According to the Surgeon General Report, Oral Health in America, and the overwhelming opinion of healthcare professionals, you are not healthy without good oral health. Award-winning cosmetic dentist D. Gordon Rye, D.D.S., of Rye Smiles for Life in Virginia, absolutely agrees. For this reason, before he proceeds with any restorative dentistry, he makes sure that his patients have a healthy mouth.
In his own office, Dr. Rye strives to remain up-to-date with the most beneficial techniques, and also seeks to have to the most innovative technology available to patients in his office. Prior to 2001, Dr. Rye says, dentistry did not have the early detection methods for oral health screenings. But now that detection techniques are more readily available, he recommends that you ask your own dentist about the methods they use in their office. To give you an idea of some of the ways that you can protect yourself, Dr. Rye outlines a few of the newest advances.
- An important technological development in the oral health field, explains Dr. Rye, is the VELscope and Vizilite. Both use fluorescent illumination to detect precancerous lesions. Oral cancer is more common than leukemia, skin melanoma, cancers of the brain, liver, stomach and ovaries, warns Dr. Rye. And oral cancer has the worst five-year survival rate among common cancers. The detection technology is safe, inexpensive and can locate lesions that are present much sooner than a dentist using only visual exams.
- In-office microbiological testing can detect decay bacteria and identify periodontal disease pathogens. If left untreated, this can result in receding gums and eventually tooth and bone loss.
- DNA testing is available for the identification of periodontal disease risks.
- DNA testing can also identify the human papillomavirus, a virus that infects the skin and mucous membranes.
- Saliva testing can be done to check pH levels and flow which can protect you from tooth decay caused by acid.
The best way to increase your odds of overcoming any oral health issue, especially cancer, advises Dr. Rye, is through early detection. This is why he suggests that you find out what diagnostic testing methods your dentist has in place for early detection.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
