Several types of cancer can be detected during clinical dental hygiene practice, and each varies in the way that it spreads, the way that it is treated, its etiology, and its prognosis. Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that originates in the stratum germinatum, the deepest layer of the skin. It is not seen in the oral cavity, but can be found frequently on the head, neck, and middle of the face. When identified and treated in a timely manner, the prognosis for this type of cancer is good, and treatment has a high success rate.

How does Basal Cell Carcinoma Form?

The skin is made of a type of tissue called stratified squamous epithelium, which consists of several layers. The deepest layer is called the “stratum germinatum,” and it rests on top of a basement membrane which separates epithelium from deeper connective tissue. The stratum germinatum is a highly mitotic layer of tissue, meaning that the cells divide at a rapid rate as they give rise to more superficial layers of the skin. Basal cell carcinoma develops in this deepest layer of epithelium, where the DNA within cells (which are a cuboidal to columnar shape in healthy tissue) undergoes mutation. This causes the cells in a particular area to proliferate faster and to take on an irregular shape when a cancerous lesion develops.

How Does Basal Cell Carcinoma Appear?

Basal cell carcinoma is unique, because it is often seen initially as a raised lesion that resembles a pimple or pustule. For this reason, this type of cancer is often not detected until an initial lesion ruptures, heals, and then reappears on the same site. In some cases, it may be several weeks to several months before a lesion begins to elicit concern. As basal cell carcinoma progresses, it begins to have an irregular border that is ulcerated in the middle, and can appear waxy, yellow, red, pink, or blue. The term “rodent ulcer,” is used by many to describe basal cell carcinoma’s unique appearance, because the skin tissue has irregular borders and appears to have been gnawed or torn by a small animal.

What are the Causes of Basal Cell Carcinoma?

The most common cause of basal cell carcinoma is excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Indeed, this type of cancer occurs most frequently on areas of the face and upper body where individuals may forget to apply sun screen or where sunburn is common (specifically the nose, ears, lips, forehead, and shoulders). In terms of age, anyone can develop basal cell carcinoma, but people who are older seem to be more at risk. Taking measures that are both protective and preventative, such as applying high-SPF sunscreen can reduce incidences of sunburn and, consequently reduce the risk of basal cell carcinoma.

What Happens if a Lesion Resembles Basal Cell Carcinoma?

If a suspicious lesion is detected by a dental professional, the individual is advised to make an appointment with a dermatologist. This type of doctor is a specialist who has a wealth of knowledge regarding skin abnormalities. They can assess the lesion in question, make a detailed diagnosis, and biopsy a piece of the lesion to determine whether or not the cells are cancerous.    

How is Basal Cell Carcinoma Treated?

The most common method of treatment for basal cell carcinoma, especially for lesions that have been present over a long period of time, is standard surgical excision. With this type of surgery, borders are selected before the operation, and the predetermined area usually measures between three to four millimeters. If a greater surface area of skin is removed, recurrence rates of basal cell carcinoma are lower. This type of therapy involves the loss of more tissue than other treatment options. However, the cosmetic outcome for this treatment is still superior to other types of treatment that are available. 

For more information about Basal Cell Carcinoma, contact Dr. Moss, your Lafayette, LA dentist at Samuel R. Moss DDS today.

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The actual word laser is an acronym that stands for ‘light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.’ It is a device capable of committing a monochromatic high-intensity light that is now widely used in a number of medical applications. You probably already know of people who have received laser treatment for some condition or other, especially if they have undergone corrective eye surgery. Another increasingly popular application for lasers is for the treatment of periodontal disease or gum disease.

The Problems Caused by Gum Disease
Gum disease has been termed as something of a silent epidemic, as it’s estimated to afflict the majority of the population to some degree during their lifetime. It’s an extremely serious disease as it’s been linked to a number of other general health complications including diabetes, heart disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and low birth weight babies. Conventional treatment for gum disease has often involved some fairly invasive surgery to repair the gum tissue. However the use of lasers is now becoming far more widespread as they are now much more affordable than in the past. Lasers have now been used for quite a long period of time, and there have been a number of clinical studies carried out into their effectiveness.

