Checkups

“Let’s focus on keeping what you have for as long as you can.” Dr. McLellan

Oral Hygiene: Let’s Do It!

Oral hygiene is the foundation of a healthy smile. Without a good oral hygiene routine, plaque and tartar build-up, tooth decay runs rampant, and gingivitis turns into gum disease. Brush and floss regularly and keep up with hygiene cleanings and exams to protect your well-being.

Gum Disease: What You Need to Know

Did you know that over half of American adults suffer from gum disease? Gum disease (periodontal disease) is an infection that can cause tooth loss and contribute to heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and more than 50 other serious diseases.

While it may sound extreme, gum disease can become very serious. For example, bacteria in your mouth can travel into your bloodstream, impacting vital organs such as your heart and brain. The good news is gum disease is treatable and preventable with good oral hygiene care.

Oral Cancer: Heads Up

Oral cancer is on the rise and is one of the deadliest forms of cancer because it’s typically not diagnosed until late stages. Plus, new research finds that HPV (human papillomavirus) is a leading risk factor for oral cancer, beating out tobacco and alcohol consumption combined. Many adults contract HPV at some point, so it’s worth considering your risk for oral cancer even if you don’t drink alcohol or smoke or chew tobacco.

Dr. McLellan is in a unique position (inside your mouth!) to detect and diagnose oral cancer early. We do a thorough intra-oral cancer screening on all new patients and at every cleaning appointment. We’re always on the lookout for signs of oral cancer.

You should look out for the signs of oral cancer too. Risk factors include:

• Smoking: Smokers are six times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-smokers.
• Chewing tobacco: Adults who dip, snuff, or chew are 50 times more likely to develop oral cancer.
• Alcohol: Oral cancer is six times more common in drinkers than non-drinkers.
• Family history: The risk of oral cancer is above average for those with a family history of cancer.
• Excessive sun exposure: High exposure to the sun without sunscreen is linked to cancer in the lip area.
• HPV: HPV is a significant risk factor for oral cancer.

Mouthguards: Customized Personal Protection

Your smile is your greatest asset! Once you have all your adult teeth, they’re the only set you’ve got and can be easily damaged with a blow to the face or nightly teeth grinding. A custom mouthguard can protect your teeth for a lifetime of happy smiles.

If you or your child is involved in any type of contact sports, we can provide a custom sports guard to help reduce the risk of injury. A custom mouthguard fits better and is more comfortable than a stock guard from the drugstore, making it more effective and more likely to be worn regularly and properly.

If you clench and grind your teeth at night or suffer from bruxism or TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder), a night guard can provide pain relief. They have helped many patients minimize the damaging effects of excessive force on the teeth night after night with their sleek comfortable design.