for gingivitis, but some of the causes are different. Increased hormone levels may be partly responsible for pregnancy gingivitis. During pregnancy, the level of progesterone in your body can be 10 times higher than normal. This may enhance growth of certain bacteria that cause gingivitis. Also, your immune system may work differently during pregnancy. This could change the way your body reacts to the bacteria that cause gingivitis.

To minimize the effects of pregnancy gingivitis, practice good oral hygiene: Brush twice a day, for at least two minutes each time. Floss every day. Using an antimicrobial mouth rinse also may help you control your gum inflammation. Some dentists suggest using rinses that don't contain alcohol, but it is not clear whether alcohol-based rinses have a negative effect on pregnancy.

Be sure to have your dentist check the health of your gums while you are pregnant. Pregnancy gingivitis usually can be helped with a professional cleaning. This can be done at any time during your pregnancy. More aggressive treatments, such as periodontal surgery, should be postponed until after delivery.

Pregnancy Granuloma (Pyogenic Granuloma or Pregnancy Tumor) A pregnancy granuloma is a growth on the gums that occurs in 2% to 10% of pregnant women. It is also known as a pyogenic granuloma or pregnancy tumor. Pregnancy tumors are misnamed. They are not actually tumors and are not cancerous. They are not even dangerous, although they can cause discomfort.

Pregnancy granulomas usually develop in the second trimester. They are red nodules, typically found near the upper gum line, but can also be found elsewhere in the mouth. These growths bleed easily and can form an ulcer or crust over. Pregnancy granulomas usually are attached to the gum or mucous membrane by a narrow stalk of tissue.

The exact cause of pregnancy granulomas is unknown, although poor oral hygiene is a primary factor. Trauma, hormones, viruses and malformed blood vessels have also been suspected as co-factors. Women with these growths usually have widespread pregnancy gingivitis.

Pregnancy granulomas will disappear after your baby is born. If a growth interferes with speaking or eating, you may need to have it removed before you give birth. However, about half the time, the growth will come back after it has been removed during your pregnancy.

Tooth Erosion
In women with severe morning sickness, frequent vomiting can erode the enamel on the back of the front teeth. If you are vomiting frequently, contact your dental office for information on how to prevent enamel erosion.

It is important not to brush right away after you vomit, since the acid in your mouth will only help erode the teeth as you brush. Before brushing, rinse with a mixture of baking soda and water, or a commercial rinse designed to reduce the acid level (pH) of your mouth.

Dry Mouth
Many pregnant women complain of dry mouth. You can combat dry mouth by drinking plenty of water and by using sugarless hard candies or gum to stimulate saliva secretion and keep your mouth moist. These should contain xylitol, which reduces the harmful bacteria that cause cavities.

Excessive Saliva
Less commonly, pregnant women feel they have too much saliva in their mouths. This condition occurs very early in a pregnancy. It disappears by the end of the first trimester. It may occur along with nausea.

I've heard that pregnant women lose a tooth for every child. Is that true?

No. This is a myth. People used to think that a developing fetus who did not get enough calcium would absorb it from the mother's teeth. This is not the case. If you practice good brushing and flossing habits, you are no more likely to get cavities or lose teeth during your pregnancy than at any other time.

How should I take care of my teeth and mouth while I'm pregnant?

Eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet with plenty of protein, calcium and vitamins A, C and D. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. Use fluoride toothpaste. Floss at least once a day. Using an antibacterial mouthwash can help destroy bacteria that contribute to gingivitis. Mouth rinses that lower the acid level (pH) of your mouth are also suggested.

Is it safe to visit the dentist while I'm pregnant?

The best approach to dental care is to see your dentist before you get pregnant for an exam and cleaning. Periodontal disease treatment also can be done at this time.

During your pregnancy, the second trimester is the best time to receive routine dental care. If possible, avoid major procedures, reconstruction and surgery until after the baby is born.

During the first trimester, the fetus's organ systems are developing, and the fetus is highly sensitive to influences from the environment. In the last half of the third trimester, there is some risk of premature delivery because the uterus is sensitive to external influences. Also, at the end of your pregnancy, it can be uncomfortable to sit in a dentist's chair. After about 20 weeks of pregnancy, women should not lie on their backs for long periods of time. This can put pressure on large blood vessels and cause changes in circulation.

What should I do about emergency dental treatment while pregnant?

You should receive treatment if it is necessary to ease your pain, prevent infection or decrease stress on you and your fetus. Your dentist should consult with your obstetrician or midwife if he or she has questions about the safety of medicines or anesthesia. This is seldom necessary for routine pregnancies.

