Diagnosis

The following tests and procedures may be used:

Physical exam and history: An exam of the body to check general signs of health, including checking for signs of disease, such as swollen lymph nodes in the neck or anything else that seems unusual. The medical doctor or dentist does a complete exam of the mouth and neck and looks down the throat with a small, long-handled mirror to check for abnormal areas. A history of the patient’s health habits and past illnesses and treatments will also be taken.

PET-CT scan: A procedure that combines the pictures from a positron emission tomography (PET) scan and a computed tomography (CT) scan. The PET and CT scans are done at the same time with the same machine. The combined scans give more detailed pictures of areas inside the body than either scan gives by itself. A PET-CT scan may be used to help diagnose disease, such as cancer, plan treatment, or find out how well treatment is working.

CT scan (CAT scan): A procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, taken from different angles. The pictures are made by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. A dye is injected into a vein or swallowed to help the organs or tissues show up more clearly. This procedure is also called computed tomography, computerized tomography, or computerized axial tomography.

PET scan (positron emission tomography scan): A procedure to find malignant tumor cells in the body. A small amount of radionuclide glucose (sugar) is injected into a vein. The PET scanner rotates around the body and makes a picture of where glucose is being used in the body. Malignant tumor cells show up brighter in the picture because they are more active and take up more glucose than normal cells do.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): A procedure that uses a magnet, radio waves, and a computer to make a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body. This procedure is also called nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI).

Biopsy: The removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs of cancer. A fine-needle biopsy is usually done to remove a sample of tissue using a thin needle.

The following procedures may be used to remove samples of cells or tissue:

Endoscopy: A procedure to look at organs and tissues inside the body to check for abnormal areas. An endoscope is inserted through an incision (cut) in the skin or opening in the body, such as the mouth or nose. An endoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing. It may also have a tool to remove abnormal tissue or lymph node samples, which are checked under a microscope for signs of disease. The nose, throat, back of the tongue, esophagus, stomach, voice box, windpipe, and large airways will be checked. The type of endoscopy is named for the part of the body that is being examined.

Laryngoscopy: A procedure in which the doctor checks the larynx (voice box) with a mirror or with a laryngoscope. A laryngoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing.

Oral brush exam: A procedure in which the medical doctor or dentist uses a small brush to remove cells that may be cancer. The cells are checked under a microscope for signs of disease.

If cancer is found, the following test may be done to study the cancer cells:

HPV test: A laboratory test used to check the sample of tissue for certain types of HPV infection. This test is done because oropharyngeal cancer can be caused by the HPV virus.

The prognosis (chance of recovery) depends on the following:

The stage of the cancer.

The number and size of lymph nodes with cancer.

Whether the patient has HPV infection of the oropharynx.

Whether the patient has a history of smoking for more than ten pack years.

Oropharyngeal tumors related to HPV infection have a better prognosis and are less likely to recur than tumors not linked to HPV infection.

Treatment options depend on the following:

The stage of the cancer.

Keeping the patient’s ability to speak and swallow as normal as possible.

The patient’s general health.

Patients with oropharyngeal cancer have an increased risk of another cancer in the head or neck. This risk is increased in patients who continue to smoke or drink alcohol after treatment

Oropharyngeal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the oropharynx.

The oropharynx is the middle part of the pharynx (throat) behind the mouth.

It includes the following:

Back one-third of the tongue.

Soft palate.

Side and back walls of the throat.

Tonsils.

The pharynx is a hollow tube about 5 inches long that starts behind the nose and ends where the trachea (windpipe) and esophagus (tube from the throat to the stomach) begin. Air and food pass through the pharynx on the way to the trachea or the esophagus.

Oropharyngeal cancer is a type of head and neck cancer. Sometimes more than one cancer can occur in the oropharynx and in other parts of the oral cavity, nose, throat, larynx (vocal cords), trachea, or esophagus at the same time. Most oropharyngeal cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. Squamous cells are the thin, flat cells that line the inside of the oropharynx.

The most common risk factors for oropharyngeal cancer include the following:

Being infected with human papillomavirus (HPV).

Studies show the number of oropharyngeal cancers linked to HPV infection is increasing.

A history of smoking for more than 10 years.

Heavy alcohol use.

Signs and symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer include a lump in the neck and a sore throat.

These and other signs and symptoms may be caused by oropharyngeal cancer or by other conditions. Check with your doctor if you have any of the following:

A sore throat that does not go away.

Trouble swallowing.

Trouble opening the mouth fully.

Trouble moving the tongue.

Weight loss for no known reason.

Ear pain.

A lump in the back of the mouth, throat, or neck.

A change in voice.

Coughing up blood.

Sometimes oropharyngeal cancer does not cause early signs or symptoms

Mouthwash is used for a variety of reasons: to help freshen your breath, to help prevent or control tooth decay, to reduce plaque, to prevent or reduce gingivitis, to reduce the speed that tartar or hardened plaque forms on your teeth, or to produce a combination of these effects.

