What Are Your Oral Health Risk Scores?

Shelby Township Dentist — Wed, 12 May 2010 20:48:33 +0000

Gum disease (known as periodontitis) is a silent disease. It is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. You can’t see it. There’s usually no pain. Often times, you don’t even know you have it. If left untreated, gum disease just gets worse and can compromise your oral health and your overall health. It is possible to have periodontal disease and have no warning signs. Research has demonstrated that as many as 3 out of 4 people will experience some form of gum disease in their lifetime. There are many reasons to take gum disease seriously. The latest research studies tell us that gum disease may increase your risk of:

Heart Disease
Stroke
Cancer
Diabetes
Alzheimer’s Disease
Osteoporosis
Respiratory Diseases
Delivering a preterm, low birth-weight baby
Other serious health risks

There are many tests that help doctors predict our risk of developing certain diseases. We routinely get our blood pressure taken to assess our risk of hypertension. A blood pressure of higher than 120/80 is considered high risk and in need of treatment. We get our cholesterol checked to assess our risk of heart disease. A cholesterol score of higher than 200 is considered high risk and in need of treatment. There are even genetic tests for breast and ovarian cancer and colorectal cancer that tell us if we are in an extremely high risk category for developing these cancers. Most of us do not question the validity of these results and accept that the treatment that is recommended by our doctor is necessary to better our overall health and reduce these risks.

At our Family and Cosmetic Dental Office in Shelby Township, Michigan, we are very proud to offer every one of our patients PreViser™, a state-of-the-art, easy to understand and scientifically validated risk assessment tool for gum disease. This specialized computer software is an easy tool that you will receive at every routine hygiene therapy and oral cancer screenings appointment at no extra cost. The PreViser™ analytic reports provide us with a Periodontal Disease Risk Score that tells us, on a scale from 1-5, the probability you have of developing gum disease in your lifetime. It also provides us with a Periodontal Disease Score, on a scale of 1-100, which tells us how healthy you are right now.

Why is this important? The earlier that gum disease is diagnosed the faster it can be halted it in its tracks. Gum disease affects more than just your teeth and gums. Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. That is why regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations, as well as, good oral hygiene at home are essential to help keep gum disease from becoming more serious or recurring. You don’t have to lose teeth to gum disease.

No one wants to lose teeth. No one wants to risk heart disease. No one wants to risk diabetes. No one wants to risk cancer. Knowing your Oral Health Scores is the first step toward healthier teeth and gums. It allows us to chart your course to better oral health. Remember that if caught early enough, gum disease can be reversed or prevented altogether. Now is the time to find out if you are at risk for gum disease. There can be no greater peace of mind than knowing you are protecting your health.

About HPS Advanced Dental Care, PC

Dr. Heather Pranzarone Stratton is a Family and Cosmetic Dentist practicing with a Biological and Biocompatible philosophy in Shelby Township, Michigan. Our practice provides a full range of Family and Cosmetic Dentistry services for your entire family including, professional cleanings and oral cancer screenings, tooth restoration, porcelain veneers, crowns, bridges, root canal therapy, tooth whitening, and dentures. We are a mercury free and mercury safe dental practice and latex free practice. HPS Advanced Dental Care, PC easily serves Macomb and Oakland Counties. We are easily accessible from many metro Detroit cities including: Shelby Township, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Macomb Township, Oakland Township, Washington, Birmingham, Troy, Sterling Heights, Clinton Township, and many more.

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Help Take a Bite Out of Oral Cancer

Shelby Township Dentist — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 18:45:58 +0000

Screening for the early warning signs of oral cancer is one of the most important reasons why you should visit the dentist on a regular basis. More than 34,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. It will cause over 8,000 deaths, killing roughly 1 person per hour, 24 hours per day. This is a number which has not significantly improved in decades. In fact, recent statistics published by the American Cancer Society indicate that while the incidence and death rates for cancers overall have decreased, both the incidence and the death rate for oral cancer have increased. Early detection and diagnosis are essential in successful treatment of the disease. Oral cancer is 90% curable when found in its early stages.

As your dental team, we are the front line of defense in early detection of this disease. It is estimated that only about 50% of the US population visits the dentist every year. Unfortunately, only about 15% of those who visit a dentist regularly, report having had an oral cancer screening. This is unfortunate and unacceptable in my opinion, when you consider that historically, the greatest strides in combating most cancers have come from increased awareness and aggressive campaigns directed at early detection. For cervical, prostate and breast cancer, we’ve gotten used to annual screening exams — Pap smears, PSA tests and mammograms — each of which has greatly reduced death rates and increased early detection of the disease. In a similar fashion, utilizing new technologies available through our dental office, like computerized oral cancer risk assessment software, PreViser, and ViziLite Plus, an FDA-approved early detection test, could help reduce the deaths and disfigurement that can result from oral cancer. At our practice we are concerned with much more than cavities; we’re focused on total wellness, as indicated by conditions in the mouth.