Is it safe to get dental X-rays while I'm pregnant?

Advances in technology have made dental X-rays much safer. Digital X-rays use much less radiation than older systems that use dental film. Studies have shown that using a lead apron will protect you and your fetus from radiation. X-rays usually are taken in the first trimester only if they are needed for diagnosis or treatment that cannot wait until after the baby is born. After the first trimester, there is even less chance of any negative results from an X-ray.

Can I take dental medications while pregnant?

Ideally, you should not take any medicines during pregnancy, especially during your first trimester. However, sometimes this is simply not possible because the benefits of a medicine outweigh the risks related to its use. Most common dental medicines can be used during pregnancy. However, some — such as sedatives and certain antibiotics — should be avoided.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies many prescription drugs at different levels of risk to the fetus. There are five categories: A, B, C, D and X. Pregnancy Category A drugs are the safest. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and penicillin are in this category. Pregnancy Category X drugs are known to be harmful to the fetus.

Always talk to your dentist about any medicines he or she prescribes during your pregnancy. If your dentist needs to prescribe a medicine such as an antibiotic or a medicine for a tooth pain, he or she usually will confer with your obstetrician.

Can I take dental medications while nursing?

The American Academy of Pediatrics says that most prescription drugs should have no effect on milk supply or infant well-being. It is highly unlikely that any dental medicines will affect your baby. Several factors, including medical status and age, affect how quickly drugs are cleared from a baby's body.

To minimize risk, take any medicines just after your baby has nursed. Then, try to avoid nursing for at least four hours or as long as you can. This will minimize the amount of drug that enters your breast milk. Most drugs reach their maximum concentration in milk one or two hours after you take them.

Your dentist may want to discuss medicine options with your physician and/or your child's pediatrician.

DO YOU FLOSS: DOES IT REALLY BENEFIT YOU?

If you're not flossing, you probably have food stuck between your teeth — or do you?

Flossing: still being questioned? The answer is yes, but your dentist knows when you lie about, because the proof is still in the pudding.

Last year, the federal government removed flossing from its dietary guidelines following Associated Press Freedom of Information Act requests. The AP received a letter from the government saying the effectiveness of flossing had never been researched. In fact, AP reported "evidence for flossing is 'weak, very unreliable,' of 'very low' quality, and carries 'a moderate to large potential for bias.'"

Many Americans aren't a fan of floss anyway. Nearly a third of adults say they never floss, and only about 31.5% say they flossed every day in the last week, according to a CDC survey. The American Academy of Periodontology released a survey in 2015 showing that 27% of adults say they lie to their dentist about how often they floss.

Matthew Messina, dentist and American Dental Association spokesman, still says those who don't floss are at greater risk for gum disease and cavities. To him, it's common sense. He says brushing doesn't cut it — he often challenges patients to brush everything out at his office, only to show them what he can still find with floss. 

"Brushing is very important but you can’t get the bristles in between the teeth,"  Messina said. "Floss pulls bacteria and plaque and food that smells bad."

Not flossing could also have an adverse cosmetic affect, he said. Messina said if food isn't flossed out from between teeth, teeth can shift.

The ADA recommends brushing twice a day and flossing once a day.

Sleep Apnea: It's Consequences and Symptoms

Medical Conditions Related to Sleep Apnea

Diabetes. Diabetes is associated with sleep apnea and snoring. It is not clear if there is an independent relationship between the two conditions or whether obesity is the only common factor.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). GERD is a condition caused by acid backing up into the esophagus. It is a common cause of heartburn. GERD and sleep apnea often coincide. Research suggests that the backup of stomach acid in GERD may produce spasms in the vocal cords (larynx), thereby blocking the flow of air to the lungs and causing apnea. Apnea itself may also cause pressure changes that trigger GERD. Obesity is common in both conditions, and more research is needed to clarify the association.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Obstructive sleep apnea and excessive daytime sleepiness appear to be associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a female endocrine disorder. About half of patients with PCOS also have diabetes. Obesity and diabetes are associated with both sleep apnea and PCOS and may be the common factors.

Complications

Sleep apnea can lead to a number of complications, ranging from daytime sleepiness to possible increased risk of death. Sleep apnea has a strong association with several diseases, particularly those related to the heart and circulation.

