Oral Cancer

By Dr. Michael Vold

Regular dental exams are an important part of oral health care. Visiting your dentist at least twice a year can prevent many future problems, including gum disease and tooth loss. During your visit, both your teeth and gums will be examined. Your dentist will also check the tissues in your mouth for signs of oral cancer. More than 42,000 Americans are diagnosed each year with oral or pharyngeal (throat) cancer.

Most oral cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. Squamous cells form the main part of the outer layer of the skin. They can also be found in the lips, mouth and other types of body tissue.

Bodies have built-in processes that normally destroy any cancer cells that are created. When there is a breakdown in certain types of internal communications, it can result in DNA mutations. These changes can not only impact the cell’s ability to control its behavior, but also impede the body’s ability to get rid of the cancer.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the result of uncontrolled cell growth. It can be caused by many factors, including viruses, radiation, UV exposure and toxins, in addition to excessive tobacco and alcohol use, and a diet that consists of very little fruits or vegetables. The disease can also occur due to metastasis from another cancer site in the body.

Human papillomavirus (HPV), version 16 has been determined to increase the risk of oral cancer. There are hundreds of papillomaviruses that produce skin warts. The virus is transmitted through sexual intercourse, and is considered the most frequently sexually transmitted disease. It can take many years from the time of infection for the virus to be clinically detected.

Signs of oral cancer include lesions, ulcers or lumps that do not heal within a few weeks. The cancer is usually small and pale colored. It can appear as white or red patches in the tissue of the mouth, behind wisdom teeth or the ear, as well as on the lip, tongue and inside the mouth.

Oral cancer symptoms typically involve tongue problems and difficulty swallowing, speaking or chewing, along with a persistent earache, facial numbness or hoarseness. In early stages of the disease, there is usually little to no pain. However, as the cancer progresses, it can cause sensations in the mouth and on the tongue, such as prickling, tickling, tingling and burning, as well as increased discomfort in the mouth.

Most lesions can be seen or felt by your dentist. A tissue biopsy is used to confirm the presence of cancer.

If the tumor is small, it will usually be surgically removed. Treatment can also include radiation and chemotherapy. There are several other types of oral cancer surgeries that can be performed depending on the extent of the cancer.

If you have lesions, lumps or skin discoloration on your tongue or in your mouth, schedule a dental exam with a Northbrook dentist who is skilled in oral dental surgery. Early detection of this life threatening disease can increase your chances of successful treatment.

Northbrook Court Dental Offers Periodontal Therapy to Reverse Damage from Gum Disease

Northbrook, Illinois – Northbrook Court Dental Associates (http://www.northbrookcourtdental.com) has announced that it is offering periodontal therapy to help reverse damage from gum disease.

“Nearly 75% of all adult tooth loss is the result of periodontal disease,” says Dr. Michael Vold, D.D.S. “With early detection and treatment, gum disease damage can be repaired and tooth loss avoided.”

According to a 2012 study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately one out of every two adults over the age of 30 suffer from some form of gum disease (periodontitis).

Periodontal disease is caused by plaque and tarter buildup in the mouth. Plaque is a yellow film of bacteria that adheres to the teeth. The bacteria comes from food and other organic matter. Plaque can usually be removed with regular brushing and flossing. However, if it remains in the mouth for long periods of time, it hardens into tartar. Once plaque has turned into tarter, it can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist.

Gingivitis is the start of periodontal disease. Symptoms include red, swollen and bleeding gums. As the disease progresses, the tissue surrounding the teeth begins to pull away, resulting in loose teeth and eventual tooth loss. Between 80 to 90% of all U.S. teens currently have some form of gingivitis.

Periodontal therapy includes scaling and root planing. Scaling is the process of removing plaque and tarter above and below the gum line. Root planing eliminates any remaining bacteria on the tooth’s root. If there has been significant bone and tissue loss, dental surgery may be also be necessary.

“Our office specializes in techniques to prevent gum disease,” says Vold. “We also have individualized treatment programs for patients who have been diagnosed with the disease.”

For more information on periodontal disease and Northbrook Court Dental Associates' treatment services, visit the Northbrook dentistry office's website at 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.

Avoiding Tooth Loss from Gum Disease

By Dr. Michael Vold

With proper dental hygiene, you can maintain a beautiful smile and healthy teeth throughout your life. When you don’t take care of your teeth, decay can set in and cause tooth loss.

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a leading cause of tooth loss.

According to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost half of U.S. adults over the age of 30 – nearly 65 million people – have some form of periodontitis.

Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria in the mouth. The bacteria comes from the food we eat. It combines with mucus and other organic matter in the mouth to create plaque, a biofilm that coats the teeth. Only regular brushing and flossing can remove dental plaque and prevent plaque build-up.

Any plaque that is not removed from your teeth will begin accumulating the minerals found in saliva. Over time, this combination of plaque and minerals will harden into tarter (also called calculus). Tartar has a yellow-brown color. Because of its hardness, tarter can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist.

