Oral Cancer
What is HPV?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common virus groups in the world. There are many different types of HPV, and the health risk varies depending upon the type of virus. While some types of HPV are low-risk and may cause skin lesions such as warts, there are other HPV types that are classified as high-risk. These high-risk HPV types may cause an HPV infection that may lead to cancer, for example, medical research shows that certain high-risk types of HPV are linked to approximately 90% of cervical cancers. Similarly, recent studies show that these same high-risk types cause cancers of the mouth, tongue, tonsils and throat areas. Along with excessive smoking and alcohol consumption, specific types of oral HPV are now considered to be a separate and serious risk factor for developing cancer in the head and neck regions.
The OraRisk HPV TEST
We can perform this easy test as a part of your routine oral health exam. The test uses a sterile saline rinse to determine if an oral HPV infection is present.
Xylitol
“Xylitol is a delicious sweetener that promotes oral health. Xylitol naturally eliminates harmful bacteria in the mouth while simultaneously protects and strengthens teeth.” Dr. Ellie Phillips has firsthand experience of xylitol as a tool for dental health. She consults online and lectures about oral care and prevention of dental disease. The Power of Xylitol explains how adding a little xylitol to the diet can resolve dental issues in a painless and miraculous way.
Xylitol can improve any one’s oral health-even people with naturally good teeth. Dental disease can be controlled with a small amount of xylitol (less than 2 teaspoons daily) and xylitol will stop plaque forming on teeth.
The benefits of xylitol are numerous and include:
- Prevent and even heal cavities
- Reduce plaque
- Strengthen and repair soft teeth
- Improve bad breath
- Benefit newly erupting teeth
“Xylitol has been used for over fifty years in Europe, Scandinavia and Asia for baking, cooking and to sweeten coffee and tea. Granular xylitol looks and tastes like sugar, but it has 40 percent fewer calories. Hundreds of studies have confirmed the safety and dental health benefits of xylitol.”
For more information, visit www.ThePowerofXylitol.com Phillips, Ellie, DDS, Sound Concepts, The Power of Xylitol, (2008)
If you have any questions regarding this information, please feel free to contact our office to schedule an appointment with the details below.
North Shore Center for Cosmetic Dentistry
293 Humphrey Street
Swampscott, MA 01907
Office : (781) 599-8300
Fax : (781) 593-5440
E-mail : info@northshoredentist.com