Actually, it is easier to follow through with oral cancer screenings, since unlike many other cancer screening procedures, there is no invasive technique necessary to look for it, no discomfort or pain involved, and it is very inexpensive to have your mouth examined for the early signs of disease.

While most cases of oral cancer are associated with smoking and alcohol, one-quarter of all cases affect people with no risk behaviors. There is growing evidence that HPV (human papillomavirus), a sexually transmitted virus that has long been associated with cervical cancer, is associated in nearly 10% of oral cancer cases in both men and women. Public health experts think this may account for the growing number of oral cancers in younger people. The bottom line for everyone: See your dentist; it may save your life. It is our goal to have 100% of our practice family screened for oral cancer on a yearly basis. It is important to realize that a visit to our office is no longer about a filling, a crown, or “just a cleaning,” but can actually be a matter of life and death. Dental examinations, when properly done and which include a screening for oral cancer will save lives.

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Reshape Your Smile and Change Your Life!

Shelby Township Dentist — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:59:19 +0000

A smile is a very simple thing that means a lot. It can transform the world around you and revive the lonely spirit of a person. Having crooked or misaligned teeth can have a serious impact on your confidence and your life. There are many reasons that inspire people to change and improve their smile. Are you the only one not smiling in your holiday photos? Do you feel self conscious when meeting someone new or giving a presentation at work? You are not alone, with surveys showing that a huge proportion of people in the Western world would change something about their smile if they had the chance. From aging baby boomers to brides and grooms-to-be to job seekers, patients are getting the smile they’ve always wanted. New research has shown more than half of brides-to-be and about 40% of grooms-to-be consider cosmetic dentistry. About 60% of women have considered teeth whitening and 75% of men have considered porcelain veneers.

With the recession underway and thousands of people out of work, the job hunt has become more and more competitive. While a great resume, strong interview skills and a solid work history play a role in the interview process, looks still matter. A recent telephone survey indicates that 73% of working women believe that their good looks help them climb up the corporate ladder quickly; 80% of working women agree that cosmetic procedures can increase self-confidence and self-esteem, making it much easier to perform better at the job (especially in ‘visible’ positions such as sales, marketing or PR), and to get another job quickly.

At our practice in Family & Cosmetic Dental Practice in Shelby Township, Michigan, we have had more requests recently for services like teeth whitening and even porcelain veneers. People want to feel confident in life, when they walk in the room for an interview, when they walk down the aisle, or when the meet someone new; they want to put on their best smile. If their teeth are stained or crooked, they may not feel comfortable doing that. A lot of their true personality can be hidden behind a tarnished smile.

At HPS Advanced Dental Care, we see many patients who are looking to improve their smile. A simple procedure like whitening the teeth can take years off of someone’s appearance. In today’s career marketplace, every little edge helps.

Our Practice offers many different options for people who want to brighten their smile or straighten crooked teeth. Clear braces like Invisalign are a popular alternative for teens and adults looking for a discreet way to straighten teeth. And in as little as 1 hour, patients can get brighter, whiter teeth, with the removal of stains caused by tobacco, coffee, red wine, soda and more.

Having the renewed confidence that a new, perfect smile can bring can transform your life.

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Your Child’s Developing Smile

Shelby Township Dentist — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:16:31 +0000

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. In the spirit of Children’s Dental Health Month we wanted to bring you some information that we feel is important for you to know. We often get many questions from parents about their children’s developing smile regarding what to expect and how best to care for them. Below is more information that can be helpful as you help your child maintain proper oral health as they grow.

The Growing Years: From Birth to Six…

People usually think of a newborn baby as having no teeth, but the 20 primary teeth that will erupt in the next three years are already present at birth in the baby’s jawbones. A baby’s front four teeth usually erupt first, typically at about six months of age- although some children do not get their first tooth until 12 to 14 months. As soon as teeth appear in your child’s mouth, decay can occur. One of the risk factors for early childhood cavities (sometimes referred to as baby bottle tooth decay) is frequent and prolonged exposure of a baby’s teeth to liquids containing sugar; including milk, breast milk, formula and fruit juice. It is very important to remember that you should schedule your child’s first visit to the dentist at around 1 year old or when they start getting their first teeth.

As our children grow, a good diet is essential for growth and development. Like the rest of the body, the teeth, bones and soft tissues of the mouth need a well-balanced diet. Our children’s pre-school years are an important time to help establish good eating habits. Children should eat a variety of foods from the five major food groups; fruits, vegetables, breads and other grain products, milk, meats and alternates, such as dry beans and peas, eggs and nuts.

