Dental Erosion of Teeth by Diet

Dental erosion is the irreversible loss of tooth structure due to acids from foods and beverages. Signs may include tooth sensitivity, transparency of the biting edge of teeth, and discoloration near the gumline of the teeth.

On a pH scale of 1-14, water is neutral at 7. A lower number indicates more acidity. Carbonated beverages and sports drinks can have a pH around 2.5 and any beverage with a pH lower then 5.5 can cause dental erosion.

Extreme cases may require fillings or crown restorations to treat. Prevention is better though. Minimizing exposure to acidic beverages and/or drinking them through a straw will help. Minimizing abrasive forces is good too. A soft bristled toothbrush will not erode dental enamal.
Ask your dentist or hygienist about specific question dental issues.
Terry L. Wostrel DDS, Rocky View Dental Care, Littleton CO

Diagnosis of Oral Cancer by Dentists

Oral cancer is difficult to diagnose at it's early stages. Tools include:

1. Velscope. The shining of a specific wavelength of light on the oral tissue produces fluoresence of normal tissue. Diseased tissue appears dark. This may indicate the need to biopsy.



2. Oral Risk HPV Test. This involves the gathering of a saliva sample and having it tested by an outside lab. If HPV is present, the specific strain will be determined. HPV-16 and HPV-18 are strongly associated with oral cancer. The presence of HPV does not mean that you will definately develop oral cancer, but you are at increased risk.

Most individuals see their dentist more frequently then their physician. Therefore, oral healthcare professionals have an opportunity to raise awareness and diagnose oral cancer earlier then it might have been diagnosed. Terry L. Wostrel DDS, Rocky View Dental Care

Risk Factors of Oral Cancer Used by Dentists

Dentists and physicians have known for years that alcohol and tobacco use were major risk factors in the development of oral cancer. Most thought that this increased oral cancer risk was mostly limited to individuals over 40. This is still true for alcohol and tobacco, but a new risk factor has been identified in younger adults.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) has been implicated in cervical cancer for years, but now is strongly associated with oral cancer in young adults. Individuals carrting HPV are 32 times more likely to develop oral cancer. This is about 10 times higher then the risks of alcohol and tobacco useage. Most young adults are unaware of this risk.

Sexual tansmission is key here. The current published risk factors for HPV includes anyone older then 12 who is sexually active or has had more then three sexual partners.
Terry L. Wostrel DDS Rocky View Dental Care