Plaque and tarter cause both tooth decay and gum irritation. The gums become irritated and inflamed from the bacteria. This is also known as gingivitis, and is considered the beginning stages of periodontal disease. Regular brushing, flossing and professional cleaning can usually stop gingivitis from progressing or eliminate the problem altogether.

If gingivitis isn’t treated, the gum tissue will begin to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets (spaces) that become infected. As the bacteria in the area spreads, the body’s immune system kicks in to fight the infection. Both the bacteria and the immune system’s response causes bone and tissue deterioration, which leads to loose teeth and eventual tooth loss.

Symptoms of periodontal disease include red, swollen or bleeding gums, difficulty or pain when chewing, bad breath and receding gums. People who smoke, have diabetes or an autoimmune disease are at greater risk of gum disease. Periodontitis can also be caused by taking certain medications.

Gum diseases treatment is focused on eliminating the infection. This usually requires deep cleaning to remove any plaque and tartar. Scaling is a form of deep cleaning the gets rid of tarter above and below the gum line. Root planing is another technique that is used to scrape off bacteria from a tooth’s root. An antibiotic may also be used to help with the healing process.

After the teeth and gums have been thoroughly cleaned, keeping the area bacteria-free with brushing and flossing is critical.

In severe cases, dental surgery may be needed for even deeper cleaning and to reduce the size of the pockets that have formed. Reducing pockets will make it easier to keep bacteria out of the area.

Bone and tissue grafts may also be necessary if there has been significant bone and tissue loss.

The best way to prevent gum disease is with good oral hygiene. This includes at-home care as well as regular dental visits. If you have red, swollen or bleeding gums, contact a Northbrook dentist and request a dental exam. Treating gum disease at any stage can help prevent the loss of your teeth.

Improving Your Appearance with Tooth Whitening

by Dr. Michael Vold

Have you ever wondered what happened to the beautiful white teeth you had as a child? As we grow older, our tooth enamel starts to weaken and become more porous. Over time, the enamel becomes stained. This is especially true for smokers and people who drink coffee, tea and red wine. Highly colored foods can also cause staining, as well as soft drinks, sweets and excessive fluoride. Teeth can also become discolored from certain medications, such as tetracycline. Your teeth also darken with age – part of Mother Natures cruel design.

There are several ways you can avoid stains, such as drinking beverages with a straw. The straw will keep the liquid away from your teeth. Quickly swallowing foods or beverages that cause stains will minimize the problem as well. Brushing and flossing after eating is also an important factor in maintaining the original color of your teeth.

One way to restore your teeth’s natural whiteness is with dental Chicago tooth whitening. There are many over-the counter tooth whitening products such as gels and whitening strips that can be used at home. Most of these products will need to be applied on a regular basis to keep teeth looking white. The results from at-home kits can vary depending on the product. People who use at-home tooth whitening products are often at higher risk of gum irritation and burns from bleaching. Another common problem for kit users is overbleaching, which can increase the sensitivity of teeth and decrease tooth enamel.

Because dental office Chicago teeth whitening is conducted by a trained professional, the risk of gum and tooth damage is minimized, making it the best teeth whitening route to take. Many people prefer dentist whitening of the teeth because the entire procedure can be completed quickly, uniformly and generally will achieve better results.

Types of bleach include hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which changes to hydrogen peroxide when applied. The in-office process uses products with stronger concentrations from the over-the-counter strips and gels. This insures optimal results within the shortest period of time.

Not all stains or discoloration can be eliminated with whitening for teeth. If you have yellow teeth, you are probably a good candidate for the procedure. Some of the discolorations caused by sensitivity to minerals in the water or medications may require special techniques that can only be delivered by the dental office.

Tooth whitening will not change the color of fillings from earlier dental procedures. If you have fillings on your front teeth, you may want to consider re-doing those restorations following tooth whitening.

There are many benefits to teeth whitening Chicago, including a more attractive smile, looking younger and creating a good first impression when meeting other people. The procedure can also increase a person’s self-esteem and result in better oral hygiene.

If you are considering whitening your teeth, a dentist Northbrook can give you expert advice on the procedure and discuss any concerns you have regarding the process. A dental office that offers teeth whitening can also advise you on which tooth whitening method is best for your teeth.

Northbrook Court Dental Offers Teeth Whitening

Northbrook, Illinois – Northbrook Court Dental Associates (http://www.northbrookcourtdental.com), a Northbrook dental clinic, has announced that it now offers teeth whitening for patients who want a more attractive smile. The simple and inexpensive procedure eliminates tooth stains and restores teeth to their natural whiteness and even lighter.

“Tooth whitening can give a person a more beautiful smile and increase their self-confidence,” says Northbrook dentist Dr. Michael Vold, D.D.S. “It’s extremely safe and the results can dramatically change someone’s life.”

Teeth often change in color as we age. Tooth discoloration can be caused by many factors, including smoking, chewing tobacco, drinking coffee and tea, consuming soft drinks and sweets, and eating berries and other highly colored foods, including sauces. Excessive fluoride and medications such as tetracycline can also result in discolored teeth.