The Growing Years: From Six to 12…

At about age six, although sometimes it may start earlier, children begin to lose their front teeth on top and bottom. During the next six years or so, permanent teeth gradually will replace the primary teeth. The first molars usually erupt between ages five and six. It is at this time that Dental Sealants are recommended to keep these teeth protected for the long life they have ahead; because these will be the oldest teeth in our children’s mouth when they reach adulthood. These teeth will have been exposed to a lot more decay causing elements than all the other teeth. A sealant is a plastic material that is applied to the chewing surface of healthy, cavity-free premolars and molars, where decay occurs most often. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting the decay- prone areas of the back teeth from plaque and acid attacks.

The Growing Year: From 12 to adulthood…

From age 12 continuing on to adulthood are crucial ages to maintain optimal oral health. Regular dental visits are vital to keeping a healthy smile, for at these visits the dentist examines our children’s mouth for tooth decay and growth or proper development conditions that could possibly pose a problem in the future. At these ages, the last of the permanent teeth are erupting and constantly shifting; which can lead to malocclusion or an “improper bite.” This is a condition which the teeth are crowded, crooked, or out of proper alignment. If this is the situation, an orthodontic evaluation is recommended; early examination and treatment may help prevent and reduce the severity of malocclusion. Orthodontics not only helps move teeth to their proper places, but also because your child’s teeth will be in the correct position, they will be easier to keep clean and cavity free. Let’s all work together to ensure that nothing, including tooth decay, malocclusion, and gum disease is standing in our children’s way of achieving and maintaining optimal oral health.

Remember Mom and Dad, good oral health habits begin at home with you. As you well know, your children are constantly watching and learning from you. Studies have shown that children whose parents have poor oral health habits and do not visit the dentist regularly will grow up with the same belief and neglect their oral health. Poor oral health has been linked to serious health conditions including heart disease and diabetes. Let’s all work together to be role models and teachers for our children and encourage good oral health so that wonderful smile that warms your heart will last for their lifetime!

Tips to maintain Tip Top Teeth throughout you Child’s life:

Infants and Toddlers: After every feeding, wipe your baby’s gums either with a clean, wet gauze pad or a washcloth. This removes plaque and residual food that can harm erupting teeth.
Toddlers: Brush and floss your child’s teeth until the child has developed the necessary skills to do so themselves.
Bring your child with to your next dental reservation so they may become acquainted and comfortable with the office, the dentist and the staff. Also schedule your child’s first reservation with the dentist early (around 1 year old)…Good habits can never start too early!

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Can What’s In Your Mouth Really Make You Sick?

Shelby Township Dentist — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 20:56:54 +0000

For years we have heard of the ever-growing connections between dentistry and medicine, with articles written in medical and dental journals as well as in scientific authorities such as Reader’s Digest or Ladies Home Journal. For decades dentists have looked at the increasing body of evidence that what we are doing in the mouth can affect the rest of the body.

The mountain of evidence that supports the oral health-overall health connection has seen incredible growth and advancement over the past few years. There is no longer a question as to “if” the soft tissues in the mouth are connected to the rest of the body. For example, we can easily find evidence of gum disease-causing bacteria creating challenges in tissues throughout the body. However, the mouth-body connection is not limited to just infections in the soft tissues of the mouth. The impact of the mouth also extends to such monumental things as blood flow to the brain.

Each year we learn more and more about how poor oral health is linked to problems elsewhere in the body. It has been linked to serious conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s Disease, respiratory diseases, and even increased risks of some cancers. Today, more than ever, it is vital to make regular trips to the dentist a part of your plan to achieve optimal health and wellness.

At our practice we don’t just look in your mouth, we look past your mouth to see the whole picture of you individually. Your mouth is the window to your overall health and wellness. The state of your oral health can offer clues about your overall well-being. Oral Health and total health and wellness are more connected than you might realize.

As we have learned more about the relationship between oral health and overall health, we have also learned much about how the materials and techniques that we use everyday can affect your overall heath as well, both positively and negatively. Mercury fillings are a prime example. Most people don’t realize that their ‘silver’ amalgam fillings are up to 50% mercury. Due to its poisonous nature, mercury can negatively affect your brain, immune, cardiac, respiratory, and digestive systems.

At our practice, we are committed to practicing dentistry with a Biological and Biocompatible philosophy. In using the terms ‘biological and biocompatible’ we are not attempting to carve out a new specialty in dentistry, but rather to describe an attitude and philosophy that can apply to all facets of dental practice, and to health care in general: to always seek the least toxic way to accomplish the mission of treatment, to do it while treading as softly as possible on the patient’s biological terrain, and to most importantly, treat our patients as individuals.