There are Several Different Lasers That Are Used in Periodontal Therapy
There are several different types of lasers that might be used by your dentist in the treatment of gum disease, as some are designed specifically to shape hard tissues such as bone and tooth material, while others are designed specifically to shape soft tissues or gum tissue. There are also one or two that are capable of being used on both. The advantage of using a laser for periodontal therapy is that it can be much more comfortable. Patients are likely to experience far less bleeding during and after surgery as of the laser automatically seals up small blood vessels, and may find they have less swelling and discomfort afterwards and that tissues heal more quickly.

Clinical Studies Show Lasers to Be Pretty Effective
There have now been a number of clinical studies into the use of lasers for periodontal therapy, although most are only able to evaluate short-term results. However these results are very encouraging and show the use of lasers to be helpful in treating periodontal disease provided the patient receives long-term maintenance care. Sometimes lasers are used in conjunction with conventional treatments for periodontal disease, such as scaling and planing in order to achieve the best results.

The efficacy of laser usage in periodontal therapy can depend on the expertise of the person using this appliance. It’s definitely best to choose a periodontist or someone who is properly qualified and experienced in choosing the correct wavelength and power levels for usage during surgery. Afterwards patient education is extremely important, as it’s vital to maintain a proper periodontal maintenance plan. Some dental experts feel that the use of lasers should perhaps become a separate field within dentistry, as they think it would be more beneficial for patients suffering from gum disease to be treated by a specialist. However at the moment the ADA’s accreditation standards don’t include laser education.

For more information, contact Dr. Moss and his dental staff in Lafayette, LA today.

To learn more about periodontal disease and treatment options visit Findmydentist.com.

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At every dental check-up, your dentist or hygienist will likely perform such assessments as probing the areas of gum tissue that hug the teeth and flossing each of the surfaces where the teeth come in contact. The purpose of these practices is twofold: first, flossing and using a periodontal probe help to determine the extent of plaque in the mouth and, additionally, to detect the presence of periodontal disease or gingivitis (early gum disease). Higher probing depths are associated with the presence of disease, whereas measurements of 3 millimeters and under are an indication of gum health.

How Gingivitis is Detected
Clinically, early gingivitis is typically seen as a bright red or pinkish band on the gum tissue, often directly surrounding the teeth. This discoloration that transcends normal, light pink or “salmon” colored gum tissue is due to inflammation and the presence of pathogenic (disease-producing) bacteria that migrate into the depths of the gums. Patients with inflamed gums may complain of tenderness or soreness when brushing and flossing, and in most cases their gums will bleed.

Bleeding upon flossing and brushing, especially in a dental office, helps the dental health professional to confirm the presence of gingivitis and to educate patients on proper brushing and flossing techniques. Early gingivitis is easy to reverse, whereas more serious conditions, like periodontal disease (advanced gum disease), cannot be reversed. Bleeding is the body’s way of indicating the presence of infection and can often motivate the patient to change an undesirable condition.

How Smoking Affects Gingivitis Detection
Smokers who have gingivitis are more difficult to diagnose, because the contents of cigarette smoke cause the blood vessels to constrict. The gum tissue is normally highly vascular, but with constricted blood vessels bleeding is far less likely to occur, even during flossing in a patient with gum disease. The result is often a false perception of healthy gums even when gingivitis is present. Believing the gum tissue to be healthy can delay the frequency of flossing and reduce a lack of urgency when it comes to home care. In extreme cases, gingivitis could progress into periodontal disease unbeknownst to patients or dental health professionals. In fact, long-term smokers often have gum tissue that is fibrotic, firm, and pale pink or grey with no bleeding.

