April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month and approximately 42,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer every year in the US. It kills one person every hour of every day, and over 100 new individuals will be diagnosed with it each day. The good news is that it can often be found early in its development, through a simple, painless, and quick screening. 

Who should get screened?

Every adult! Oral cancer can often be caught early, even as a pre-cancer. With early detection, survival rates are high and the side effects are from treatment are at their lowest. Like other screenings you engage in such as cervical, skin, prostate, colon and breast examinations, oral cancer screenings are an effective means of finding cancer at its early, highly curable stages. Make them part of your annual dental check-ups. 

What are the risk factors?

There are two distinct pathways by which most people come to oral cancer. One is through the use of tobacco and alcohol, a long term historic problem and cause, and the other is through exposure to the HPV16 virus (human papilloma virus version 16), which is now the leading cause of oral cancers in the US, and the same one, which is responsible for the vast majority of cervical cancers in women. The quickest growing segment of the oral cancer population are young, healthy, non-smokers due to the connection to this virus. 

Early Indicators:

• Red and/or white discolorations of the soft tissues of the mouth. 
• Any sore which does not heal within 14 days. 
• Hoarseness which lasts for a prolonged period of time. 

Advanced Indicators:

• A sensation that something is stuck in you throat. 
• Numbness in the oral region. 
• Difficulty in moving the jaw or tongue. 
• Difficulty in swallowing. 
• Ear pain which occurs on one side only. 
• A sore under a denture, which even after adjustment of the denture, still does not heal.
• A lump or thickening which develops in the mouth or on the neck. 

The face of oral cancer is changing. Just because you don’t drink or smoke doesn’t mean you aren’t at risk for oral cancer. 

• Approximately 25% of those diagnosed have no risk factors. 
• When detected early, patients with oral cancers have an 80-90% survival rate.
• South Carolina has one of the highest oral cancer death rates in the U.S.

However, half of oral cancers are not diagnosed until the cancer has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes (regional cancer). At this stage, the 5-year relative survival rate drops to 53 percent.

Most dental providers only provide visual & palpating oral cancer screenings annually; however, this form a testing only catches oral cancer when it is often too late and the patient is in Stage 4 diagnosis. Through screenings, such as ViziLite TBlue®, dentists can detect oral cancer at its earliest stages, often pre-cancerous. The screening only takes a minute seconds, but those 60 seconds can save you or a loved one’s life! 

For the entire month of April Dr. Dahlkemper at Water’s Edge Dentistry is providing the ViziLite TBlue® screenings for 50% off, however, on April 24^th all ViziLite TBlue® screenings will be done at no charge. Supplies are limited so call 843-884-6166 to schedule your oral cancer screening today!

For more information about oral cancer, please log onto The Oral Cancer Foundation’s official website at www.oralcancer.org or www.mycharlestonscdentist.com/ViziLite-Oral-Cancer-Screening-Charleston-SC.asp. 

• In 2013, approximately 42,000 people will be diagnosed with oral and oral pharyngeal (posterior/rear of the mouth) cancer in the U.S. Because a large number of these individuals will be diagnosed as late stage cancers (66%), only 57% of them will survive five years.

• Each year, oral cancer kills more people in the U.S. than other more widely known forms of cancer, including skin cancer (malignant melanoma), lymphatic cancer (lymphoma), thyroid, and cervical cancer.

• In the U.S., someone dies of oral cancer every hour of every day. The death rate has remained relatively constant for almost five decades. About 100 new individuals will be diagnosed with oral cancer in the U.S. every day of the year.

• If oral cancer is detected early (in stages one or two), the survival rate is 80% to 90%; but when
found as a later stage (stages three or four), the chances of survival drop to 20% to 30%. Late discovery and diagnosis are major factors in the high death rate. In the U.S., two-thirds of the diagnosed cases will be late stage 3 and 4 cancers this year. Since this cancer in many cases lends itself to early visual and tactile detection, this situation is correctable without the introduction of new science.

• Historically oral cancer has been most likely to occur after the age of 50. However, the fastest growing segment of the oral cancer population are people in the 25-50 year old age range. Evidence from leading cancer centers shows that most of this younger group are non-smokers. These patients represent a completely different etiology from the historic tobacco and alcohol causes. The same virus responsible for the majority of cervical cancers, HPV16, is the leading cause of posterior of the mouth cancers and some anterior of the mouth disease. Evidence indicates that this virus can be sexually transmitted between partners, and accounts for the increase in young, non-smoking victims of oral cancer who do not fall into the historic risk factor group.

• Current trends show that HPV16 is becoming the dominant cause of oral cancers. Tobacco use in any form, and even in more so combination with heavy alcohol consumption, continues to be a major risk factor. However, since tobacco use is on a decline in the U.S., it is not the major driver in new oral cancer cases today as it was in past years.

• Additional risk factors for oral cancers include high alcohol consumption, the use of smokeless (chewing/spit) tobacco, as well as prolonged exposure to the sun (for lip cancers).