To us, the best way to describe Biological Dentistry is Individualized Dentistry. It is dentistry that is completely focused on You. Not just who you are in terms of your teeth and oral health, but also who you are as a whole person physiologically, emotionally, and dentally. Since every person does not react the same way to the same procedures, medications, or materials, why should we treat every person the same way? We do not just treat teeth and oral disease at our Practice. We treat People. And in our experience, every person is unique and different in their own ways.

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Having Trouble Thinking? You Might Want to See the Dentist

Shelby Township Dentist — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:21:17 +0000

Throughout the years research has shown links between poor oral health and heart disease, stroke and diabetes, as well as Alzheimer’s disease. Now researchers from Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York have found gum disease could also influence brain function through several mechanisms, such as causing inflammation throughout the body, a risk factor for loss of mental function.

The study, reported in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, included more than 2,350 men and women who were tested for periodontitis (gum disease) and completed a number of different thinking skills tests as part of a national survey.

What they found was among adults 60 years of age and older, those people with the highest amount of a gum disease causing bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis, were three times more likely to have trouble recalling a three-word sequence after a period of time. Also, people who had the highest levels of this bacteria present were nearly three times more likely to struggle with verbal memory tests, and twice as likely to fail on both delayed verbal recall and subtraction tests.

This study is another of many that have shown the importance of maintaining your optimal oral health. Your mouth and oral health are connected to more than just chewing and eating. Taking care of the health of your teeth and gums through regular visits for hygiene therapy will not only improve your oral health, but it will affect your overall health and wellness as well. Call us today to reserve your time to shape up your teeth and gums.

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Have You Been Screened for Oral Cancer Lately?

Shelby Township Dentist — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:12:03 +0000

Did you know that every time you visit our office for your routine hygiene therapy appointment you are screened for oral cancer? Screening for the early warning signs of oral cancer is one of the most important reasons why you should visit our office on a regular basis. More than 34,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. It will cause over 8,000 deaths, killing roughly 1 person per hour, 24 hours per day. This is a number which has not significantly improved in decades. In fact, recent statistics published by the American Cancer Society indicate that while the incidence and death rates for cancers overall have decreased, both the incidence and the death rate for oral cancer have increased. Early detection and diagnosis are essential in successful treatment of the disease. Oral cancer is 90% curable when found in its early stages.

As your dental team, we are the front line of defense in early detection of this disease. It is estimated that only about 50-60% of the US population visits the dentist every year. Unfortunately, only about 15% of those who visit a dentist regularly, report having had an oral cancer screening. This is unfortunate and unacceptable in my opinion, when you consider that historically, the greatest strides in combating most cancers have come from increased awareness and aggressive campaigns directed at early detection. It is now commonplace to annually get a PAP smear for cervical cancer, a mammogram to check for breast cancer, or PSA and digital rectal exams for prostate cancer. Oral cancer is no different. Actually, it is easier to follow through with oral cancer screenings, since unlike many other cancer screening procedures, there is no invasive technique necessary to look for it, no discomfort or pain involved, and it is very inexpensive to have your mouth examined for the early signs of disease.

It is our goal to have 100% of our practice family screened for oral cancer on a yearly basis. It is important to realize that a visit to our office is no longer about a filling, a crown, or “just a cleaning,” but is actually a matter of life and death. Dental examinations, when properly done and which include a screening for oral cancer will save lives. How do we do it? At our practice we utilize a 3 pronged approach:

A comprehensive visual examination of the oral cavity, head, and neck by Dr. Heather and Suzy
At least a yearly screening with the Vizilite Plus Oral Lesion Identification and Marking System
Comprehensive Oral Cancer Risk Assessment with the Previser™ Risk Assessment Software

Please help us reach our goal of screening 100% our practice family for oral cancer every year by starting with you and your family. Call our office today to schedule your regular routine hygiene therapy appointment and oral cancer screening today.

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Do You Know Your Risk Score for Periodontal (Gum) Disease?

Shelby Township Dentist — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:46:15 +0000

We are very excited to announce that we now have a risk assessment tool for gum disease! PreViser™ is an easy tool that you will receive at every routine hygiene therapy and oral cancer screenings appointment at no cost to you! PreViser™ analytic reports provide you and I with an easy to understand and scientifically validated risk and disease score for gum disease. The PreViser™ Risk Score tells us, on a scale from 1-5, the probability you have of developing gum disease in your lifetime. The PreViser™ Disease Score, on a scale of 1-100, tells us how health you are right now.

Why is this important? The earlier that gum disease is diagnosed the faster we can halt it in its tracks. Gum disease affects more than just your teeth and gums. Recent research has linked gum disease to other health problems including heart and respiratory diseases; diabetes; preterm, low birth weight babies; stroke; osteoporosis; and even some cancers.

At our practice in Shelby Township, Michigan, we strive to provide you with the best care available. The addition of PreViser™ to our practice gives us another tool to ensure that we reach our goal of providing you with Optimal Oral Health Care on Every Visit.

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