Daytime Sleepiness

Daytime sleepiness is the most noticeable, and one of the most serious, complications of sleep apnea. It interferes with mental alertness and quality of life. Daytime sleepiness can also increase the risk for accident-related injuries. Several studies have suggested that people with sleep apnea have two to three times as many car accidents, and five to seven times the risk for multiple accidents. Undertreated sleep apnea is a major risk factor for injury at factory and construction work sites.

Effects of Sleep Apnea on Heart and Circulation

Sleep-disordered breathing is very common among patients with heart problems such as high blood pressure, heart failure, stroke, heart attack, and atrial fibrillation. This link may be because both cardiovascular conditions and sleep apnea share a common risk factor of obesity. However, increasing evidence suggests that severe OSA is an independent risk factor that may cause or worsen a number of heart-related conditions.

High Blood Pressure. Moderate-to-severe sleep apnea definitely increases the risk for high blood pressure (hypertension) even when obesity is not a factor. Doctors are not certain whether treating OSA with CPAP reduces the risk for high blood pressure, but studies indicate that CPAP may help prevent or decrease high blood pressure.

Coronary Artery Disease and Heart Attack. Sleep apnea appears to be associated with heart disease regardless of the presence of high blood pressure or other heart risk factors. Studies suggest that patients with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea have a higher risk for heart attack.

Stroke. Sleep apnea may increase the risk of death in patients who have previously had a stroke.

Heart Failure. Up to a third of patients with heart failure also have sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea often results from heart failure. Obstructive sleep apnea can cause heart damage that worsens heart failure and increases the risk for death.

Atrial Fibrillation. Sleep apnea may be a cause of atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat).

Other Adverse Effects on Health

Sleep apnea is associated with a higher incidence of many medical conditions, besides heart and circulation. The links between apneas and these conditions are unclear.

• Diabetes. Severe obstructive sleep apnea is associated with type 2 diabetes.
• Obesity. When it comes to sleep apnea and obesity, it is not always clear which condition is responsible for the other. For example, obesity is often a risk factor and possibly a cause of sleep apnea, but it is also likely that sleep apnea increases the risk for weight gain.
• Pulmonary hypertension (high pressure in the arteries of the lungs).
• Asthma. Sleep apnea may worsen asthma symptoms and interfere with the effectiveness of asthma medications. Treating the apnea may help asthma control.
• Seizures, epilepsy, and other nerve disorders. There may be an association between seizures and obstructive sleep apnea, especially in older adults. Some studies have shown treatment of obstructive sleep apnea may help in the control of refractory seizures.
• Headaches. Sleep disorders, including apnea, may be the underlying causes of some chronic headaches. In some patients with both chronic headaches and apnea, treating the sleep disorder may cure the headache.
• High-risk pregnancies. Sleep apnea may increase the risk of pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes and high blood pressure.
• Eye disorders, including glaucoma, floppy eyelid syndrome, optic neuropathy conjunctivitis, dry eye, and various other infections and irritations. Some of these latter symptoms may be associated with CPAP treatments for sleep apnea.

Psychological Effects

Studies report an association between severe apnea and psychological problems. The risk for depression rises with increasing severity of sleep apnea. Sleep-related breathing disorders can also worsen nightmares and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Effects on Bed Partners

Because sleep apnea so often includes noisy snoring, the condition can adversely affect the sleep quality of the bed partner. Spouses or partners may also suffer from sleeplessness and fatigue. In some cases, the snoring can disrupt relationships. Diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea in the patient can help eliminate these problems.

Effects in Infants and Children

Failure to Thrive. Small children with undiagnosed sleep apnea may "fail to thrive," that is, they do not gain weight or grow at a normal rate and they have low levels of growth hormone. In severe cases, this may affect the heart and central nervous system.

Attention Deficits and Hyperactivity. Problems in attention and hyperactivity are common in children with sleep apnea. There is some evidence that such children may be misdiagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Even children who snore and do not have sleep apnea may be at higher risk for poor concentration.

Symptoms

People with sleep apnea usually do not remember waking during the night.

Symptoms in Adults

Symptoms may include:

• Excessive daytime sleepiness. Generally, patients risk falling asleep during the day while performing routine activities such as reading, watching TV, sitting inactively, lying down, or riding in a car while a passenger or stopped for a few minutes in traffic. Usually, these brief episodes of sleep do not relieve their overall sense of sleepiness.
• Morning headaches.
• Irritability and impaired mental or emotional functioning. These types of symptoms are directly related to interrupted sleep.
• Snoring. Bed partners may report very loud and interrupted snoring. Patients experience snoring associated with choking or gasps. This often occurs in a crescendo pattern with the loudest noises occurring at the very end. Snoring is more likely to occur when lying on the back. Patients often suffer from frequent arousals during sleep because of snoring.

