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The ABCs of Oral Cancer Symptoms | Yorba Linda Dentist

It may not be the most pleasant subject to talk about but becoming aware of the signs and symptoms of oral cancer could save your life. Close to 50,000 patients are diagnosed with oral cancer every year. Men are actually twice as likely to get it than women, so it is important that they are extra careful when paying attention to symptoms that may be developing. The risks are much higher if treatment is delayed more than it need to be.

As far as indicators are concerned, there are a few things you should keep an eye out for:

  • Red and/or white spots in your mouth
  • A sore hasn’t healed within two weeks
  • A persistent hoarseness when you speak

If you find any of these early indicators, see a dental professional as soon as possible. If left untreated, more severe symptoms will develop. If they get to an advanced stage, treatment will become imperative. Here is what could develop if you don’t get medical advice:

  • A sensation that feels like something is stuck in the back of your throat
  • Any numbness in your mouth
  • Difficulty moving your jaw or tongue and have problems swallowing
  • Persistent pain in one particular ear
  • A lump or enlargement in the neck or lymph node area
  • If you wear dentures and you notice a sore beneath them that doesn’t heal

As always, prevention is key when it comes to our health. And because our mouths are the first line of defense, it is important that we are aware of any issues that may be developing.

For more information about oral cancer, call Dr. Andrey Eng in Yorba Linda, CA at 714-779-2736 or visit www.andreyengdds.com.

Dr. Eng proudly serve patients from Yorba Linda and all surrounding areas.

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Don’t Be Scared of Dental Appointments | Yorba Linda Dentist

If we want to maintain a healthy smile, we have some responsibilities. We need to brush, floss and rinse on a daily basis. But in addition, we need the watchful eye of our dental professional. This is why it is important to visit at least twice a year for a quick examination. But what if you have an actual fear of these visits? How do you not only sit through one visit a year, but two? Don’t worry – you aren’t alone. Of all the health professionals feared most by adults, the dentist is at the top of the list. So much so, Dental Anxiety (DA) is the official diagnosis.

Thankfully, the dental industry has been listening and have been busy making huge strides in order to calm those fears – sedation dentistry.

Sedation dentistry your dentist’s way to relax you enough to handle the dental procedure via medication. There are various levels that you can be sedated, from minimal sedation to the completely unconscious general anesthesia. What you receive will depend on your fear and the recommendation made by your dentist. A numbing agent will be administered to the area as well to alleviate any pain you may have from the procedure.

Nitrous oxide. If you aren’t in need of a lot to relax you, you will be given nitrous oxide, or laughing gas through a mask.

Oral sedative. Similar to a valium, a pill will be taken about an hour before your procedure so it has time to take effect, but you will be awake during the procedure.

General anesthesia. For the more invasive procedures, a deeper sedation will be administered prior but will render you unconscious and unable to awaken easily, unlike the other lighter versions.

For more information about sedation dentistry, call Dr. Andrey Eng in Yorba Linda, CA at 714-779-2736 or visit www.andreyengdds.com.

Dr. Eng proudly serve patients from Yorba Linda and all surrounding areas.

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Protect Yourself from Oral Cancer | Yorba Linda Dentist

Did you know that close to 50,000 patients are diagnosed with oral cancer every year? And that’s just in the U.S. If caught quickly, there is a good chance it can be taken care of, but prevention is key. Because April is oral cancer awareness month, let’s take a quick look at how we can stay on top of our health.

First there are risk factors to keep in mind. Excessive use of tobacco products is already bad for you, but if you have this particular habit, paying close attention to any sores or patches in your mouth. Alcohol use and poor diet also play into oral cancer signs. Physical trauma and exposure to infectious disease are also ways you may develop symptoms. The best way to stay on top of your oral health is to give yourself a quick exam every month. With a bright light and a mirror, follow these guidelines:

  • If you wear dentures, remove them.
  • Look and feel the insides of your lips and front of your gums
  • Tilt your head and check out the roof of your mouth
  • Tug your cheek so you can analyze the surfaces and back of your mouth
  • Inspect all areas of your tongue
  • Feel your lymph nodes to make sure they aren’t getting enlarged and there are no lumps

You are trying to find any type of persistent sores or growths that may cause you to have issues eating, speaking. If you feel you may have symptoms of oral cancer, make an oral cancer screening appointment with your dental professional.

For more information about oral cancer, call Dr. Andrey Eng in Yorba Linda, CA at 714-779-2736 or visit www.andreyengdds.com.

Dr. Eng proudly serve patients from Yorba Linda and all surrounding areas.

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Is It an Emergency? | Yorba Linda Dentist

No matter how much we try to avoid it, accidents happen. And from time to time, this accident affects your teeth. And whether it needs immediate attention or can wait for an appointment, it’s time to visit the dentist. But how do you know? Here are some basic rules of thumb to keep in mind:

If a tooth is knocked out completely, immediate care is required to save it. It’s possible that the tooth can be re-implanted if you get to the dentist within an hour or so. If you lose a tooth, rinse it with water, making sure not to touch the root.

If you chip or break a tooth, call your dentist – they’ll likely ask you to visit the office in the coming days for inspection. It’s difficult to know the extent of the damage without x-rays and proper checkup, so even if you think it isn’t a big deal, make sure to prevent further damage.

If the tooth is pushed inward or outward, GENTLY try to straighten it but do not try to force it into its socket and call your dentist, making sure to stabilize the tooth with gauze or tissue on your way.

As with tooth pain of any kind, there are some simple things you can do at home while you wait for an appointment. Rinse with warm saltwater. If you’re experiencing swelling, apply a cold compress, and take a pain reliever. A typical toothache is likely not an emergency, but you should have the tooth checked as soon as possible.

Accidents will happen – but it isn’t time to panic. Rest assured, your dentist can help treat injuries as they happen.

For more information about dental emergencies, call Dr. Andrey Eng in Yorba Linda, CA at 714-779-2736 or visit www.andreyengdds.com.

Dr. Eng proudly serve patients from Yorba Linda and all surrounding areas.

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Start the New Year with New Dental Habits | Yorba Linda Dentist

We all try to improve our quality of life in the new year, and this upcoming new year is no different. But when you think about improving your health, do you ever think about your dental health? I won’t assume but it is likely that the answer is no. I will encourage you to think twice about that as you write your resolutions for 2020. Because in a way, your oral health dictates the rest of your body.

We know a proper dental routine includes brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash, but a couple of these steps may be done in error, or completely missed altogether. If you are forgetting to do any of these steps, it’s time to rethink your habits. Don’t get overwhelmed, here’s a quick rundown. Promise it isn’t as scary as you think…

When it comes to dental health, the best thing you can do is stay on top of your oral hygiene. Make sure you do three things: brush for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, rinse and floss twice daily, change your toothbrush every few months or after being sick, and see your dentist regularly.

You may not think it’s important but rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash is your leading line of defense when gum disease presents itself in your mouth. Not only does it help cure gingivitis, but also prevents bleeding gums and inflammation by eliminating the bacteria in your mouth causing the irritation. The brand or flavor is up to you, just make sure it’s accepted by the American Dental Association (ADA).

Taking care of your teeth doesn’t take work, just a conscious effort. And now we have a whole new year to get it right…

For more information about dental hygiene, call Dr. Andrey Eng in Yorba Linda, CA at 714-779-2736 or visit www.andreyengdds.com.

Dr. Eng proudly serve patients from Yorba Linda and all surrounding areas.