News & Articles
Dr. Alicia Ramos in the News
Dr. Ramos' Published Articles
A “Routine” Dental Exam Could Save Your Life
One of the less known benefits of a truly comprehensive dental exam is early detection of oral cancer. 30,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year and 8,000 will die. The primary cause of death by oral cancer is discovery in the late stages. As with many other diseases, when oral cancer is caught early, it is curable. Most people believe that if they do not smoke they do not have to worry about oral cancer. The highest risk factors are smoking (cigarettes, cigars or pipes) and use of smokeless tobacco and frequent use of alcohol. However, the fact is that 27% of oral and head/neck cancers are detected in patients who do not smoke or drink. There are other risk factors as well. Males over 40 years of age are twice as likely to have oral cancer than females. Illnesses such as diabetes and immune compromise as well as infection with the HPV (human papilloma) virus are also risk factors. Low dietary intake of fruits and vegetables and excessive sun exposure has been shown to increase the risk of oral cancer as well.
- * A sore or lesion that does not heal in 2 weeks
- * Lump or thickening in the cheek
- * A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsil or lining of the mouth
- * Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- * Sore throat or feeling like something is caught in the throat
- * Numbness or swelling
- * An irritation from a partial or dental appliance that will not heal
A truly comprehensive and health oriented dentist will perform a dental exam that not only observes dental problems, but keeps a vigilant eye out for the systemic health of the patient, including an oral cancer exam.
A thorough oral cancer exam will be both visual and tactile and ideally upgraded with visual enhancement device such as Vizalite Plus. Visual enhancement devices improve the dentist’s ability to visually detect abnormal tissue changes in the early stages. All the structures of the mouth (palate, tongue, cheeks, glands) as well as outer structures such as lip, muscles, lymph nodes and skin are examined. A conscientious dentist or hygienist will also ask about diet and smoking and alcohol use and inquire about medical and family history.
Frequent dental exams are not only about keeping your teeth and smile healthy, but also are about overall health and possibly saving your life or of someone you care about. If you or someone you know has any of the signs or symptoms weather you have a risk factor or not, you should have a comprehensive dental and oral cancer exam. Early detection saves lives. To schedule an exam call Dr. Alicia Ramos at 919-493-5714.
-S. Alicia Ramos DDS
Soft Drinks, Soft Bones and Dental Health
Osteoporosis is a great public health concern that affects approximately 55% of people over 50 years of age. Many older American women are aware of the problems and risks of developing osteoporosis. What may be surprise to many older Americans is the connection between soft drink consumption and osteoporosis. What may also surprise many is that a visit to your dentist could help detect early signs of skeletal bone loss when preventive measures are most successful.
Researchers at the University of Buffalo found a strong, direct relationship between skeletal bone loss and tooth loss and found that dental x-rays serve as a good screening tool for osteoporosis. Several studies have linked the osteoporotic changes in the spine and long bones and bone loss in the jaws and tooth loss. Osteoporosis and many other systemic diseases show early signs in the mouth and teeth. A complete dental exam should be considered an essential part of health maintenance and prevention.
Many women aware of how to prevent osteoporosis are diligently taking calcium supplements and even medications prescribed by their physician, but what they drink regularly can have an enormous impact on bone density as well. Soft drinks are particularly harmful not only to teeth but to your bones. Along with the average 10 teaspoons of pure sugar per can, that many soft drinks have, they also contain phosphoric acid. Studies have shown that phosphoric acid affects calcium metabolism and bone mass. To have healthy bones, the body needs a balanced ratio of calcium/phosphoric acid, along with other minerals and proteins. The large quantities of phosphoric acid in many soft drinks cause calcium to be drawn out from bones in order to keep the blood ratio in balance. Excess soft drink acids in the stomach also bind to calcium consumed and keeps it from being absorbed. These effects are seen with diet, caffeine-free and regular soft drinks. The latest statistics show that the average American consumed more than 53 gallons of soft drinks a year. Making informed choices about drinks can have a significant effect on bone and dental health.
A comprehensive dental exam is not what it use to be years ago. Many dentists today are not only keeping teeth healthy, but are detecting early signs of many diseases and addressing total health issues. Now you have one more reason to see your dental health as part of your overall health. Visit your dentist regularly for complete examinations and if you do not have a regular dentist, Dr. Alicia Ramos is accepting new patients at 919-493-5714.
-S. Alicia Ramos DDS
Teeth Whitening, So Many Choices
It’s never been easier to get the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted thanks to all the options of whitening your teeth. What’s not easy is figuring out which option will work best for you and your teeth.
Your dentist can help to evaluate your teeth and determine which option of lightening will provide the optimal result for you. If you have not had routine care in a while, total patient care begins with a comprehensive examination, which may include x-rays, to evaluate all the teeth and rule out or diagnose any dental diseases that need addressing prior to whitening. All the following options work to different degrees. The following are whitening treatment options and the indications for usage:
In-Office Bleaching — this process is done in the dental office in about an hour. It provides the fastest and safest results. The in-office product may range from 15-35% hydrogen peroxide and may be light activated. A gum protector is applied to help diminish gum irritation from the powerful solution. Tooth sensitivity may occur, but is short lived. The whitening is be supplemented with personalized trays to be utilized at home for routine maintenance. This option is perfect for someone who wants it done fast, or has difficulty wearing trays. This option gives the most favorable results. The fee range is $500-$600. Dark developmental stains (like Fluorosis or Tetracycline stains), may require additional procedures.
