Comfort Family Dental - April 2022

Comfort Family Dental - April 2022

2036 W. 95th St. Chicago, IL 60643 773-366-8718 www.comfort-familydental.com

APRIL 2022

Most Importantly, How Do You Prevent It? ORAL CANCER: WHAT IS IT?

April is Cancer Control Month, which makes it a great time to talk about one of the most dangerous conditions my patients may ever face: oral cancer. Oral cancer makes up about 3% of all diagnosed cancer cases in the United States. That’s about 53,000 cases a year. If you want to prevent oral cancer from affecting you or a loved one, let me help you identify common symptoms and share tips on how to reduce your risk as much as possible. What is oral cancer, exactly? Any cancer in the mouth or back of the throat can be classified as oral cancer. Most oral cancers begin in the flat cells that cover the surfaces of your mouth, including your tongue and lips. The condition can develop on the tongue, tissue lining of the mouth and gums, under the tongue, at the base of the tongue, or the area of the throat at the back of the mouth. “Oral cancer risk, like many other cancer risks, can be greatly reduced by limiting your tobacco and alcohol use. While heavy alcohol use and cigarette smoking separately increase your risk substantially, using both increases your risk even further.” The good news is that certain risk factors are well-known and well- researched. Although there are certainly young patients with oral cancer, it’s much more common in people over the age of 40 and affects twice as many men as it does women. Additionally, most oral cancers are

related to tobacco use, alcohol use (or both), or infection by the human papilloma virus (HPV).

Frequent symptoms of oral cancer include white or red patches in your mouth, a mouth sore that won’t heal, bleeding in your mouth, loose teeth, problems or pain with swallowing, a lump in your neck, or even an earache. Tests to diagnose oral cancer can include a physical exam, endoscopy, biopsy, and imaging tests. Treatments may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. How do I reduce my cancer risk? Oral cancer risk, like many other cancer risks, can be greatly reduced by limiting your tobacco and alcohol use. While heavy alcohol use and cigarette smoking separately increase your risk substantially, using both increases your risk even further. Partaking in safe sexual activity can also help reduce your risk of infection of HPV, specifically HPV 16 type, which has been linked to oral cancers. It may surprise you that sunscreen can also help reduce your oral cancer risk! And no, I definitely don’t mean ingesting any. Sun exposure can increase your risk of cancer on your lips, so applying a thin, comfortable layer of SPF lip balm or sunscreen can help. If the risks of oral cancer frighten you, don’t hesitate to give me a call. By looking into the oral health of each patient personally, I can give you even more customized advice for staying in the best possible health. Thanks for reading, friends.

– Dr. Corie Rowe

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6 Ways to Drink More Water Without Thinking About It Raise a Glass — Or Several

Drink a full glass with medicines. Many of us get in the habit of only taking a large sip of water with pills. However, whether you take a supplement, medication, or vitamin, wash it down with a full glass of water. Carry around a large water bottle. Taking your water with you in a large bottle reminds you to keep

Staying hydrated is one of the pillars of healthy living. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, women should drink 11.5 cups (92 ounces) of water a day, and men should drink 15.5 cups (124 ounces) a day. But, if we’re being honest, water can be pretty boring to drink — there are things we’d rather be drinking, and busy schedules make it difficult. Here are some ways to work more water into your daily routine to promote optimal health. Begin and end your day with water. Make it a routine to drink a large glass of water upon waking up and before going to bed. “Bookending” your day like this ensures that your body is hydrated for both the day and night ahead. Drink a cup of water with each cup of coffee. Many of us are used to drinking more than one cup of coffee throughout the day. If you drink a glass of water with each cup of coffee, you’re sure to stay hydrated. Keep in mind that while coffee is a liquid and contains water, it’s not very thirst-quenching. Ice is your friend. Each time you pour a drink or make a smoothie, use lots of ice! Your taste buds will hardly notice the difference, and you’ll still have lots of flavor while boosting your hydration.

sipping wherever you go. Every chance you get, fill it up. The bottomless water bottle is a perfect way to work more water into your day. As a bonus, you

can use a measured bottle to see how much you’ve actually drank throughout the day! Infuse your water. Try giving your H2O an extra kick. Add berries, lemon, lime, or mint to your water to give it some flavor and help make it more enticing to drink! Water is important for a healthy body and mind, so follow these tips and stay hydrated!

SHOULD YOU BUY A WATERPIK? THE WATER JET THAT ‘FLOSSES’ —OR DOES IT?

