Tag: Child’s oral health

How to Help Kids Quit Thumb-Sucking and Care for Their Teeth

Thumb-sucking is a common habit among young children. While it can be a source of comfort, prolonged thumb-sucking can lead to dental problems and affect oral health. Here are a few tips to help your child break this habit and instill good oral hygiene practices.

Why Do Kids Suck Their Thumbs?

Comfort and Security: Thumb-sucking often provides a sense of comfort and security, especially during stressful situations or at bedtime.

Boredom or Hunger: Sometimes, children suck their thumbs out of boredom or hunger.

Steps to Break the Thumb-Sucking Habit

1. Positive Reinforcement

Praise your child for not sucking their thumb. Use a reward chart to track progress and provide small rewards for milestones achieved.

Encourage and motivate your child gently. Avoid scolding or punishing as it can cause anxiety and reinforce the habit.

2. Identify Triggers

Notice when your child is most likely to suck their thumb. Is it during specific times of the day or in certain situations?

If boredom is a trigger, engage your child in activities to keep their hands and mind occupied. If it is for comfort, find alternative ways to soothe them, such as cuddling or a favorite toy.

3. Gradual Reduction

Gradually limit thumb-sucking to specific times, such as only at bedtime.

Encourage your child to reduce the time spent sucking their thumb gradually.

4. Use of Aids

Consider using thumb guards or finger guards, which are soft plastic devices worn over the thumb to discourage sucking.

Apply a safe, bitter-tasting nail polish designed to make thumb-sucking less appealing.

Teaching Good Oral Practices

  • Introduce oral hygiene practices at an early stage. Clean your baby’s gums with a soft cloth before teeth emerge. Once teeth appear, use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush.
  • By age two, start using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
  • Make brushing fun. Use toothbrushes with their favorite characters or bright colors.
  • Play a two-minute song or use a timer to ensure they brush for the recommended duration.
  • Brush your teeth with your child to show them how to do it. Your involvement reinforces the importance of the habit.
  • Talk about why brushing and flossing are important in a way your child can understand.
  • Schedule your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears.
  • Ensure regular dental check-ups every six months. These visits help detect issues early and reinforce good oral hygiene.
  • Reduce your child’s intake of sugary snacks and drinks, which can lead to tooth decay.
  • Provide a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products for strong teeth and gums.

Conclusion

Helping your child break the thumb-sucking habit and instill good oral hygiene requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Following these steps and nurturing a supportive environment can guide your child towards healthier habits and a brighter smile. Remember, every child is different, so tailor your approach to what works best for your child’s needs and personality. If it is time for your kids to visit a dental expert, call us at 1-888-682-7286 and let us take care of your children’s smiles.

Everything you must know about fluoride treatments


Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for overall health and well-being. Brushing and flossing regularly, along with routine dental check-ups, form the foundation of a healthy dental care routine. However, some individuals may require additional measures to strengthen their teeth and prevent decay. This is where fluoride treatments come into play. 

What is Fluoride? 

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is helpful in the formation of healthy teeth and the prevention of cavities. Fluoride prevents tooth decay and remineralizes tooth enamel making it more resistant to acid attacks from plaque and bacteria. 

Types of Fluoride Treatments: 

Topical Fluoride: This treatment involves the direct application of fluoride to the teeth. It can be administered as a gel, foam, varnish, or rinse during dental visits. 

Systemic Fluoride: Systemic fluoride refers to fluoride that is ingested and enters the bloodstream. It can be obtained through fluoridated water, fluoride supplements, or dietary intake. 

Professional vs. At-Home Treatments: 

Professional Fluoride Treatments: Dentists are equipped to provide concentrated fluoride treatments that are more potent and effective. These treatments are often recommended for individuals with a high risk of cavities or weakened enamel. 

At-Home Fluoride Products: Over-the-counter toothpaste, mouth rinses, and fluoride gels are available for daily use. While these products offer some level of protection, they may not be as potent as professional treatments. 

Benefits of Flouride treatments  

Strengthening tooth enamel: Fluoride treatments aid in mineralizing weakened enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks and preventing tooth decay. 

Prevention of cavities: Remineralizes your tooth enamel, reverses early tooth decay, slows down the process of demineralization, prevents the growth of cavity-causing bacteria. 

Suitable for all age groups: Fluoride treatments benefit children, ensuring the development of strong permanent teeth. They also benefit adolescents and adults, providing an extra layer of protection against tooth decay. 

