As a preventive care measure, most dentists advocate an oral cancer screening during your regular dental check-up. During your oral exam, Dr. Henry will examine the inside of your mouth for lumps, suspicious lesions, and discolorations, such as red or white patches. Oral cancer is often found in places you may not look, such as under the tongue or inside the cheeks.
Most mouth sores are noncancerous. However, if Dr. Henry finds a sore of unusual appearance, she may perform a painless oral brush biopsy to test the abnormal tissue for cancer. The objective, as with any type of cancer, is to detect oral cancer early when it is most easily treated.
Oral Cancer Statistics
The American Cancer Society estimates that 35,000 people will get oral cancer in 2012. The number of fatalities for 2012 is estimated at approximately 6,800. The good news, however, is that the death rate from oral cancer has declined steadily since the 1970s – a statistic many experts credit to early detection.*
Individuals at Higher Risk for Oral Cancer
People with certain risk factors should be particularly vigilant about their oral cancer screenings. These individuals include people who use tobacco products, those who consume alcohol heavily, regularly spend time in the sun without protection, or have previously been diagnosed with oral cancer.
You can reduce your risk of oral cancer by protecting your skin with high-SPF sunblock, by giving up tobacco products, moderating alcohol consumption, and eating a healthy, balanced diet.
Take an Active Role in and Early Detection
You should conduct an oral self-exam at least once a month and, most importantly, see Dr. Henry every six months for a preventive checkup and cleaning. If you notice a mouth sore that does not heal in about two weeks, visit us for an exam.
To schedule your appointment, or just to learn more about Dr. Henry and our team, call our Erlanger, KY dentist office today at 859-344-8500. We serve families from Cincinnati, Crestview Hills, Ft. Mitchell, Florence, Union, Independence, Taylor Mill, and other Kentucky communities around the 41018 are. We can’t wait to see your smile!
While all cancers are serious, breast cancer takes center stage in October. As your trusted Erlanger dentist, Dr. Darlene Henry wants to send well wishes and thoughts of hope to all the women, and the few men, affected by breast cancer. You’ve probably noticed the hoopla that reminds us about the ongoing fight against breast cancer this time each year. Your favorite NFL players are wearing hot-pink shoes, and many stores are accepting donations for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Retailers donate a percentage of sales from “pink ribbon” products to the Komen Foundation, as well.
To participate in Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Henry wants to share with you how oral health and breast cancer are related, and how to address the oral health concerns that cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy may experience.
Studies Show a Potential Oral Health Link
The World Health Organization (WHO) published a study, spanning from 1985 to 2001, that showed gum disease may increase a person’s risk for developing breast cancer. Experts go back and forth over whether gum disease actually contributes to the cause of various cancers and systemic health problems, but there is no question that the disease is more prevalent in people with certain health conditions.
Gum disease is an infection and inflammation of the periodontal tissue that, along with bone, supports teeth. Because everything in your mouth has direct access to your body via your digestive system and bloodstream, the bacteria that cause gum disease can travel throughout your body. This explains the connection between oral and systemic health. About 80% of Americans have some form of gum disease, ranging from mild gingivitis to acute periodontitis. In addition, the disease is the reason behind most adult tooth loss in our country. To reduce the risk for gum disease and its potential contribution to other systemic conditions, practice good daily oral healthcare at home and visit Dr. Henry for six-month checkups and cleanings. If your gums appear red, swollen, feel tender, or bleed when you brush your teeth, schedule an appointment with Dr. Henry as soon as possible.
Cancer Treatment and Oral Health
Patients who undergo chemotherapy may experience oral health problems, and if you are in this situation, Dr. Henry can help. She recommends that you brush twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and toothpaste that contains xylitol, floss thoroughly once a day, and use an alcohol-free mouthwash. Be consistent with six-month checkups and cleanings, and if you notice a change in oral health, schedule a visit to talk with Dr. Henry.