The Advantages of Waterpik This trending product has over 68,000 reviews on Amazon, and for good reason: It does make life a little more convenient if you get lazy with flossing. For example, Waterpik can get into hard-to-reach areas of your mouth, such as all sides of your back teeth or periodontal pockets caused by early gum disease. It’s also easy and completely safe to use! However, users may have a slight learning curve while figuring out the most comfortable water temperature and pressure. You won’t want the water pressure to be too hard or too hot, or it could hurt. The best way to start is to place the tip in your mouth before turning it on, and go gently along your gumline, starting with your back teeth and working toward the front. Continue until both the

inside and outside of your upper and lower teeth have been cleaned. The Disadvantages of Waterpik Unfortunately, the Waterpik is not always as effective as floss for removing plaque. It’s most effective for rinsing residue and plaque left behind after flossing. That’s why it’s best to use floss first, and then use a Waterpik. Also, Waterpik can carry a hefty price tag, between $60–$140, depending on your preferred model. Ultimately, traditional flossing still wins. However, if you tend to overfloss (i.e., cause gums to bleed) or you’re intimidated by flossing, consider using a Waterpik. A little water flossing is better than no flossing! Of course, every mouth is different. If you’re concerned, make sure to talk to your dentist before making a purchase decision.

While getting a dental cleaning, we’ve all felt that sense of relief when our polished teeth are washed with a gentle jet of water. But what if the jet were a little more high- pressure? Could it do a decent job of flossing between our teeth? That’s a question Waterpik hopes to answer. Flossing is a crucial habit in your oral care routine for keeping your breath fresher for longer. It’s also important for your long-term oral health, but if flossing seems like a huge pain, you might be curious if “water flossing” will work for you.

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Brighter Smiles Have More Fun The Serious Benefits of Whitening

Getting your teeth whitened might seem like an odd way to “treat yourself,” but you might be surprised by how much of a confidence boost it can be. Now that people spend more time in front of cameras than ever before, it’s no surprise that the global annual market for teeth whitening products is set to skyrocket all the way up to $7.4 billion per year by 2024. But buying a teeth whitening product is rarely as effective as getting an in-office whitening treatment. That’s because we’re clinically authorized to use stronger whitening treatments, whereas countertop whitening products are required to be more conservative, which reduces how effective they can be. Here are some reasons you should consider giving our office a call about whitening treatments: No. 1: People will be more drawn to you. Studies show that, when meeting people, your smile is one of the key qualities that draws people in and helps you leave a lasting impression. A high-quality smile can make it much easier to meet friends and even romantic partners. No. 2: Your mouth will be healthier. Using whitening products without training can lead to mistakes that could damage your health and appearance. At our office, your oral health will always be an important component of any dental procedure you consider. By allowing a dental professional to whiten your teeth,

you’ll have stains removed the right way, which allows your teeth to strengthen and become healthier.

No. 3: Your teeth will whiten faster.

Most whitening products require weeks to see any benefits. However, with an in-office whitening treatment, you’ll see the benefits immediately. It’s fast and easy, and you’ll be out in the world with a brighter smile in no time.

No. 4: Your confidence and mental health will thank you. Bad oral hygiene can lead to numerous cognitive issues and diseases later in life. When you get whiter, more beautiful teeth, you put yourself in a better position to get the care you need to reduce that risk. Additionally, any stress around your physical appearance often contributes to poor mental health, and a brighter smile can certainly help alleviate those anxieties.

If you want to get teeth whitening treatment that is 100% safe, don’t hesitate to call your favorite dentist at Comfort Family Dental today!

“Write it. Shoot it. Publish it. Crochet it, sauté it, whatever. MAKE.” –JOSS WHEDON

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2036 W. 95th St., Chicago, IL 60643 773-366-8718 www.comfort-familydental.com

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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Learn to Identify and Fight Oral Cancer

How to Drink More Water

Should You Buy a Waterpik?

Why It’s Fun to Have a Whiter Smile

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The Ketchup Pill Craze

If you have a belly ache, one of the last things you’re likely to reach for is the ketchup bottle. But did you know that ketchup was once utilized as a cure for indigestion? In 1834, Dr. John Cook Bennett came up with a recipe for tomato ketchup that he advertised as a cure for indigestion, jaundice, diarrhea, and rheumatism, according to his research. The ketchup was even packed into pills and his research made its way into well- respected American newspapers. Before this, many Americans were under the impression that tomatoes were poisonous and avoided them like the plague. According to the Smithsonian magazine, in the 1700s, Europeans thought tomatoes were poisonous apples. Entrepreneur Alexander Miles discovered Bennett’s research and partnered with Bennett, calling the ketchup pill “extract of tomato.” The craze over the ketchup pills grew, and many other entrepreneurs began Not Just a Condiment

Scientists then began to look into Bennett’s research claims, and just when wild claims surfaced that the pills could even cure scurvy, a disease caused by a deficiency in vitamin C, and broken bones, the claims were dispelled and the ketchup pill craze died down by 1850. Modern research today shows that tomatoes contain the antioxidant lycopene, which is linked to reducing the risk of cancer and heart disease. They also are abundant sources of potassium, vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. While Bennett’s research was exponentially exaggerated, we can say it wasn’t completely inaccurate. KETCHUP ONCE CURED ALL

Today, Heinz, the leader in the ketchup industry, sells 11 billion single-serve packets and over 650 million bottles annually.

So, would you like a ketchup pill with those fries?

creating their own versions of the “extract of tomato” pills. Some versions didn’t contain any tomatoes at all and, instead, were filled with laxatives. Americans began believing these ketchup pills were the key to ultimate health.

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