• Twenty years ago, the male to female ratio of oral cancer occurrence was ten men to one woman for tobacco related oral cancers. The ratio now is two men to one woman. Tobacco marketing (“You’ve come a long way baby”) was the reasons behind this. The ratio for HPV16 related oropharyngeal cancers (base of tongue, tonsil, and oropharynx) is three men to one woman.

• The rates of tobacco related oral cancer occurrence and death among African Americans are twice as high as they are among Caucasians. This is related to lifestyle choices and socio-economic factors, not biology. Caucasian men are most at risk for HPV16 related oral pharyngeal cancer.

• Regular dental checkups, when they incorporate oral cancer examinations, as well as an increased public awareness of oral cancer’s risk factors, can reduce the death rate of this disease. The importance of early detection, and the need for an annual screening, are the most crucial factors in reducing treatment related quality of life issues and the ultimate survival of oral cancer patients. Unlike most other cancer detection exams, the screening for oral cancer does not require any special equipment, pain, high cost, invasive tests, or procedures. Any dentist or primary care physician and many nurses and dental hygienists, who have been trained to do oral cancer examinations, can perform these screenings during a routine office visit.

Every bride wants to be the show stopper at her wedding. So why would you let your smile get in the way? Dr. Nicole Dahlkemper at Water’s Edge Dentistry was asked to provide our readers with ways in which brides (& grooms) can improve their smiles for their big day. Dr. Dahlkemper says “You can start with something as inexpensive as Crest Whitestrips for minor staining, but to get those celebrity white results a dentist supervised In-Office Whitening treatment is the best way to get that smile shining bright.” Dr. Dahlkemper recommends In-Office systems that do not require a laser or light when whitening, such as Opalescence BOOST that is used at Water’s Edge Dentistry, since they do not dry out the teeth and have much lower chances for causing sensitivity.

Now if you are looking for a more dramatic cosmetic fix, Dr. Dahlkemper states that porcelain veneers or Invisalign Clear Braces are two great ways to permanently fix your smile. “Porcelain veneers or crowns are a great option to close gaps, fix minor crowding, and repair chipped or discolored teeth due to medications, such as tetracycline. Not to mention, they are much quicker than orthodontics,” says Dr. Dahlkemper. Now if you have more time before the wedding, Dr. Dahlkemper highly recommends Invisalign braces, because it does not require removing any tooth structure to place a porcelain restoration, like a veneer or crown necessitates. “Invisalign has become an amazing alternative to traditional orthodontics, especially when you do not want to have metal braces. The technology with Invisalign has truly advanced over the years. They are the original and the most highly developed innovators in the use of clear aligners to move teeth. With Invisalign, we are able treat more complex cases, such as severe crowding or spacing, under bite, and open bites.” Invisalign treatment can take as little as 3 months with their new Express 5 technology; however, length of treatment does depend on the severity of the patient’s case. There are similar products out there that claim they can straighten your smile in 6 months, but research by the American Academy of Orthodontics (AAO) shows that they can only do minor movement and/or only move the front teeth. This can affect a patient's bite causing issues down the line, including TMJ disorders and pain. Invisalign is a patented system that even Orthodontists trust and use the system for their own patients!

So, depending on whether you are trying to simply brighten your smile or makeover your smile, consult with a cosmetic dentist today! Water’s Edge Dentistry is the only family and cosmetic dental office in the Lowcountry that has a dentist with a cosmetic fellowship and provides Invisalign Clear Braces. If you are a bride or groom in the market for a new smile contact Dr. Dahlkemper’s office for a complimentary cosmetic or Invisalign consult at 843-884-6166 or info@drnicoledmd.com.

For some reason, people have a slight fear of having x-rays taken when it comes to visiting the dentist. This is probably due myths about x-ray radiation. There are actually several popular myths about x-rays and your health that aren't true in the slightest, whether you're getting it at the dentist or the doctor. Here's a few of the most popular ones and why they aren't true. The origins of people's fears about radiation and radiation poisoning come from the documented fact that a nuclear explosion will emit radiation into the air. This radiation has been known to lead to mutations in humans and even to cause death. X-rays do emit a feeble radiation, and that's where most of these myths came from.

There actually is some truth in the belief that an x-ray will expose a person to radiation, and no radiation is technically good for you. The reality though is that the levels of radiation coming from an x-ray machine are infinitesimal. That means very, very small. The levels are actually too low to cause any damage. No radiation is good, but not all radiation is necessarily harmful, and you certainly won't be growing a third arm out of your back after your next visit to the dentist. Another myth is that x-rays are particularly harmful in the dentist's office because they are taking a picture of your teeth, and as such are extremely close to the head and the brain. Once again, any small amount of radiation emitted by an x-ray machine is too tiny to cause any damage, no matter what part of the body it is.