Oral symptoms that result from chemotherapy include:
The feeling of a toothache, without having tooth damage
Yeast infection (candida) in the mouth, known as thrush
Xerostomia, known as dry mouth
Sore throat, difficulty swallowing
Infection and inflammation in the mouth
Changes in how flavors are tasted
A Compassionate Member of Your Healthcare Team
Do you need a dentist who will listen to your concerns and have empathy for your situation? As a female dentist, Dr. Henry brings compassion understanding to her patients. If you’re going through a rough time in life, whether your issue is breast cancer or something else, Dr. Henry can help you reclaim and maintain good oral health, to support good overall health and a higher quality of life. Call our Erlanger, KY dentist office today at 859-344-8500. We serve families from Cincinnati, Crestview Hills, Ft. Mitchell, Florence, Union, Independence, Taylor Mill, and other Kentucky communities around the 41018 area — and we can’t wait to see your smile!
Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in America. Sometimes practicing excellent oral hygiene isn’t enough to combat your teeth’s worst enemy. Today, your Erlanger dentist, Dr. Darlene Henry discusses gum disease, and what you can do about it.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the supporting tissues of the teeth. Typically, gum disease begins with poor dental hygiene. If you brush and floss regularly, at least twice a day, plaque begins to form on your teeth. When plaque is allowed to remain for more than 48 hours, it calcifies, or hardens, into tartar–an insoluble substance that irritates your gums. Unattended, bacteria will thrive in tartar buildup, causing gum tissue to detach from your teeth and leading to infection.
What Can I Do To Prevent It?
Just like any other type health issue, prevention is the key. If you practice good oral hygiene habits—such as regular tooth brushing and daily flossing—you have a good chance of preventing gum disease before it occurs. Regardless, the symptoms of gum disease aren’t always easy to identify; it’s always best to visit your dentist at least two times a year for a full oral health evaluation.
What Can I Do If I Have Gum Disease?
At our Erlanger dentist office, we provide several different options to aid in your fight against gum disease. We offer conservative treatments to combat gum disease such as scaling and root planting, as well as Gingivectomy if the aforementioned methods are ineffective.
Schedule An Appointment Today
To schedule an appointment for a checkup, cleaning, or just to have Dr. Henry provide you with a breakdown of your overall dental health, call our Erlanger dentist office today at 859-344-8500. We proudly serve families from Cincinnati, Crestview Hills, Fort Mitchell, Florence, Union, Independence, Taylor Mill, and surrounding communities.
When it comes to your teeth, even the smallest changes can make a significant impact on your smile. At our dental office in Erlanger, we take pride in offering comprehensive dental treatments that focus on every detail of your smile makeover. Dr. Darlene Henry, our Erlanger cosmetic dentist, will explain how gum contouring can give you the smile makeover of your dreams.
Correcting Gummy Smiles
Your gum tissue is often overlooked as a significant aspect of your smile. After all, your gum tissue frames your teeth, creating a certain look for your smile and the individual teeth. Uneven gums can make even a straight smile appear disproportionate. Gummy smileinvolves excessive gingival display. This can make your teeth appear too small or juvenile. In addition, gummy smiles can make individual teeth look misshapen.
Gum Lifts Enhance Your Image
At our dental office in Erlanger, we provide gum reshaping to correct gummy smiles and uneven gingival tissue. Gum contouring, also called a gum lift, involves reshaping your gum line to make your teeth proportionate to your smile. The ideal smile will show as little gum tissue as possible when you smile. With gum contouring, our Erlanger cosmetic dentist, Dr. Henry, can lift your gum line and lengthen your teeth crowns.
Enhancing Porcelain Veneers
Gum contouring can also be used in conjunction with porcelain veneers or other cosmetic dentistry procedures. A gum lift is just the cosmetic procedure to take your smile makeover beyond your expectations. The small tweaking will make a significant difference for your overall image. Our cosmetic dentist may recommend gum contouring to further enhance procedures like porcelain veneers, cosmetic bonding, or dental crown placement.