Professional treatments: Dentists provide concentrated fluoride treatments that are more potent and effective, recommended for individuals at high risk of cavities or those with weakened enamel. 

Enhanced oral health: Regular fluoride treatments improve oral health, reducing the need for extensive dental treatments and expenses in the long run. 

Widely available: Fluoride treatments are widely accessible through dental visits or over-the-counter products, making it convenient to incorporate them into a dental care routine. 

Proven efficacy: Extensive research and clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of fluoride treatments in preventing tooth decay and promoting dental health. 

How frequently should I have fluoride treatments? 

The answer to this question depends on your specific oral health concerns. Fluoride treatments every six months are beneficial to many people. If you have a history of cavities, you may benefit from more frequent treatments. Consult your dentist to determine what is best for you. 

Conclusion 

Fluoride treatments offer a range of benefits for dental health. Fluoride is vital in maintaining optimal oral hygiene, from strengthening tooth enamel to preventing cavities. However, overdosing on fluoride can cause negative complications. So, get expert advice at Bravo! Dental today.

Things to Know About Your Child’s Oral Health this Children’s Dental Health Month


The American Dental Association observes National Children’s Dental Health Month in February. This month-long national health observance emphasizes the importance of dental health in children while also providing tips and clearing the doubts parents might have about keeping their child’s smile on track!  

It’s natural for parents to have questions for their child’s dentist, and we’re here to answer them.  

When should your child have their first dental exam? 

Children should see a pediatric dentist as soon as their first teeth develop or no later than their first birthday. This will allow you and the dentist to track your child’s growth and make the kid accustomed to visiting the dentist regularly. 

When should we begin brushing our children’s teeth? 

Begin brushing as soon as the child’s first tooth appears, around 6-7 months. It is best to wait until your child is at least 18 months before using toothpaste. Brush your child’s teeth until they are between 8 and 10. If your child is ready, let them brush without your assistance. 

When should kids begin flossing? 

When your child’s teeth begin to appear, you should keep a close eye on them to check if they are touching. It’s a good idea to start flossing between them as soon as you notice this. Most kids will reach this phase around the age of 4.  

Should we fix cavities in baby teeth? 

Baby teeth are essential because they serve as placeholders for permanent teeth. In addition, if cavities are not treated, a kid may develop an infection or pain and cause spacing abnormalities that can lead to adult tooth problems. For these reasons, it’s critical to have your child’s baby teeth evaluated by the dentist regularly. 

What to do if the baby tooth is knocked/cracked out too soon? 

You can take several steps if your child loses a baby tooth due to a fall or accident. First, clean the tooth with milk, and do not touch the root with your fingers. Next, replace the tooth in the socket gently. Apply sterile gauze to the affected region and have your child bite down. If you cannot reattach the tooth yourself, place it in a clean milk container and contact your dentist immediately. A baby tooth can be reattached if you act quickly.  

How can I stop my child from sucking their thumb? 

Most children stop sucking their thumbs between the ages of 2 and 4. Several apparatuses are available to assist kids in breaking the habit, but simply talking to the child about it and continually checking for the behavior works best. 

Is it safe for my child to have x-rays?  

X-rays are a standard component of adult dental checkups, but because they expose a child to radiation, it is reasonable for you to fear. However, the risk associated with this extremely low radiation dose is non-existent. And our dental office uses safer x-ray practices. 

Nobody is more concerned about your child’s well-being than you are. This list is not intended to answer every dental question as a parent you may have. If you have a question that isn’t on this list, feel free to reach out to us at 1-888-682-7286 with your question or fix an appointment for your child. Our dentists and staff at Bravo! Dental are always on the go to give oral health information and promote awareness of the need for kids’ dental care at a young age. 

Everything you need to know about dental sealants

Taking good care of your teeth and overall oral health is a daily commitment. The best way to prevent cavities is to brush and floss. However, cleaning every inch of your teeth is hard, especially those back teeth you use to chew (molars). These molars are rough and uneven, a perfect place for cavity-causing bacteria to hide. That’s why dental sealants are an alternative treatment that helps keep teeth clean. 

Dental sealants consist of thin plastic coatings that are placed on the biting surfaces of teeth, often the back teeth (the premolars and molars) to prevent teeth from cavities. The sealant instantly forms a protective barrier over each tooth’s enamel by bonding to the depressions and grooves of the teeth. 

Who can have sealants? 