Reasons to Quit Smoking
Smoking is an undesirable habit at any age and for any duration of time. Many quit smoking hotlines exist to offer support during times where cravings are hard to resist. In addition, dental health professionals can work with you to establish a realistic goal in stopping smoking
toward completely quitting the habit. In addition to improved total health, which is, of course invaluable, quitting smoking can reinstate normal responses that the body offers during times of distress, like bleeding upon flossing when gingivitis is present. Such mechanisms serve as a way for you to understand when infection is present so that you can work toward restoring health to the oral cavity.

For more information on gingivitis and smoking, please contact Dr. Sam Moss at Samuel R. Moss and Associates in Lafayette, LA today!

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Early Detection Saves Lives!

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month and Dr. Sam R. Moss and Associates, your Lafayette Dentist, l is pleased to offer FREE Oral Cancer Screenings on April 19^th, from 8:00am-12:00pm, in a national effort to END ORAL CANCER! We will be performing a simple and painless examination to screen for oral cancer. Anyone 12 years and older should be screened. Today we are seeing young, non-smoking individuals as the fastest growing segment of the oral cancer patient population; so don’t miss this event!

You do not have to be a patient of record however it is preferable that you RSVP to the email provided so that we can accommodate everyone. 

You can get more information, and RSVP by calling the office at 337-232-9937 or emailing us at info@srmossdds.com.  You can see our full contact information, get directions to our office and even send us an email from our contact page!

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Periodontal disease is a serious bacterial infection of the gum tissues, and it is the most common cause of tooth loss in the world. It’s caused by plaque bacteria that are naturally present in everyone’s mouth, and generally occurs if these bacteria are allowed to build up. It is often the result of having poor oral hygiene. However some people are more susceptible towards developing periodontal disease and this group includes diabetics, smokers, people who are having certain types of cancer therapy, and people who are taking certain types of medication.

One of the earliest signs of periodontal disease is noticing the gums look red and tender, and which are more likely to bleed when brushed or flossed. This stage of the disease is called gingivitis, and if it’s caught early enough is relatively easy to reverse simply by having your teeth professionally cleaned and polished to remove the buildup of plaque bacteria, and by making sure you pay extra attention to your daily oral hygiene routine.

Ignoring this stage can have serious consequences as it’s more likely to develop into periodontal disease. This condition is much more difficult to treat, and treatments are more likely to be invasive and more expensive. Even worse, periodontitis can be chronic, and can only be kept in check with regular treatments at your dentist. It can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets of infection at the base of the teeth. The bacteria can attack the ligaments holding the teeth in place, and can even cause bone loss in the jaw. Eventually the teeth will become loose and will need extracting.

Preventing Periodontal Disease

The best and most effective way of preventing periodontal disease from occurring is simply to visit your dentist at regular intervals. They’ll be able to check to make sure you don’t have any early signs of the disease, and will also professionally clean and polish your teeth. This is an extremely good preventative measure as it removes the hardened plaque bacteria, a substance called calculus, before it can irritate and inflame the gums. Calculus is so hard it can only be removed by a dental professional.

If you do have any early signs your dentist will be able to recommend a course of treatment, and can also give you plenty of advice on cleaning and flossing your teeth more effectively. Flossing is extremely important as plaque bacteria tend to collect in between the teeth, and this is where gum disease frequently begins. If you are unsure on how to floss properly then ask your dentist for advice as they are very used to showing patients the correct techniques. If you have difficulty using dental floss then they can suggest alternatives such as soft dental picks or interdental cleaners.

For more information about periodontal disease or other dental issues, contact your Lafayette, LA dentist, Dr. Samuel R. Moss today.

Source: http://www.findmydentist.com/articles/periodontal-disease.html

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Anybody who is trying to quit smoking will know how difficult it is, as nicotine is highly addictive. However the reasons for stopping smoking are compelling. Most people are well aware that smoking realty increases the risk of lung cancer, but may be less aware of the negative effects in can have on oral health.

Smoking can increase the risk of tooth decay, and smokers are much more likely to develop periodontal disease which can lead to teeth becoming loose. Smoking or using tobacco products also increases the risk of oral cancer.