Cosmetic Dentistry in Erlanger, KY
To learn more about gum reshaping, contact our cosmetic dental office in Erlanger. You can schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation with Dr. Darlene Henry by calling 859-344-8500. We look forward to giving you the smile of your dreams with comprehensive cosmetic dentistry in Erlanger, KY.
Dental caries, more commonly known as tooth decay, is one of the most widespread preventable diseases in the world. By the time they reach 40 years of age, over 85% of Americans will have signs of decay on at least one tooth. Two particular bacteria currently making their home in the human mouth, Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus, digest the sugars left behind in your mouth. The digestion process turns these sugars into enamel-eating acids. Until recently, the best defense against tooth decay included a consistent and thorough at-home dental care regimen and regular checkups and cleanings with a general dentist. While you shouldn’t throw away your toothbrush and cancel your next cleaning quite yet, scientists have recently established a positive link between coconut oil and the reduction of tooth decay causing bacteria.
Coconut Oil Redeemed
Once vilified in the popular media for its high saturated fat content, coconut oil has come back into vogue in recent years. Produced by extracting the natural oil from the meat of mature coconuts, virgin coconut oil has gained popularity in the U.S. as a hair care, skin care, and weight loss tool. New research suggests that it may also be an effective tool in the fight against tooth decay.
Coconut Oil and Oral Health
Coconut oil’s usefulness in dental care is twofold. First, virgin coconut oil helps the body absorb minerals such as calcium and iron more effectively than it would by itself. This indicates coconut oil’s effectiveness in aiding remineralization of the enamel, a process which depends on the body’s efficient absorption of calcium. Furthermore, new research conducted by the Athlone Institute of Technology in Ireland proposes that coconut oil, when treated with enzymes similar to those which help break down foods in the human stomach, are effective at inhibiting and even attacking the Streptococcus mutans bacteria. While these findings demand more in depth research on the relationship between digestion enzymes and bacteria and what specific part coconut oil plays in this relationship, the dental world is excited to have a new tool in fighting tooth decay.
Of course, eating a few spoonfuls of coconut oil won’t replace good oral hygiene habits and regular checkups and cleanings with a general and family dentist like Dr. Darlene Henry. If you are in or near the 41018 area, call our Erlanger, Kentucky office at (859) 344-8500.
For many people, the earliest memories of tooth loss involve trading the lost tooth with the tooth fairy for cash or presents. A rich part of American history, the tooth fairy is a beloved childhood myth that helps children cope with a potentially scary situation. After all, randomly losing a tooth would probably worry a child as much as it would an adult if not for the prospect of trading the tooth for something much more enjoyable. Not many people, however, know how the myth of the tooth fairy began. To honor the adored legend, Erlanger dentist Dr. Henry explores the origins of the tooth fairy.
Dark Beginnings
During the Middle Ages, the importance of ejected baby teeth was darker than the legends of today. Common belief held that witches could use items that people held close, such as clothes, hair, finger/toe nails, and teeth, to create potions and place curses. To prevent harmful black magic from affecting their children, parents would bury the loose baby teeth or burn them in fire. Fortunately, the practice adopted a less ominous meaning. Later, parents would bury their children’s teeth in the garden in hopes that strong, healthy adult teeth would grow in their place.
Tooth Myths Around the World
As you search around the globe, you’ll continue to find legends involving the importance of stashing baby teeth, but the reasons differ depending on the region. For instance, in Asia, people would bury the lost upper teeth in the ground, and toss lower teeth on the roof. The superstition held that the new teeth would grow straight towards each other. Vikings believed that carrying a child’s item, or having a child in your possession, would bring power, luck, and fortune in battle. They would pay children a “tooth fee” for their lost teeth, and would later string jewelry from their collected prizes.