Anyone with permanent teeth and premolars can consider sealants. The deep grooves and depressions on the back teeth are quite likely to cause decay and cavities. Sealants are therefore advised for teenagers and kids. Dental sealants could also be helpful for adults who were fortunate enough to grow up without developing dental problems that affected their molars. Children can have sealants as soon as the premolars, and permanent molars spring up. Rarely, children under the age of six may require dental sealants. A dentist may suggest using sealants if they see that a child’s teeth have deep grooves and depressions. 

When can dental sealants be used? 

Once the molars erupt, dental sealants are routinely applied to children and teenagers because they offer potent protection against tooth decay. 

How are sealants applied? 

The technique of applying sealant is easy and painless. Your dentist can apply the sealant to each tooth in just a few minutes. The steps for applying are as follows: 

  • The teeth are first meticulously cleansed. 
  • Then, each tooth is dried. 
  • An acid solution is applied to them to make the chewing surfaces of the teeth rougher so that the sealant would adhere to them. 
  • After rinsing, the teeth are dried. 
  • After being painted onto the tooth enamel, the sealant hardens, chemically bonding to the tooth. 
  • The sealant can occasionally be hardened with a specialized curing lamp. 

Are there any side effects to dental sealants? 

Dental sealants have no side effects, and allergic reactions are rare. However, let the dentist know if you have any allergies so they can proceed with caution. 

How long can sealants last? 

During your routine dental visit, find out if sealants need to be reapplied. Sealants can protect your teeth from cavities and last from a few months to 10 years. 

Even after placing dental sealants, you must continue to brush and floss your teeth as usual. This helps in defending the surfaces where the sealants aren’t applied. Since dental sealants are only preventative procedures, good dental hygiene standards should be followed. We ensure that you have a beautiful and healthy smile while helping to prevent cavities in your teeth. So, make an appointment right away with our experts at Bravo! Dental for a smile free of cavities. 

The importance of cavity prevention for kids during summer time

As summer vacation starts, it’s easy for parents to become preoccupied with summer camp, the little leagues, family trips, and other activities that we oft overlook one crucial aspect- Kids’ dental health.  

Many parents have the impression that cavities in primary teeth are harmless because they will fall out regardless. Unfortunately, this relaxed notion would lead them to neglect their kids’ oral health. Problems with baby teeth, in reality, can affect the development of permanent teeth and create great discomfort at later stages. 

How to take care of your child’s teeth during summer trips? 

Parents can lower their children’s risk of cavities by properly caring for their teeth during summer vacations. Brushing and flossing, in particular, may keep teeth clean and cavity-free. Sugary drinks and snacks should also be avoided because they increase the risk of cavities. 

How can a pediatric dentist help in the prevention of cavities for children? 

A pediatric dentist assists parents in maintaining their child’s oral health by facilitating the normal development of permanent teeth. Regular cleaning and check-up appointments, which are recommended every four to six months, are one method they can achieve this. Cavities in molars and premolars can also be reduced with dental sealants. If the enamel begins to deteriorate before cavities appear, a pediatric dentist may recommend that the parent give their child a fluoride treatment to use daily to help strengthen the enamel and prevent erosion. 

The significance of instilling proper oral hygiene habits in children at an early age 

Another advantage of practicing good oral hygiene at home and visiting a pediatric dentist regularly is that the child can learn healthy oral hygiene habits at a young age. This aids in preventing cavities in permanent teeth, as the behaviors often persist into a child’s adolescent and adult years as they grow. 

To be proactive when it comes to cavity prevention in your kids, you can make an appointment with our pediatric dentist at Bravo! Dental to discuss a cavity prevention strategy for your child. We take great pleasure in assisting children of all ages in preventing cavities in their teeth.  

To make an appointment, call our dentist’s office now at 1-888-682-7286. 

Dental Safety Tips for your Kids this Summer

School is out, and your kids are probably having a great time in the sun this summer. But how can you keep your child’s smile healthy over the summer months while they still indulge in lemonade, ice cream & other sugary treats? Unfortunately, many teens and tweens skip dental hygiene during the summer, making it more difficult to keep cavities at bay. 

But with a few quick tips, parents can guarantee that their children take proper care of their teeth and have a fun summer as well: 

  • Give your child’s sweet or gummy vitamins with breakfast each morning. Nuts and yogurt also strengthen the surface of a tooth, so satisfy your child’s sweet tooth with such nutritious meals. 
  • Include apples, pears, yogurt and other dairies in the diet, to balance out the acidity in foods like tomatoes and lemons. 
  • While swimming, make sure your children keep their mouths shut, and wash their teeth softly afterward. 
  • Have your kids drink sugary liquids with a straw, in order to avoid direct contact with teeth enamel. 
  • Encourage kids to drink enough water, to keep the teeth clean & bacteria at bay throughout the day. 

