134,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancers this year. It will cause over 8000 deaths. The death rate associated with this cancer is particularly high not because it is hard to diagnose but due to the cancer being routinely discovered late in its development.
The demographics of those who develop this cancer have been constant for some time. Historically people over 40 who use alcohol and tobacco, including smokeless are the highest risk. However, it is now confirmed that in a younger group of patients including those who have never used any tobacco products a viral based risk has been determined. The human papilloma virus, particularly version 16, which has now been shown to be sexually transmitted between partners, and is conclusively implicated in the increasing incidence of young non smoking oral cancer patients.
It is important to have any sore or discolored areas of your mouth, which does not heal in 14 days to be checked. Others symptoms include a lump or mass inside your mouth or neck, difficulty swallowing, speaking, or chewing.
At Framingham Dental Group we have incorporated the use of the Velscope oral cancer screening system. It is a non invasive machine which allows us to examine the tissues of the oral cavity. It is another tool in our tool box to help with early detection. If we see something on an exam we can begin the process of diagnosis. It should be noted that most times when we see an irritation or decide to follow up on a “spot” it is negative.
If anyone has further questions or would like to speak to me about oral cancer, please call me at the office,508-872-0041.

The most common questions at Framingham Dental Group involve whitening options. People want to know what works best and how long it will take. In order to be a candidate for tooth whitening, you should be healthy and have no cavities or gum disease. Tooth-whitening products only work on natural tooth structure; not on crowns, white, or silver fillings. In the past, it was common for whitening to cause temporary tooth sensitivity. The newer techniques and solutions have almost eliminated this problem. At Framingham Dental group, we offer three excellent techniques to lighten the color of your teeth.
The first option involves a pre-packaged whitening system from Opalescence. It is sold in a ten-day supply and involves wearing trays once a day for an hour. It is a “one size fits all” type of tray system.
The second option is a custom tray system. We make form-fitting trays for the teeth and customize the whitening gels to the patients’ needs. The gels are either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. This option involves the flexibility of daytime, nighttime, once a day, or twice a day bleaching.
The third option is the most effective. It involves a one-hour office treatment of hydrogen peroxide gel. The in-office whitening acts as a catalyst. It is followed by the use of customized trays at home. This technique provides outstanding results.
If you wish to discuss the topic of whitening in more detail, bring up the topic on your next visit or give me a call at 508-872-0041

Over the years I have met many people who were fearful about going to the dentist. They had bad breath and constant toothaches which affected their quality of life. My heart went out to these people but there was little I could do. Now, as a certified DOCS sedation dentist, I can be part of the solution.
Using medication in pill form, I can  help control the anxiety which causes so many people to avoid their necessary dental work. I can relieve their pain and give them back their health. I can give people back their quality of life and smile. Most everyone is a candidate so give me a call to discuss how sedation dentistry can work for you. You can also check out www.sedationcare.com for more info.