In US culture, we are familiar with the tooth fairy that comes in the night to collect our children’s teeth and leave them some form of monetary compensation. Unfortunately, the legend is not much help after the tooth is lost. To learn how to take care of the new tooth coming in and the ones left behind, schedule a consultation with Dr. Darlene Henry. If you are in or near the 41018 area, call our Erlanger, Kentucky dentist’s office at (859) 344-8500.
Imagine a world without cavities. Since 2005, that’s exactly what Jose Cordova of Yale University and Erich Astudillo from the University of Chile have done. Their efforts have netted them the discovery of a molecule that could revolutionize dental care by actively fighting tooth decay. Erlanger dentist Dr. Darlene Henry discusses the discovery and what it could mean for the future of human teeth.
The Basics of Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is almost as common as the cold. In fact, cavities are the number one disease in children. The accolades for this achievement go to the bacteria Streptococcus mutans, or S. mutans, which metabolize refined sugar and turn it into lactic acid. They do not need oxygen, so they favor sneaking into the tight spaces between adjacent teeth and quietly mounting acid attacks against your teeth every time you eat or drink. S. mutans inhabits the oral cavity and contributes to the formation of plaque (bacterial plaque). The only way to effectively protect your teeth from the decay it can cause is to neutralize its acid production. Traditionally, this is done by brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day, attending your six month dental checkup, and refraining from sugary foods and beverages like candy, sweets, fruit juices, and sodas.
Going on the Offensive
In order to reduce the rate of the tooth decay epidemic, Cordova and Astudillo began researching ways to actively fight the formation of decay, instead of just protecting against it. The molecule they’ve discovered, which they’ve named Keep 32 after the number of teeth in a human mouth, actively seeks and kills the S. mutans bacteria. The molecule can be incorporated into products like toothpaste, mouthwash, or candy, and for the first time in human history, can pave the way for cavity-proof teeth. The researchers have several parties interested in investing, and are awaiting trials on humans.
In the meantime, be sure to continue your daily oral hygiene routine, and visit Dr. Henry at least once every six months for a thorough checkup. To learn more about your oral health, or to schedule a consultation, call our Erlanger, Kentucky dentist’s office at (859) 344-8500.
Although July is halfway over, summer is still going strong. With all of the excitement of vacations and beaches and summer celebrations, you may not have had time to invest in your smile as you had hoped. Erlanger, Kentucky cosmetic dentist Dr. Darlene Henry has you covered with a variety of cosmetic dentistry options to help you achieve the perfect smile you’ve dreamed of before the summer’s over.
Teeth Whitening
Your teeth do not require anything dramatic to become stained or slightly discolored. Consuming certain foods and dark-colored beverages, including coffee, tea, wine, and soda, can exacerbate the staining of your teeth. Even the smallest discoloration can throw a perfect smile slightly off. Luckily, tooth whitening is a simple but effective cosmetic dental procedure. With our at-home teeth whiteningsystem, you can apply the treatment in the comfort of your own home and noticeably brighten your smile after just 10-14 days.
Dental Bonding and Contouring
If color is not your issue, but you have a slight imperfection such as a chipped, crooked, or slightly misshapen tooth, Dr. Henry may recommend a dental bonding and/or contouring procedure. Tooth contouring involves gently removing a small amount of tooth enamel in order to change the size and shape of an imperfect tooth. Dental bonding involves using a tooth-colored composite-resin material to cover and reshape an imperfect tooth. Dr. Henry will apply the resin to the tooth, mold it into the ideal shape, and then harden the material under a curing light. Unfortunately, bonding does not respond well to tooth coloring. If you have more than one imperfect tooth, porcelain veneers may be the best option for you.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are the ideal option for rectifying more than one imperfection with the same procedure. Veneers are thin, almost shell like pieces of dental porcelain that are placed over the front face of your teeth. Dr. Henry removes a small amount of enamel from the front of the teeth to be covered, then bonds a custom-made set of veneers over the front. Veneers are more durable than bonding and last longer than whitening. Ask Dr. Henry for proper cleaning and maintenance instructions for you new porcelain veneers.