Dental essentials during the summer: 

Are you planning a summer vacation? Ensure your children have all the necessary dental supplies, such as a travel toothbrush, travel-sized toothpaste, dental floss, and mouthwash. 

Continue your dental routine: 

Your children should brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes each time and floss once a day. Although your child may have followed this schedule diligently during the school year, you may need to remind them more frequently during the summer vacation! Brushing and flossing regularly will ensure the removal of harmful microorganisms from your teeth and gums. 

Healthy snacks: 

Summer spells sweet goodies, but you and your children should avoid sugary foods and beverages and only indulge on rare occasions. Sugar consumption is harmful to your teeth and overall health. 

Choose healthy snacks such as string cheese, whole-grain crackers, fresh fruits and vegetables, and other items instead that does not contain too much sugar. Carbonated beverages and acidic liquids can wear down dental enamel. 

Ensure to carry a dental safety kit: 

In the summer, it’s better to be prepared for dental emergencies. If your child participates in sports, make sure they wear a custom-fitted mouthguard to reduce the chance of tooth injury or loss. Take an emergency dental care kit on vacation with you. The AGD recommends having a handkerchief, gauze, a small container with a cover, and ibuprofen in your pack. 

Summertime can put your kid’s dental health at risk. However, following these summer dental health practices, can help your children begin the school year with excellent oral hygiene.  

For more tips and techniques to keep your kid’s summer oral hygiene on track, visit us at Bravo Dental or call us at 1-888-682-7286. 

Thumb Sucking among kids: Is it Normal?

Thumb sucking is a normal reflex that many children develop shortly after birth. While it provides comfort and security and is another way for young toddlers to relax and fall asleep, thumb-sucking might contribute to teeth problems in the future.

Thumb sucking does not always result in tooth or oral damage though. For example, passive holding the thumb in the mouth is unlikely to cause harm. Active thumb sucking with a lot of movement, on the other hand, can damage primary (baby) teeth, but this normally corrects itself when permanent teeth emerge. Occasionally, Thumb sucking causes misalignment in children’s permanent teeth, as well as problems with the jaw, the shape of the mouth, and the roof of the mouth. In addition, kids may be easily exposed to dirt, germs, and viruses as a result of thumb sucking.

Dental issues faced due to thumb sucking:

  • Child’s upper jaw can be protruded more from their face than it should be
  • Overbites: a condition where the top front teeth protrude upward and outward
  • Lower front teeth are angled inside their mouth
  • Space between upper and lower teeth when biting or chewing
  • An inability to bite together with the front teeth
  • The roof of the mouth might sink and rise
  • The emergence of a lisp
  • The tongue would not be in the typical place in the mouth

When should kids quit sucking their thumbs?

Between the ages of two and four, or when the permanent front teeth are ready to sprout, children usually cease sucking. Consult your dentist if you detect changes in your child’s primary teeth or are worried about thumb sucking.

How to encourage your child to give up thumb sucking?

  • Praise your youngster for not sucking their thumb
  • When children are insecure or need reassurance, they frequently suck their thumbs. Concentrate on resolving the source of your child’s concern, and provide necessary comfort
  • If your child is older, let them choose the way of stopping
  • Your dentist can reassure your kids and explain what can happen to their teeth if they continue the habit of sucking
  • Orthodontic braces can also help your kids overcome thumb sucking

If you’re having problems motivating your kid to make healthy changes by their own, it’s a good idea to seek advice from a dentist. To inhibit thumb sucking, they may offer a bitter drug, thumb-sucking protection, or (in rare situations) a dental device.

When it comes to helping your child, it’s essential to understand what works and what doesn’t when it comes to changing their behavior. Thumb sucking eventually goes away on its own – still, it can occasionally cause oral damage, especially if it continues above the age of four and if the kid sucks aggressively and often.

Seek expert guidance at Bravo Dental, and help your children break the habit!

Does your mouth burn after you eat? What you must know

If your mouth burns after eating, you may have a condition called burning mouth syndrome (BMS). Several factors might cause the feeling. The tongue, gums, lips, inside of your cheeks, palate, or other regions of your mouth may be affected. The searing sensation can be intense, as if your mouth has been scalded.

The onset of burning mouth syndrome is generally rapid, although it can sometimes build over time. Unfortunately, the exact cause is frequently unknown. It is more common in women between 50 and 70, especially if they are going through menopause.