The reason smoking is so bad for oral health is because it causes the capillaries in the tissues to become constricted. This limits their ability to transport nutrients and oxygen to the gum tissues, and to transport toxins away from the tissues. If the gums become damaged or diseased the body cannot heal itself as well as the immune system is compromised. Smoking cigars does not decrease the risk, and neither does using smokeless tobacco products. In fact these products can contain high levels of chemicals and nicotine, making them even worse for oral health and even more difficult to quit.

Anyone who smokes will need to make sure they visit their dentist at regular intervals for check-ups and professional cleanings. Having a professional cleaning will help to decrease the risk of periodontal disease at it will remove the tartar that builds up on the teeth. It’ll also help to freshen up the breath. Another important part of the check-up is to be screened for oral cancer. The chances of being treated successfully are much greater if this disease is detected early on. It can cause changes to the appearance of the oral tissues, can create difficulties in swallowing, and sore patches may take longer to heal.

Other signs include noticing tissues have thickened or become rough, or that lumps have developed. It can also affect the way teeth meet together, or can mean that dentures or other dental appliances don’t fit as well as they should. These are all things that will be assessed during a check-up, but it can also pay to become more aware of the way healthy tissues should look, and to conduct a self-examination once a month or so.

Less importantly, smoking can also cause the teeth to become yellow and discolored, and can mean any teeth whitening treatments are not so effective, and don’t last as long. It is difficult to give up smoking, but the health benefits are undeniable. If you are trying to quit then it is probably worth contacting your doctor or dentist to see if they have any advice or can help in any way.

To learn more about periodontal disease contact your Lafayette, LA dentist, Dr. Samuel R. Moss today.

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Read the full article here:

http://www.heraldonline.com/2013/02/26/4647891/gum-disease-treatment-can-lower.html

The post How Gum Disease and Medical Costs May Be Related appeared first on Dr Samuel R Moss DDS.

An attractive smile is extremely important to most dental patients in the Lafayette, LA area. However, stains on the surfaces of the teeth differ in their causes and treatment options. Understanding the differences between types of stains and when stains can be prevented, can afford the patient with a whiter smile line (the teeth that are visible during speech, chewing, and smiling) versus a smile line that contains discoloration. An attractive smile can often enhance self esteem and therefore total health.

Intrinisic Staining

Intrinisic stains remain on the teeth throughout the life course, because they form in the deepest layer of the cells of developing tooth structures (referred to as enamel organs). Therefore, whitening treatments are largely unsuccessful for this type of stain. Knowing when a patient is at risk for intrinsic staining to the dental arches can prevent discoloration.

Dental Fluorosis

Following birth, children can be at risk for dental fluorosis, a condition where excessive exposure to fluoride causes spots on the enamel surface. Overexposure to fluoride is especially undesirable during the first through fourth year of life, because the cells within enamel of the primary teeth continue to grow rapidly and form even after the teeth have erupted, or “cut” into the dental arches. Overexposure to fluoride is often seen clinically as small white spots on the enamel surface. However, severe overexposure to fluoride during the development of enamel can appear dark brown or even black. The most important way to prevent fluorosis is to refrain from excessive fluoride exposure during these formative years.

Tetracycline Staining

Tetracycline is a commonly prescribed antibiotic that cures a multitude of infections throughout the body. However, taking tetracycline during pregnancy can affect the color of developing teeth. Tetracycline stains appear as a solid black band (in severe cases, teeth can even be entirely black) and are extremely difficult to reverse without lengthy restorative work.

Extrinsic Staining

While intrinsic stains cannot be treated with whitening procedures, extrinsic stains, which come from foods, drinks, and other external sources, appear on the most superficial layer of the teeth. Consequently, they can be treated successfully with whitening toothpastes, mouth rinses, in-office treatments, and gels. Prevention of extrinsic staining is often a matter of timely brushing, flossing, and sugar-free gum chewing following the consumption of foods or beverages. It is not necessary to eliminate any foods or beverages from the diet due exclusively to its staining properties, as preventive measures can remove pigmentation from the tooth surface, if exercised in a timely manner.