Professional whitening has become an increasingly popular remedy for tooth stains. Tooth whitening has now become a common cosmetic dental procedure.

Dental office tooth whitening minimizes the potential for gum and tooth damage often caused by at-home whitening products such as gels and strips. It also eliminates the possibility of over-bleaching, which can weaken teeth and damage tooth enamel. It also insures that the whitening is uniformly distributed over the tooth surface and whitening results are maximized. In addition to improving a person’s appearance, teeth whitening increases self-esteem. It has also been found that whitening teeth leads to better oral hygiene.

“Our tooth whitening service is extremely effective. For the majority of our patients, it is the preferred method of whitening their teeth,” says Vold, who adds that “teeth whitening can make a big difference in a person’s attitude and lifestyle.”

For more information on Northbrook Court Dental Associates' teeth whitening services, visit the Northbrook dentistry office's website at 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, The Chicago Dental Society and Illinois State Dental Society, as well as a recipient of numerous professional honors and awards.

Northbrook Court Dental Offers Occlusion Therapy for Jaw Pain and Headaches

Northbrook, Illinois –Northbrook Court Dental Associates (http://www.northbrookcourtdental.com), a Northbrook dental clinic, now offers occlusion therapy for individuals suffering from jaw pain and headaches.

“Many people go to medical doctors when they have chronic headaches or jaw pain, not realizing that these health issues can be dental related.” says Dr. Michael Vold, D.D.S. “

Occlusion is a word used to describe how teeth come in contact with each other teeth or fit together when a person is sleeping, talking or eating. A malocclusion is when the muscles in the jaw joint are out of alignment and causes a bad bite. Other causes of malocclusion include crooked teeth and periodontal disease.

Malocclusion can result in different types of physical problems, including difficulties chewing and jaw, neck, back and shoulder pain. The discomfort can become worse if the person clenches their teeth when they are asleep. Repeated clenching can lead to headaches, deterioration of teeth and even teeth being worn down to the jaw bone.

Occlusion Therapy can reduce and even eliminate teeth clenching to help relax the jaw and prevent pain. The therapy often involves the use of splints to prevent any clenching that occurs while the person is sleeping.

Before the therapy is started, the person’s bite is thoroughly reviewed and analyzed. Either through polishing of the surface enamel in specific areas, or through the use of dental restoration, the balance and direction of the bite is adjusted. The procedure helps eliminate clenching stress and pain.

“Our dental clinic uses the latest and most advanced techniques to help eliminate the pain and discomfort caused by malocclusion,” says Dr. Vold.

For more information on Northbrook Court Dental Associates' treatment of malocclusion and occlusion therapy, visit the Northbrook dental clinic's website at 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.

Do You Have to Suffer with Headaches or Jaw Pain?

by Dr. Michael Vold

Dysfunctional Occlusion

Do you have headaches, neck aches, clicking jaws, limited opening range of the jaw or ringing in your ears?  You may have seen your physician about your symptoms, but found no relief.  You may even have been told that it is "all in your head."  If so, you are not alone.  Some 60 million Americans share these symptoms with you.

We know the cause of your symptoms.

Symptoms of a Bad Bite

o  clicking, popping or grating sound when opening or closing your mouth
o  chronic headaches and/or dizziness
o  tenderness in jaw muscles
o  earaches and/or itchy ears
o  jaws that sometimes lock open when yawning or laughing
o  spasms or cramps in the jaw area.

Problems begin when the muscles in the jaw and jaw joint are out of alignment (malocclusion), causing problems when chewing. Simply stated, the ligaments, muscles, bones, teeth and joints do not line up, thereby causing pain.  The pain and muscle stress is made even worse by clenching your teeth when you sleep.

When you clench, you are using some of the strongest muscles in the body.  These muscles can cause chronic headaches, destructive tooth wear, and at its worst, permanent wear down the bone of jaw joint.

By reducing or eliminating the clenching, you are effectively relaxing the jaw and minimizing the source of the pain.

Occlusion Therapy

Occlusal Splints are used as a treatment option to prevent nightime damage associated with grinding and clenching while at the same time adjusting your bite to relax your jaw.

When your occlusion misalignment is analyzed and identified, minor polishing of the surface enamel or placing strategic dental restorations can redirect and balance the bite, bringing relief from occlusion-induced pain and stress.

TMJ Self Analysis

Take this quick and easy survey to rate your TMJ problem:

1.  Do you suffer from frequent headaches or migraines?
2.  Do your teeth or crowns keep chipping or breaking?
3.  Are your face and neck muscles constantly sore?
5.  Do your ears ring (Tinnitus)?
6.  Are your teeth sensitive when you bite down?
7.  Do you sometimes have unexplained nausea or vertigo?
8.  Has your jaw ever "frozen" in place, even for a few seconds?
9.  Do your ears ever tingle or itch?
10. Are your teeth sensitive to cold?
11. Do you grind or clench your teeth at night?

If you have answered "yes" to three or more of these questions, you probably should be examined for TMJ disease. You should see a qualified dentist in your area that treats TMJ disease and get an examination.