Burning Mouth Syndrome Symptoms

Though you have burning mouth syndrome, your mouth may actually feel as if it has just been recently exposed to hot coffee or soup. But each person’s experience is unique – Symptoms of burning mouth syndrome generally include:

  • Tongue numbness or tingling feeling
  • Having difficulty swallowing
  • Parched mouth
  • Throat irritation
  • Changes in flavor

Primary Causes:

Primary or idiopathic burning mouth syndrome occurs when no clinical or laboratory abnormalities may be found. Primary burning mouth syndrome has been linked to difficulties with taste and sensory nerves in the peripheral and central nervous systems.

Secondary Causes:

An underlying medical problem can sometimes induce burning mouth syndrome. It’s known as secondary burning mouth syndrome in these circumstances.

The following are some of the underlying issues that may be connected to secondary burning mouth syndrome:

  • Dry mouth caused by a variety of drugs, health issues, or cancer therapy side effects
  • Other oral illnesses such as a fungal infection inflammatory condition known as oral lichen planus
  • Food allergies, flavorings, other additives, scents, colors, or dental-work compounds
  • Habits such as tongue pushing, biting the tip of the tongue, and teeth grinding
  • Diabetes and thyroid problems
  • Using abrasive toothpaste, overusing mouthwashes, or drinking too many acidic drinks can cause excessive mouth irritation
  • Anxiety, depression, or stress are examples of psychological issues

Treatment for Burning Mouth Syndrome

The source of your pain, which may be treated with a tailored approach, determines how to treat BMS. If your mouth feels like it’s on fire, you should see your dentist right away.

The doctor may recommend one or more of the following therapies, depending on the reason for your burning mouth syndrome:

  • Amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline, for example, are medicines that aid alleviate nerve pain (Aventyl, Pamelor)
  • Capsaicin is a hot pepper-derived pain reliever
  • Low dosages of clonazepam (Klonopin)
  • Replacement of female hormones
  • Mouthwashes
  • Salivary supplemental products
  • Vitamin supplements
  • There are a few things you may do to aid with your symptoms as well:

Avoid acidic foods, such as tomatoes and orange and citrus juices

  • Avoid alcohol, particularly mouthwashes containing alcohol
  • Cinnamon and mint should be avoided
  • Spicy meals should be avoided
  • Tobacco should be avoided
  • Chew sugar-free gum (to increase saliva production)
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Yoga or hobbies might help you relax
  • Use a piece of crushed ice during oral discomfort

People with burning mouth syndrome suffer from a painful and frequently frustrating condition. If you’re experiencing any of these feelings, don’t ignore them. Come see us at Bravo Dental right away. We promise you quick and sure relief for any oral pain you may be experiencing.

Basic Causes and Tips to prevent Oral Dryness

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a condition in which your salivary glands do not produce enough saliva to keep your oral cavity moist. Dry mouth is a common adverse effect of several drugs, age difficulties, and cancer radiation therapy. However, it is more commonly caused by disorders such as diabetes, stroke, yeast infection (thrust) in the mouth, Alzheimer’s disease, or autoimmune disorders like Sjogren’s syndrome or HIV/AIDS that affects the salivary glands directly.

Did you know: Saliva protects teeth from decay by neutralizing bacteria’s acids, inhibiting bacterial development, and washing away food particles. Saliva also improves your sense of taste and makes chewing and swallowing simpler. It also contains enzymes that help digestion.

Causes of dry mouth:

Dehydration: It is one of the possible reasons for dry mouth. Vomiting, diarrhea, extreme perspiration, or blood loss can all cause this. When dehydrated, your body doesn’t create as much saliva as it normally does, resulting in a dry mouth.

Medications: Many medications might cause dry mouth as an adverse effect. Drugs taken for depression, anxiety, diarrhea, high blood pressure, and asthma are the most frequent causes for dry mouth.

Radiation therapy: This treatment that involves getting radiation treatment to the head or neck can cause dry mouth. The salivary glands are damaged by radiation, which reduces saliva output.

Anxiety and stress: Your body produces more cortisol, the “stress hormone,” when you’re stressed or nervous. When cortisol levels in your saliva rise, the composition of your saliva changes, causing mouth dryness.

Aging: As you become older, you’re more likely to have dry mouth. This might be due to various factors, including health conditions, drugs, and changes in your body’s ability to metabolize prescription medications.

