Northbrook Court Dental Receives Oral Cancer Screening Certification

Northbrook, Illinois – Northbrook Court Dental Associates (http://www.northbrookcourtdental.com) announced that it has been certified to conduct oral cancer screenings using the FDA-approved ViziLite Plus test. The screenings, which will be performed during periodontal maintenance examinations, help detect tissue abnormalities in the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat.

“Oral cancer in the U.S. is increasing,“ says Dr. Michael Vold, D.D.S. and founder of Northbrook Court Dental Associates. “The majority of cases have been diagnosed at late stages, when treatment is more complex and the survival rate over a period of 5 years is only 50 percent. When the cancer is caught early, the survival rate is between 80 and 90 percent.”

Approximately 40,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer each year. Individuals at increased oral cancer risk include patients 40 years of age or older, and individuals between 18 to 39 years of age who smoke, engage in chronic alcohol consumption or are infected with Oral HPV 16/18.

During the ViziLite Plus screening, a pre-rinse solution is applied to make abnormal cells more visible. A handheld light source is then used to spot precancerous and cancerous cells that could be difficult to see during a regular examination. Normal tissue absorbs the light and abnormal tissue reflects it.

The patented ViziLite Plus technology has been clinically proven to help dentists and other healthcare professionals with oral cancer detection, evaluation and monitoring.
“We want to make sure all of our patients receive the best care possible when it comes to their oral health,” says Dr.Vold. “With wellness screenings like the ViziLite Plus test, we can detect oral cancer in its early stages and help saves lives.”

For more information on oral cancer and oral cancer screenings, visit the Northbrook Court Dental Associates web site (http://www.northbrookcourtdental.com), or call the office today at 847-272-2900.

About

Dr. Michael Vold has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin (1963), a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Northwestern University Dental School (1967) and a Juris Doctor degree from DePaul University College of Law (1980). He served as a dentist in the U.S. Air Force and taught as an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois, College of Dentistry. Dr. Vold is a member of the American Dental Association and Illinois State Dental Society, as well as a recipient of numerous professional honors and awards.

Gum Disease Increases the Risk of Heart Problems

by Dr. Michael Vold

 

Keeping your gums healthy not only prevents tooth loss, it can help you avoid future heart problems. Gum disease (periodontitis) increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks, strokes and heart failure.

In a Swedish study involving 8,000 men and women between the ages of 20 and 85, it was found that individuals with periodontal disease had a 53% greater chance of heart attack than people with healthy gums. Researchers also concluded that men and women with bleeding gums were twice as likely to suffer a stroke compared to individuals whose gums were healthy.

Other studies have shown that the potential for cardiovascular disease increase by 19% in individuals with gum disease.

Periodontitis is caused by bacteria in the mouth. The bacteria penetrates the gum tissue surrounding the teeth, causing inflammation and infection. The inflammation creates pockets in the gums, which are filled by the plaque. Signs of periodontitis include red, tender and bleeding gums; swollen gums, bad breath, gum recession and loose teeth. Other factors that can influence the potential for gum disease and its aggressiveness include smoking and diabetes.

Some experts believe that it is the inflammation caused by gum disease that results in heart problems. Inflammation is the body’s response to pathogens. When it continues too long, inflammation can become as destructive as it is helpful.

Gum disease also makes it easier for bacteria to enter the blood stream, especially when the gums have receded. Some of these bacterial strains can produce clots, which can trigger heart attacks and strokes as well.

The potential for gum disease can be minimized by getting rid of plaque buildup in the mouth. Plaque is formed by colonies of bacteria that attach themselves to the tooth’s surface. It is usually visible as a thin, yellow film on the tooth. Regular brushing and flossing can help remove the plaque. However, professional cleaning on a regular basis is also necessary. The cleaning will reach deeper areas of the gum, remove plaque from pockets and also get rid of tartar, plaque that has hardened over time.

It has been found that professional teeth cleaning can lower the risk of heart attack by 24 percent and the potential for stroke by 13 percent. Also, that men and women who have their teeth cleaned annually have fewer heart attack and strokes.

With regular dental checkups and professional teeth cleaning you can prevent future medical complications such as cardiovascular disease. You also have long lasting, healthier teeth.

About Dr. Vold

Dr. Michael Vold has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin (1963), a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Northwestern University Dental School (1967) and a Juris Doctor degree from DePaul University College of Law (1980). He served as a dentist in the U.S. Air Force and taught as an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois, College of Dentistry. Dr. Vold is a member of the American Dental Association and Illinois State Dental Society, as well as a recipient of numerous professional honors and awards.