Category: Oral Health Vs. Overall Health

What is Oral Cancer? Oral cancers include cancers that develop on the surface of the tongue, inner lining of the cheeks, roof and floor of the mouth, lips, gums, salivary glands, tonsils, and pharynx.

Did you know? The mouth is, in fact, connected to the body! So as cold and flu season approaches, we wanted to share a few tips on how to keep your body – and your mouth – healthy. Keep Your Hands Clean Wash your hands frequently! And do your best to keep your fingers away from your eyes, nose and mouth, as those parts of the body are where viruses like to enter. Eat Healthy Foods Our diet is important to all aspects of life, but especially in terms of keeping those pesky viruses at bay. Eating a balanced, healthy Read More →

Have you ever had a joint replaced or heart surgery? There is a possibility you were recommended by your physician, surgeon, or dentist to take an antibiotic prior to future dental treatment. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. During some dental procedures, bacteria from the mouth can be introduced into the bloodstream. The bacteria can then travel elsewhere in the body and cause an infection. In these circumstances, an infection is uncommon but can become serious and life threatening. Those who are at higher risk are suggested to take an antibiotic premedication to help prevent the chance of an Read More →

Have you ever had an unsolicited numbness or burning sensation in your mouth? If so, it may be Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS). Burning mouth is the sensation of burning in the tongue and often the palate; however, it may also occur anywhere in the mouth. The sensation is commonly described as the discomfort felt when the tongue is burned with hot coffee. Additionally, it may be described as a tender, tingling, hot, scalding, or numb sensation. Most individuals with BMS find the burning sensation gets worse throughout the day. The mouth may feel fine in the morning only to develop Read More →

Cancer – the uncontrolled growth of cells that invade and cause damage to surrounding tissue. Unfortunately, the frequency of oral cancer is on the rise – 100 new cases per day in the United States are being reported – one person every hour of every day will die from it. Risk factors include use of tobacco and alcohol and most recently determined, some strains of HPV (human papilloma virus), but within the last 5 years cases are increasing in males and females under age 50 with no risk factors. The fatality rate for oral cancer is one of the highest due to Read More →

Have you heard all the recent hype about not needing to floss anymore? Well, let’s look at what this is really about. Since 1979, the federal government has recommended flossing. Last year, the associated press reviewed 25 studies that compared brushing alone versus brushing and flossing. This review concluded that the evidence for flossing was “weak and very unreliable.” As a result, the Department of Health and Human Services removed the flossing recommendation this year. However, the American Dental Association (ADA) sites several other studies that show the benefits of flossing. The ADA and Family Dentist Tree will continue to Read More →

Have you ever been told you need a “deep cleaning” at your dental visit? Do you feel you get a different or more expensive cleaning than others in your family? Our staff at Family Dentist Tree is here to help you understand why different types of cleanings are recommended for our many patients. To begin, the type of cleaning recommended is most commonly based on the stages of periodontal disease. As bacteria eventually forms plaque in your mouth, it’s by products begin to break down the tissues that hold your teeth in place. This forms “pockets” that allow plaque to Read More →

It’s that time of year again – back to school! We know choosing your children’s lunches can be hard so we asked our assistant, Ann, what she does! As a parent of three school aged children that love bringing their own lunch to school, it can be difficult to know what items to pack that are health for both their teeth and their bodies. There are of course many foods to avoid, including:  Sugary foods and drinks such as candy, pop and juice.  Sticky or chewy foods such as raisins, granola bars, caramel, honey, and bananas. Carbohydrates and starches such as cake, cookies, pretzels, chips, saltine Read More →

We all know which foods we to avoid that can be harmful to your teeth, but do you know what foods are healthy for your teeth and why? Samantha, a licensed and certified dental assistant, and administrative assistant at Family Dentist Tree is here to help you out! First up on the list is milk. Yep! Your mom was right! Milk is a great source of calcium which is a key ingredient in strengthening tooth enamel. Cheese is another great source of calcium. It can also aid in neutralizing the acid levels in your mouth and promoting saliva flow, a natural defense against cavities, gum disease, Read More →

Have you ever wondered why your dentist asks for your current medication list at each visit? We checked with Dr. Roger Bisbey, D.D.S. to get the answer to our question. Many medications, prescribed by your physician and obtained over-the-counter, can affect your oral health.  One of the most common side effects of many medications is dry mouth.  Natural saliva helps keep food from collecting around your teeth and neutralizes acids given off by bacterial plaque, which is continuously growing on the surface of the teeth.  These acids damage the hard surfaces of your teeth which greatly increases your risk for Read More →