ORAL CANCER SELF-ASSESSMENT QUIZ - HEALTH CANADA

Oral Cancer Self-Assessment Quiz - HEALTH CANADA

Early detection of oral cancer can significantly increase the success of treatment and reduce the likelihood that the cancer would spread to other parts of the body. This test is intended to help you assess your personal risk for developing oral cancer. Knowing that you are at increased risk can help you develop a plan to make healthier choices. There are many factors that can increase a person's risk of developing oral cancer:

Indicate 'yes' or 'no' to each of the following questions.

1. Are you over the age of 40?

    * yes
    * no

2. Are you Male?

    * yes
    * no

3. Do you have Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?

   * yes
    * no

4. Are you sexually active and not regularly tested for sexually transmitted infections (STI's)?

    * yes
    * no 

5. Do you use tobacco products?
  
  * yes
    * no

6. Do you drink a lot of alcohol and have done so consistently for a long period of time?

    * yes
    * no

7. Are your lips exposed to the sun on a regular basis?

    * yes
    * no

8. Is your diet low in fruits and vegetables?

    * yes
    * no

The more risk factors you have replied "yes" to in the questionnaire, the higher your risk of developing oral cancer. You should take a few moments to look in your mouth for the signs and symptoms that are associated with oral cancer. If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, please speak to a dental or health care provider as soon as you are able. Be sure to ask for an oral cancer screening at a dental or medical clinic.

For more information on oral cancer click HERE. 

Dentist in Brampton

DO YOU HAVE A FEAR OF GOING TO THE DENTIST.......

Joanna SAYS!

You are not alone! It is estimated that over 20% of dental clients suffer from severe dental anxiety. Fortunately, there are ways to overcome your fears. The first thing to do is to discuss it with your dental professional, because the longer you hold off on your appointments, the worse your oral health status can become. Be sure to ask any questions you may have about a procedure. The more you understand, the more comfortable you will feel.

Whether it is an appointment with your hygienist or dentist there are ways to reduce your feeling of sensitivity, anxiety or fear. Simply listening to music during a procedure can help calm nerves and take your mind off the situation. Another solution may be a sedative medication to help with reducing anxiety before your appointment begins or dental sedation with nitrous oxide (Laughing Gas) to help feel relaxed. Maintaining your homecare cleaning routine will also aid in decreasing sensitivity during appointments, specifically during your cleanings. I have heard many clients say since they have started taking better care of their teeth, their cleanings have been more comfortable and a positive experience. If you feel sensitive during a cleaning let your hygienist know and they can apply non-invasive numbing agents to reduce sensitivity.  

These dental fears begin at young ages as well, and if you as parents are nervous of dental procedures, these fears can be passed to your children. The best thing to do is make dental appointments a positive and fun experience for your children.

Blog by Joanna - RDH

www.drelizabethdimovski.com

WHAT DOES FLUORIDE ACTUALLY DO?

Joanna SAYS!

Here is a little blog I typed up because so many patients ask me what fluoride actually does, and why it's important...

What does Fluoride actually do?

Fluoride is used to help protect your teeth from bacteria in a couple ways. 

After eating a meal, the bacteria in your mouth combines with the sugars from your meal and produces a higher acidity level. This acid level leads to demineralization of the tooth structure, and fluoride will help to protect your teeth from this demineralization.

Secondly, before a cavity forms it starts out as a chalky white structure which shows that part of the tooth’s minerals has been lost.  Fluoride helps restore those lost minerals to prevent that white chalky area from turning into a cavity. However, if the cavity is already formed then the area must be restored to prevent further damage to the tooth.

Fluoride is important for both children, and adults. Children need fluoride to help protect their permanent teeth as they are forming, and adults need it to protect their teeth from decay. Every person is different, and therefore their need for fluoride is different. It all depends on your overall oral condition to determine how often fluoride treatment should be given.

www.drelizabethdimovski.com