Symptoms in Children

Sleep apnea occurs in about 2% of children. They may have symptoms that differ from adults, including:

• Longer total sleep time than normal in some children, especially obese children or those with severe apnea.
• More effort in breathing (flaring nostrils, heaving chests, sweating). The chest may have an inward motion during sleep.
• Behavioral difficulties without any obvious cause, such as hyperactivity and inattention.
• Irritability
• Bed-wetting
• Morning headaches
• Failure to grow and gain weight

Diagnosis

The symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea are not very specific. This means that most people who snore at night or who feel tired during the day probably do not have sleep apnea. Other medical reasons for daytime sleepiness should be considered by your doctor before referral to a sleep center for diagnostic sleep tests. They include:

• Having to work excessive hours or varying shifts (nights, weekends)
• Medications (tranquilizers, sleeping pills, antihistamines beta blockers, many others)
• Alcohol abuse
• Medical conditions (such as underactive thyroid, abnormal blood sodium levels, high blood calcium levels)
• Self-imposed short sleep time
• Other sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy, insomnia, or restless legs syndrome
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Depression or dysthymia

Symptoms or findings that make the need for evaluation by a sleep specialist include:

• Sleepiness is affecting patient's quality of life
• Sleepiness on-the-job places the patient or others in danger
• Others have observed apnea or breath-holding episodes while asleep
• Other medical illnesses that may be worsened by obstructive sleep apnea are present.
• Children who are snoring a lot and are irritable, not thriving or growing well, or having behavioral issues

If symptoms suggest obstructive sleep apnea or other sleep disorders, further diagnostic testing will be performed. A sleep specialist or sleep disorders center will perform an in-depth medical and sleep history and physical exam. Centers should be accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

March is Oral Health month in the Philippines, So let's join in to Protect Our Oral Health!

Congratulations! You’ve already taken the first step towards good oral health by pursuing active
periodontal therapy. You’re already beginning to enjoy some of the benefits of treatment- a healthy
mouth and a happy smile. Now that you’ve made the commitment to good oral health, it’s important for you to protect it. Without careful, ongoing monitoring and treatment, periodontal disease can recur. Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to bone and tooth loss. With help from periodontists, dentists who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease, you have an excellent chance of keeping your teeth for a lifetime!

How do I protect my oral health?
Once you’ve been diagnosed with and treated for periodontal disease, regular periodontal maintenance enables you to gain control of the disease and increases your chances
of keeping your natural teeth. Periodontal maintenance is a specialized treatment to protect your
gums and the bone that supports your teeth. This treatment is different from traditional six-month
dental cleanings from your general dentist, which also help to protect the health of your teeth.

During a periodontal maintenance visit, your periodontist updates your dental and medical histories to note any factors that may influence your periodontal health. In addition to a dental examination, a thorough periodontal evaluation is performed, which may include an assessment of your probing depths, oral cancer screening, and x-rays to evaluate the bone supporting your teeth. Plaque and calculus are then removed from above and below the gum line, and your periodontist will
review your at-home oral hygiene routine. If new or recurrent periodontal disease is identified,
additional treatment may be recommended.

How will I benefit from periodontal maintenance?
Periodontal disease is similar to other chronic diseases, such as diabetes; the key to control is early
diagnosis and prompt treatment. Periodontal maintenance is a way for you to protect your oral health by helping to prevent or minimize the recurrence and progression of periodontal disease. If the disease returns, careful monitoring increases the likelihood of locating and treating it in a timely manner before tooth-threatening bone loss becomes uncontrollable.

Protecting your periodontal health brings a lifetime of benefits. You keep dental costs down by
preventing future visits. You smile, speak, and eat with comfort and confidence. More importantly,
research has linked periodontal disease to other health problems such as cardiovascular disease and
diabetes. As research continues to define how periodontal disease is linked to these and other health
problems, oral maintenance is essential. As you can see, gum disease is more than just gums; a
commitment to oral maintenance is a commitment to better health!

How often do I need periodontal maintenance?
The answer to this question varies from person to person. Your periodontist will work with you  to create a schedule that best protects your oral health. The intervals between periodontal maintenance visits may range from every few weeks to a few times a year, and the frequency  may be influenced by:
• Risk factors such as genetics or tobacco use
• Severity of periodontal disease
• Severity of bone loss
• Overall general health
• At-home oral hygiene
At each periodontal maintenance visit, your periodontist will monitor your disease progression and treatment effectiveness, and may increase or decrease the frequency of your visits accordingly.