Summer is no longer young, but you still have time to make your smile young and perfect again. To learn more about your oral health, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Henry, call our Erlanger, Kentucky dentist’s office at (859) 344-8500.
If you suffer from chronic halitosis, you’ve probably tried every remedy in the book, including endless streams of mints and chewing gum. These breath fresheners can mask the odor for a while, but halitosis can usually be treated with an improved oral hygiene routine. Make sure you brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day, and visit your dentist at least every six months to ensure the continued good health of your teeth and mouth. However, if you’ve tried all of this, and your halitosis still persists, there may be another lesser-known cause behind your malodorous breath. Dr. Henry discusses the possibility that your halitosis may be emanating from your lungs.
Bad Breath from Disease and Infection
After a little contemplation, it makes sense that a disease or infection in your lungs would cause your breath to smell a bit foul. After all, your breath originates in your lungs before it ever even reaches your mouth. Diseases including lung cancer, asthma, and cystic fibrosis, among others, can taint your breath with distinctive odors that can actually be utilized in early detection. Since we exhale the carbon dioxide that our blood carries to our lungs, diseases that affect the blood can have a similar effect on your breath as lung diseases (i.e., diabetes, kidney and liver disorders, etc). Unfortunately, there is no treatment for bad breath caused by disease. Treating the disease should suffice to rid you of its symptoms.
Foul Breath from Bad Habits
Smoking and drinking are not only bad for your oral and overall health; they’re bad for your breath as well. Aside from the obvious negative effects on your mouth that can cause your breath to be foul, smoking causes carcinogens to accumulate in your lungs (smokers’ lungs). If you are a smoker, at some point you’ve hacked up a mass of darkly-colored phlegm. That phlegm covers your entire lungs, and it stinks. The obvious and only solution is to quit smoking. Contrary to popular belief, alcohol breath originates in the lungs as well, not the mouth. Alcohol enters your bloodstream and its odor is released when you exhale, which is why mints and chewing gum will rarely fool a breathalyzer test. Time will rectify this cause of bad breath as the alcohol content is purged from your blood.
To learn more about your oral health, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Henry, call our Erlanger, Kentucky dentist’s office at (859) 344-8500.
We’ve been told for most of our lives to brush our teeth twice a day, floss at least once, and visit the dentist every six months for a checkup. If you’ve heeded this advice, chances are your dentist tells you what a great job you’ve been doing taking care of your mouth and teeth. A few lucky people may never need any dental work done. That does not mean, however, that the dental checkup is unnecessary. Dr. Darlene Henry explains the importance of your dental checkup and why you shouldn’t ignore it.
Maintaining your Oral Health
Brushing and flossing removes bacteria and plaque from your teeth and gums before they have a chance to cause damage. Unfortunately, plaque clings to every surface of the tooth, including below the gum line. While you may pay careful attention to brushing every surface and flossing in between every tooth, nobody is perfect, and you may miss some spots or simply be unable to reach them. When plaque remains for more than 48 hours, it calcifies (hardens) into tartar. Unlike plaque, tartar cannot be removed by simply brushing, flossing, or rinsing. Our hygienist will conduct a thorough, professional cleaning to remove all traces of tartar, especially along the gum line, to prevent the formation of gum disease. If tartar is not caught and removed during your checkup and cleaning, you may not know that you’re at risk until your gums exhibit signs, at which point gingivitis has already set in, and gum disease isn’t far behind.
Early Detection at Your Kentucky Dental Checkup
Aside from gum disease, your mouth can tell you a lot about what’s going on in your body as well. Early signs of many systemic diseases, including oral cancer, first appear as lesions in the mouth or other oral troubles. As with all oral and overall health issues, early detection can be the defining factor in successful treatment. To learn more about maintaining and optimizing your oral health, or to schedule a consultation, checkup, or cleaning, call our Erlanger, Kentucky dentist’s office at (859) 344-8500.
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