Tea Stains: While tea is usually lighter in color than coffee, stains from tea actually appear darker than coffee stains on the enamel surface. Brushing thoroughly following the consumption of hot and iced tea beverages can prevent staining, especially in between the teeth where surfaces are often missed.

Coffee Stains: Although coffee stains are not as dark as tea stains, the beverage still has the potential to make the teeth seem dull, yellow, or, in extreme cases, even brown. When habitually consumed, it is important to brush and floss immediately following coffee consumption in order to prevent staining.

Tobacco Stains: Cigarettes and chewing tobacco, besides being unhealthy to the entire body, are largely responsible for turning the teeth a brownish-yellow hue. While these stains can eventually be cured with whitening treatments it is important to talk to your dental professional about quitting smoking or chewing tobacco. Dental professionals can work with patients to implement a quitting program that is both nonjudgmental and effective.

For more information on teeth whitening and dental issues that you have questions about, please contact your Lafayette dentist, Dr. Samuel Moss today.

Source: http://www.findmydentist.com/articles/all-about-teeth-whitening.html

http://www.findmydentist.com/articles/flouride.html

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We are no longer in the dark about the major effects of smoking on your overall health. Smoking can cause heart disease, but many in and around Lafayette don’t consider the damage it is doing to their teeth.

How dangerous is smoking to my mouth?

Cigarette smoking accounts for at least 30% of all cancer deaths. It is linked with an increased risk of several cancers, including lung, mouth, tongue, lips, voice box, throat, and more.

Some of the conditions smoking can lead to include:

- Loss of jawbone
- Patches in the mouth (leukoplakia)
- Gum disease
- Tooth loss
- Tooth decay
- Slow healing after treatments to the teeth
- Oral cancer
- Periodontal disease
- Stained teeth
- Bad breath
- Gum recession
- Mouth sores
- Face wrinkles

Smokers have high cancer risk. The American Dental Association reports that about eight out of ten people with mouth and throat cancers use tobacco and the risk of developing these cancers increases with the amount smoked or chewed and duration of the habit.

If you use tobacco in any form now or in the past, your regular dental checkups are vital. Your dental professionals routinely perform oral cancer screening. Dr. Moss is happy to help you receive a cancer screening at any time.

What are the common symptoms of oral cancer?

• A sore that doesn’t heal
• A lump or thickening of the skin or lining of your mouth
• A white or reddish patch on the inside of your mouth
• Loose teeth
• Poorly fitting dentures
• Tongue pain
• Jaw pain or stiffness
• Difficult or painful chewing
• Difficult or painful swallowing
• Sore throat
• Feeling that something is caught in your throat

We would love to help you learn how to take great care of your teeth and a how to get a truly smoking, hot smile. Contact us today for an oral cancer screening.

Read more on the American Cancer Society website’s section on tobacco and cancer here.

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You brush twice a day and floss to keep your teeth clean and free from plaque and tartar and to keep your smile bright. But you might be wondering if electric toothbrushes or power toothbrushes would perform better than your manual toothbrush or vice versa. Naturally, you want to know what dentists recommend. Which one is better?

Decide what works for you
The answer about what brush is better depends on you. Used correctly, manual toothbrushes can be effective but so can electric toothbrushes.
But if you struggle to get your teeth clean or if you brush too hard, a power toothbrush could be helpful.

The important thing is that you brush regularly—two minutes, twice a day.

Electric toothbrushes are rechargeable units that must be plugged in. They can range in price from $25 to more than $100. Brush heads vary in size, shape and function and should be changed every three to six months.

Many electric toothbrush devotees like the feature special modes for sensitive teeth, gum massage and whitening. The special bristles can help those who struggle more easily clean teeth. Many electric toothbrushes indicate instances when you’re brushing too hard, saving your gums and tooth enamel.

Whatever you choose, it’s best to look for brushes that have the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Approval that ensures that the toothbrushes are safe and effective. Now, get brushing!

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