Study Shows Connection between Cavities and Oral Cancer
November 8, 2014
It’s widely recognized that having cavities is bad for your oral health. Recent studies, however, are shedding some interesting light on the correlation between dental decay and oral cancer. Your local Salinas, CA experts, Dr. Klugman and Dr. Bianco, can assist you in developing a healthy smile through preventative and restorative dental treatments.
Cavities and Oral Cancer Detection
A September 2013 study published in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery by researchers at the University of Buffalo found that people with the most cavities were the least likely to have oral cancer. The researchers compared 399 patients with oral cancer with 221 cancer free patients. They found “… an independent association between dental caries [cavities] and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma [oral cancer cells]”, citing that the lactic acid produced by bacteria in cavities actually stop the development of these cancer cells. Researchers state that the bacteria are similar to those found in yogurt. In addition to preventing head and neck cancer, they can also help lower the risk of inflammatory diseases, allergies and some other types of cancer. Critics of the findings say that the results are preliminary and don’t distinguish between the causes of the cavities (periodontal disease) and don’t address the associated consequences of dental diseases that carry their own health risks. Other experts agreed, but noted that the findings could lead to new ways to treat and prevent oral cancers.
Oral cancer is a serious condition that must be detected early for positive treatment outcomes. Dentists screen for oral cancers as part of your regular dental checkup which is one reason why visiting the dentist every 6 months is vital to your good health. During an exam, the dentist will check your head, neck and the inside of your mouth for abnormal lumps, bumps, lesions and discolorations. If an abnormality is found, the dentist will take a tissue simple for analysis or send you to a specialist for further investigation. Increased risks for developing oral cancer include excessive consumption of tobacco products, alcohol and contraction of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
Cavity Prevention and Oral Cancer Screening in Salinas, CA
Whether you are concerned about cavities or oral cancer, it’s important to have regular dental checkups to protect your teeth and your overall health. The doctors at Blanco Circle Dental Care are happy to help you do so today. Contact Dr. Klugman and Dr. Bianco today to schedule your next visit. The doctors proudly serve residents in Salinas, CA, Hollister, Monterey, Seaside, Prunedale, Marina, Greenfield, Gilroy, and King City.
The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
March 18, 2014
For people who have a fear about going to the dentist, getting routine dental work done can be quite a battle. Because dental fears are some of the most common fears people live with, Dr. Gary Klugman and Dr. Christina Bianco are able to calm their patients’ woes by offering sedation dentistry. There are many benefits to sedation dentistry, and we want to remind you of them in case you feel as though you would be able to benefit.
One of the benefits to sedation dentistry is the fact that it helps people overcome their fears. Some people’s fears of the dentist are so strong, they refuse to even get a routine cleaning. Having a mild sedative can really help people get their much needed dental work done. Another benefit is that your body is able to heal quicker and more efficiently. When your body is under high stress and anxiety, your body is not able to do even the most natural of functions as healing itself. When you are relaxed, your body is able to do what it needs to do in order for you to start feeling better quicker.
Sedation dentistry is also beneficial to those who wish to save money. When you are sedated, the dentist is able work longer and gets more work done. When you go in for multiple appointments, it can greatly increase the amount of money that you spend, as well as prolong your healing time. There are so many ways sedation dentistry can be beneficial to our patients, but if you’d like to make an appointment to see how it can help you, contact us today!
At Blanco Circle Dental Care, Dr. Gary Klugman and Dr. Christina Bianco provide quality general, cosmetic and sedation dentistry services. Our Salinas, CA dental office serves patients from Hollister, Monterey, Seaside, Prunedale, Marina, Greenfield, Gilroy, and King City. Call us today to schedule your next appointment.
Treat Dental Anxiety with Sedation Dentistry
May 28, 2013
Do you experience anxiety at the thought of going to the dentist? Is fear causing you to delay or avoid treatment? We offer sedation dentistry to help better meet the needs of our patients.
In the past, patients could only be sedated at an oral surgery office, and the only procedures these offices provided were extractions. Blanco Circle Dental Care introduced oral sedation to Northern California fifteen years ago. We are still the only general dental office in Monterey County that offers IV sedation. This is great for our patients, because it eliminates the need to go to multiple offices for all these procedures.
During sedation, you’ll feel relaxed and comfortable while we work on your teeth. This procedure helps us to perform dentistry on many patients we wouldn’t be able to treat otherwise. Dr. Klugman has a master’s from the College of Sedation in Dentistry and is an expert examiner for the Dental Board of California. Also, our office receives referrals from dentists and physicians every week because of the quality and skill of our sedation services.
Sedation dentistry can be a great choice for our patients that experience dental fear or anxiety. Give us a call today to see how we can help improve your smile. Dr. Klugman is skilled at performing sedation dentistry and would love to help you in any way he can.
At Blanco Circle Dental Care, Dr. Gary Klugman and Dr. Christina Bianco provide quality general, cosmetic and sedation dentistry services. Our Salinas, CA dental office serves patients from Hollister, Monterey, Seaside, Prunedale, Marina, Greenfield, Gilroy, and King City. Call us today to schedule your next appointment.