Studies continue to link your mouth to your health!

YOUR MOUTH AND THE RISK OF SYSTEMIC DISEASE

Each week as I go through the articles and recent research looking for interesting things to share with my blog followers, it is astounding how many studies are correlating disease in the mouth to some health condition.

The shear number of diseases and their links to the oral microbiome are compelling. Here are just a few of the conditions I've seen mentioned in recent studies:

• Alzheimer's disease
• Migraine headaches
• Cancers
• Stroke
• Heart disease
• Erectile dysfunction
• Estrogen therapy
• Diabetes
• Depression
• Chronic systemic diseases
• Pre-term babies & low birth weights
• Testerone levels
• Kidney disease
• Bacterial pneumonia
• Chronic inflammatory diseases
• Nutritional deficiency

This is a huge warning that your health is tied to the choices you make related to caring for not only your body but your mouth. After all, the mouth is the first place that food enters the body and in many cases it is the first place that bacteria enter the body. 

In an unhealthy mouth, red swollen bleedy gums give bacteria access to your blood stream and thereby they have access to your entire body! Many studies have shown that when a mouth is healthy or when an unhealthy mouth is treated hospitalization rates are reduced and medical expenditures go down.

In all of my years in the dental field the number one excuse for not doing dental treatment has been lack of insurance and the cost of dental treatment, not fear! But it is FEAR of NOT doing treatment that should motivate people to seek treatment for their dental disease! It has become clear that dental disease, cavities and gum disease, are linked to systemic diseases that at the very least can reduce the quality of your life and at the very worst can be the cause of an early death.

Dental disease is relatively easy to prevent in the early stages with excellent home care routines. Daily removal of the bacterial colonies that accumulate on the teeth and at the gumline by brushing twice a day, daily flossing and rinsing with an alcohol free mouthwash after brushing are the first defense against oral disease. The second defense is regular checkups with your dentist to educate you in oral hygiene techniques and to stop/treat disease early before it progresses. So go ahead save your life today and get and appointment with a competent dental provider!

Estrogen Therapy Reduces Periodontitis for Postmenopausal Women

The Role of Estrogen Therapy in Controlling Periodontal Disease

Estrogen therapy helps women in menopause reduce hot flashes, improve heart health and bone density, and maintain levels of sexual satisfaction. Plus, the same therapy that treats osteoporosis may lead to healthier teeth and gums as well, reports the North American Menopause Society (NAMS). 

As estrogen levels fall during menopause, women become vulnerable to numerous health issues including loss of bone mineral density, which can lead to osteoporosis. Around the same time, changes in oral health also are common as teeth and gums become more susceptible to disease, which can lead to inflammation, pain, bleeding, and loose or missing teeth.  

Researchers have found an association between osteoporosis treatment and severe periodontitis in postmenopausal women. They evaluated 492 postmenopausal Brazilian women between the ages of 50 and 87 years, with 113 in osteoporosis treatment and 379 not treated, to determine whether osteoporosis treatment could help increase the bone mineral density in their jaws and improve overall oral health.

According to the study, the rate of occurrence of severe periodontitis was 44% lower in the postmenopausal osteoporosis treatment group than in the untreated group. The treatment comprised systemic estrogen alone or estrogen plus progestin, in addition to calcium and vitamin D supplements, for at least 6 months.

“Osteoporosis can occur throughout the body, including the jaw, and lead to an increased risk of periodontal disease,” said Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton, NAMS executive director. “This study demonstrates that estrogen therapy, which has proven to be effective in preventing bone loss, may also prevent the worsening of tooth and gum disease. All women, but especially those with low estrogen or on bisphosphonate treatment for osteoporosis, should make good dental care a part of their healthy lifestyles.”

- See more at: http://www.dentistrytoday.com/news/industrynews/item/1704-estrogen-therapy-reduces-periodontitis-for-postmenopausal-women?highlight=WyJlc3Ryb2dlbiIsInRoZXJhcHkiLCJ0aGVyYXB5J3MiLCJob3Jtb25lcyIsImVzdHJvZ2VuIHRoZXJhcHkiLCJlc3Ryb2dlbiB0aGVyYXB5IGhvcm1vbmVzIiwidGhlcmFweSBob3Jtb25lcyJd#sthash.kygZAleG.dpuf

This article is from Dentistry Today 2-22-17

For more information about Periodontal disease and Osteoporosis, see our blog post of September 11, 2015