Many people are confused by comments made by articles in the news or by comments made by Dr. Oz. The studies that are being used are not only out-dated, but they are based on equipment that is no longer used in practices. Most dentists have switched to digital x-rays using cone beams that focus the x-ray to the specific site of the mouth that the dentist wants to view. These x-rays emit .150 mrad of exposure and an expecting mother would have to over 33,000 x-rays to do any harm to the unborn child.

The truth is, doctors need to have an accurate picture of your teeth and your dental alignment to make an informed decision. Without this picture, they would never be able to give you the proper care that you need to stay healthy. Dental work is not solely cosmetic; parts of the mouth connect to every part of the body, and poor dental health can lead to health problems in other areas as well. An x-ray is the best way to get an accurate picture of what is going on in there. There is a myth about breastfeeding women. An x-ray will have absolutely no effect on the breast milk. In fact, nursing mothers often undergo a host of tests including mammograms and x-rays to determine if they are in a proper state of health. Having an x-ray test done at the dentist is absolutely no different from any of these other tests. Hopefully this has cleared up some of the myths about x-rays and your health.

 Summer is the time for chocolates and lollipops, for cola and ice creams, for endless fun outdoors, and many other pleasant activities and foods. As a result, sometimes, tooth decay, various traumas and other problems can arise. That is why kid’s dental care is extremely important in this time of year. Dr. Dahlkempe r has created a list of the most essential tips for dental care for kids, which should be taken into account by every today’s mom and dad all through summer and further.

• Make your child eat special detergent foods on a regular basis. Such fruits as apples, carrots or pears, can work as a toothbrush: refresh and clean your child’s mouth after eating chocolate, candies and other sweet foods. The veggies and fruit rich in fiber can clean up food particles stored between child’s teeth, this way preventing tooth decay. Give your child such detergent foods after every meal.
• Let your child enjoy plenty of fresh fruit and veggies in summer. Try to make your child drink less of cola, soda or industrially manufactured juices as they are packed with harmful chemicals. Instead, let him drink healthy freshly squeezed fruit juices. Also, help your kid develop a habit   of rinsing his mouth after drinking any sort of juice.
• Have a variety of ready vegetable salads and sliced fruit for your kid. A great number of fruit and veggies are available in summer, and make your child choose healthy snacks instead of all those chips and chocolate bars.
• Help your child develop a habit of using a fluoride mouthwash to reduce chances of tooth decay. It is a very important element of every kid’s dental care. You can buy   special mouthwashes for little kids which will protect your child’s teeth from cavities. 
•  Allow your child using sugar-free chewing gums. Chewing for 10-15 minutes can help in cleaning the teeth, removing food particles, washing away dangerous dental bacteria and preventing tooth decay. Besides, chewing stimulates saliva production and can improve digestion. One more benefit of using chewing gums: as long as your child has it in his mouth, there are no calls for eating chips, chocolate bars or other unhealthy foods, which can affect kid’s dental health greatly.
• Do not forget about regular brushing. It is essential to develop this habit since the early childhood. Explain your child that toothpastes strengthen the tooth enamel, protect from tooth decay and many serious dental problems. Use soft brush for your kid’s dental care. Let your kid brush the teeth like you do, two times a day: in the morning before the breakfast, and in the evening before the bedtime. 

Below is a great article we found on Inside Dentistry about probiotics in dentistry. Dr. Dahlkemper is using this new form of treatment in her office to help alleviate patients prone to infection in the gums and teeth. It's easy to use, simply dissolve the pill on your tongue like a mint once a day! To find out more about its use in our office go to http://www.mycharlestonscdentist.com/Evora-Pro-Biotic.asp.

Whitening Toothpastes and Rinses—Can They Whiten Teeth?

There are many whitening toothpastes and rinses on the market that claim to whiten teeth. But are these claims true?

The answer is, "yes . . . and no."

Whitening gels contain peroxides that penetrate the tooth to whiten both intrinsic stains and extrinsic stains. Whitening toothpastes and rinses, on the other hand, primarily whiten extrinsic stains. Their main whitening ingredient is silica, which acts as a mild abrasive to remove any discoloration on the surface of the tooth.

So while a professional whitening gel with peroxide will be necessary to whiten deep stains, whitening toothpastes and rinses can be a great option for a patient with minimal surface stains, or for one who wants to maintain their bright, white smile long after a whitening treatment.

The combination of a tooth whitening procedure and whitening toothpastes and rinses will leave you with stunning white smiles that last!

And with Opalescence BOOST you can get that bright white smile in only 1 Hour!

Contact the office to schedule your whitening appointment!

843-884-6166

November 1st - 4th Annual Candy Buy Back - Save your candy after trick-or-treating and we will buy it back from you and donate it to our Troops Overseas - 3:30 - 6PM at the office!

November 3rd - Light the Night Walk for the Lymphoma & Leukemia Society - 7PM at the Mt. Pleasant Waterfront Park

Cracked Tooth Syndrome