Snoring: Snoring with your mouth open has the same impact as snoring with your mouth closed. This can make your mouth dry or make it worse if you already have a dry mouth.

Smoking and drug usage: Extremely harmful to one’s health, Tobacco and marijuana use can impair saliva production, leaving you with a parched mouth.

Tips for preventing oral dryness at home:

Dry mouth is typically a transitory problem that may be remedied. You can usually avoid and cure dry mouth symptoms at home by performing one or more of the following:

  • Consuming excess water during the day
  • Consuming ice cubes
  • Minimizing the intake of alcohol and caffeine
  • Consuming less salt and sugar
  • Avoiding tobacco usage
  • Using a humidifier in your bedroom when sleeping
  • Taking over-the-counter saliva replacements
  • Eating sugarless hard candy or chewing sugarless gum
  • Toothpastes, rinses, and mints sold over the counter
  • Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly
  • Avoid mouth wash that has alcohol

Getting a dental exam twice a year is extremely essential. A dry mouth can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, which can be prevented with proper oral hygiene. Your oral hygienist may prescribe artificial saliva or medicines to stimulate saliva production in your mouth.

Dry mouth isn’t a life-threatening condition by itself. It can, however, be an indication of other underlying problems that need treatment.

Dry mouth problems can be typically treated at home with self-care. However, if your problems persist, you should see a dentist. Our experts at Bravo Dental are here to assist you in overcoming dryness and restoring a healthy mouth.

Causes, symptoms, and treatments for Oral Cancer

Mouth cancer or otherwise oral cavity cancer develops in oral surfaces like lips, gums, tongue, inner cheek lining, inner palate, or under the tongue. Mouth cancer is one of the numerous forms of cancer that make up the head and neck cancers category.

Oral cancer is relatively easier for doctors to treat if detected earlier. However, most patients are diagnosed when their ailment has progressed beyond the point where it can be adequately treated. 70% of oral cancers are detected only in the advanced stages (III or IV stages) says Forward Science. You’ll have a far higher chance of getting an early diagnosis if you see your dentist or doctor regularly and learn how to recognize abnormal changes.

Did you know: According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), males are more prone to mouth cancer than females.

Symptoms:

Oral cancer can have a number of symptoms that aren’t always obvious in the early stages.

  • Mouth bleeding for no particular reason
  • Unexplained numbness in any part of the face, mouth, or neck, lack of sensation, or pain/tenderness
  • Sores that bleed readily and do not heal within two weeks on the face, neck, or mouth
  • A throbbing sensation that something is stuck in the back of the neck
  • Chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue are difficult tasks
  • Hoarseness, a persistent sore throat, or a change in voice
  • Ear discomfort
  • Your jaw may swell or hurt
  • Misfit of your teeth or dentures
  • Dramatic weight loss
  • Mouth ulcers or sores that take prolonged healing
  • Red, or red and white patches on the surface of the mouth or tongue

Causes:

Mouth cancer can be caused by a number of factors, including:

  • Tobacco intake in any form, such as cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and snuff
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Too much exposure of lips to sunlight
  • Human papillomavirus – a sexually transmitted virus (HPV)
  • Immune system dysfunction

Treatments:

Treatment will be determined by the following factors: cancer’s location, stage, and type; the individual’s overall wellness; and personal choices. According to cancer.net, the overall 5-year survival rate for all persons is 85 % if oral cancer diagnosed early.

Surgery: Surgery to remove the tumor and a margin of healthy tissue surrounding it may be recommended by a doctor. A portion of the tongue, the jawbone, and lymph nodes may be removed during surgery. Reconstructive surgery may be required if the operation severely alters the person’s appearance or ability to speak or eat.

Radiation therapy: Radiation treatment is effective against oral malignancies. This therapy damages the DNA inside tumor cells, using high-energy X-rays or radiation particles, potentially preventing them from reproducing. A dentist may suggest combining it with additional therapies to lower the chances of the disease growing or reoccurring.

Chemotherapy: A doctor may consider combining chemotherapy and radiation therapy if the cancer is extensive. This treatment involves the use of potent drugs that cause cancer cells’ DNA to be damaged. The medications stop the cells from reproducing and spreading.

Oral cancer could affect 9,750 lives this year owing to late oral cancer detection predicts Oral Cancer Foundation. Make an appointment with us right away if you’re experiencing any persistent indications or symptoms that have been bothering you for more than two weeks. Even if otherwise, give us a visit at Bravo Dental, and our experts can improve your chances of successful treatment, and help put your mind at ease.