Dentist-Prescribed Take-home Bleaching — this process is done over a period of weeks. The process is quite simple, but consistency and patience is important for a successful result. The active ingredient is 10-15% carbamide peroxide. The dentist or hygienist takes impressions of your teeth and fabricate personalized trays. Custom made trays are essential for success. Syringes of professional grade solution can be purchased at the dental office and applied in the trays as needed. This option gives great results for most people, but takes time. The fee range is $350.
Over the Counter Products — People with stains on their teeth from smoking, tea and coffee, red wine or age think the lightening products available over the counter will banish that stain, but it may not be that easy. Sometimes these extrinsic (outside) stains may be removed by using the whitening toothpastes or with a professional cleaning. Many stains penetrate deeper into the tooth surface and require the more powerful lightening products. Unsupervised use of these OTC products could cause harm to your gums or teeth and diminish the outcome you have dreamed about. Swallowing too much solution could make you ill or burn your throat. One size fits all trays, or “boil and bite” trays, could injure the gums or leave gaps that keep the solution from touching the tooth surface or allow it to ooze out of the tray. With care and many weeks of application, the strips or paint on whitening solutions may help to lighten your teeth. The active ingredient is much weaker 4-7% carbamide peroxide. If you do not get the result you had hoped after a few months, maybe it’s time to seek professional help. Some whitening toothpastes and gums will only help in reducing the outside stains from coffee, tea or tobacco and will not change the color of the teeth themselves. These products are often unregulated and their use unsupervised. This option gives fair results, in some people. The fee range is $7-49.
If you want your smile to be the whitest it can be, please be sure to speak with your dentist about which option would work best for you safely, quickly, and efficiently. Get stared on the smile you’ve always dreamed about. If your dentist doest not offer in-office or take home whitening, please call Dr. S. Alicia Ramos at 493-5714 to arrange a brief consultation to see if you are a good candidate for whitening your teeth.
-S. Alicia Ramos DDS
Emergency Dental Care: Guidelines for Coaches, Teachers and Parents
Nothing can ruin a good game more than an injury; especially if it is your child or children you are caring for or coaching. Dentists often get frantic calls for advice, from parents, teachers and coaches after an injury has occurred. This brief overview and guidelines for what to do if an injury occurs may help if such an incident happens to your child or team member:
The general categories of dental injuries are:
- A baby or adult tooth is chipped
- A baby or adult tooth is knocked loose
- A baby tooth is knocked out
- An adult tooth is knocked out
- Severe injuries involving head trauma and or significant lip/face trauma
WHAT TO DO
1. Chipped teeth:
The child needs to see his or her dentist within the next few days to restore the tooth, especially if the tooth is sensitive to temperature changes.
2. Loosened teeth:
The child should see a dentist within a few hours. The ligament of the tooth has been damaged and my need splinting.
Long term follow up in necessary. Loosened baby teeth can cause damage to growing adult teeth underneath. Loosened teeth can “die”, turn dark and require further treatment.
3. Baby tooth that is knocked out:
The child should be seen by a dentist as immediately possible. Baby teeth are not re-implanted but the injured site needs to be evaluated and provisions for space maintenance need to be made.
4. Adult tooth knocked out:
Finding the tooth for re-implantation is critical. The child should be taken to a dentist within 30 minutes ideally. Proper handling of the knocked out tooth is crucial. DO NOT attempt to clean or rinse the tooth with any soap or cleaner. Avoid picking up the tooth from the root; touch only the part of the tooth that is usually visible in the mouth. Place the tooth in Toothsaver solution (see instruction sheet), place ice pack (if tolerated) over injured lip area and have the child taken to the dentist.
If Toothsaver solution-emergency kit is not available:
Gently rinse the tooth with in cool water and attempt to place it back into the socket. If unable to place back into the socket, put the tooth into a clean container with milk, saliva or water. If no container is available, and the child can cooperate, place the tooth into the victim’s mouth, to hold in the cheek. The saliva will keep the delicate root ligament tissues alive until it can be re-implanted.
5. Severe injuries involving head trauma and/or facial and lip lacerations should be taken to the emergency room immediately.
A WORD ABOUT PREVENTION
It is best to prevent a dental injury. Contact sports carry a significant risk for dental injuries. Consider recommending sport- mouth guards to children. Mouth guards cushion a blow to the face, minimizing the risk of dental and soft tissue injuries. The best type of mouth guard is the custom fitted type which can be obtained from dentists that are trained. The cost of Custom fitted guards is more that a generic store bought type, but the advantages are well worth it. The total rehabilitation costs for a single tooth lost from an injury is more than 20 times the cost for a preventative custom made guard. Custom guards are comfortable, fit well and can be made in team colors that kids are excited to wear.
NOTE
If you are a basketball, soccer or hockey coach, (or parent) and are interested in getting an emergency tooth kit, please call. The Toothsaver emergency kit is inexpensive and can save thousands of dollars. Call Dr. Alicia Ramos at her office, for information on the kit or custom athletic guard at 490-5714
-S. Alicia Ramos DDS and dental team