Bust was is really in your mouth wash?

Basic ingredients can include water, alcohol, cleansing agents, flavoring ingredients and coloring agents. Active ingredients vary depending on the type of mouthwash, but they can be placed into four general groups:

Antimicrobial agents act directly on oral bacteria to help reduce plaque to decrease the severity of gingivitis and control bad breath.

Fluoride helps reduce tiny lesions (tooth decay) on tooth enamel and make teeth more resistant to decay.

Astringent salts can serve as temporary deodorizers that mask bad breath.

Odor neutralizers act by chemically inactivating odor causing compounds.

What’s the difference between cosmetic and therapeutic mouthwashes?

Cosmetic mouthwash may temporarily control or reduce bad breath and leave the mouth with a pleasant taste. But they don’t deal with the causes of bad breath. They don’t kill the bacteria that cause bad breath or chemically inactivate odor causing compounds. Also, none of the cosmetic mouthwashes helps reduce plaque, gingivitis or cavities.

Therapeutic mouthwash, on the other hand, can help reduce plaque, gingivitis, cavities and bad breath. They can fight the bacteria present in plaque.  Plaque bacteria create toxins that can damage the gums. Plaque that is not removed with daily brushing and flossing can cause gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease. If plaque is allowed to continue to accumulate, gingivitis can progress to advanced gum disease, called periodontitis, which only a dentist can treat. Plaque can also turn into tartar (or calculus), a hard substance that can only be removed during a professional cleaning. Some therapeutic mouthwashes contain agents that either fight bad breath bacteria or that chemically inactivate odor causing compounds. Therapeutic mouthwash that contain fluoride help prevent or reduce tooth decay.

Do you really need a mouthwash?

The short answer is yes, in some cases you do.  Your dentist can advise you whether you need a mouthwash depending on your oral health needs. Rinsing helps remove debris from the mouth. It can be done before or after brushing.

Your dentist may recommend, using a mouthwash with fluoride or antimicrobial agents as part of your daily oral hygiene routine. But remember a mouth wash is not a substitute for brushing or flossing

For people with difficulty brushing and flossing, a mouthwash helps provide additional protection against cavities and periodontal (gum) disease. Anti-cavity rinses with fluoride help protect tooth enamel. You may also be prescribed a special rinse if you have had periodontal surgery

Home Care 101

Mouth sores will often go away on their own within 10 to 14 days, even if you don’t do anything, but sometimes they can last up to 6 weeks.

The following tips can make you feel better:

Avoid hot beverages and foods, including spicy, salty or citrus foods.

Gargle with salt water or cool water.

Eat fruit-flavored ice pops. This is helpful if you have a mouth burn.

Take pain relievers like acetaminophen, if necessary.

For canker sores:

Apply a thin paste of baking soda and water to the sore.

Mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 1 part water and apply this mixture to the sores using a cotton swab.

For more severe cases, treatments include fluocinonide gel), an anti-inflammatory, or special mouthwash.

Over-the-counter medications, such as Orabase, can protect a sore inside the lip and on the gums. Blistex may provide some relief of canker sores and fever blisters

especially if applied when the sore first appears. To help sooth cold sores or fever blisters, you can also apply ice to the sore.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your doctor if:

The sore begins soon after you start a new medication

You have large white patches on the roof of your mouth or your tongue (this may be thrush or another type of infection)

Your mouth sore lasts longer than 2 weeks

You have a weakened immune system (for example, from HIV or cancer)

You have other symptoms like fever, skin rash, drooling, or difficulty swallowing.

If you are experiencing any of these mouth sores or symptoms and would like a consultation contact us today at clinic@davincisdentalcare.com

If you have experienced cankers or cold sores, you know they can be painful and unsightly. They can occur anywhere in the mouth including: Bottom of the mouth, Inner cheeks, Gums, Lips and Tongue. But what causes them?

Mouth sores may be caused by irritation from:

A sharp or broken tooth or poorly fitting dentures

Biting your cheek, tongue, or lip

Burning your mouth from hot food or drinks

Braces

Chewing tobacco

Cold sores are caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus and are very contagious. Often, you will have tenderness, tingling, or burning before the actual sore appears. Cold sores usually begin as blisters and then crust over. The herpes virus can live in your body for years.

It only appears as a mouth sore when something triggers it, such as:

Another illness, especially if there is a fever

Hormone changes (such as menstruation)

Stress

Sun exposure

Canker sores are not contagious. They may look pale or yellow like an ulcer with a red outer ring. You may have one, or more at a time and for reason unexplained women seem to get them more than men.

The cause of canker sores is not clear. It may be due to:

A weakness in your immune system (for example, from the cold or flu)

Hormone changes

Stress

Lack of certain vitamins and minerals in the diet, including vitamin B12 or folate

Less commonly, mouth sores can be a sign of an illness, tumor, or reaction to a medication. This can include:

Autoimmune disorders

Cancer of the mouth

Infections such as hand foot mouth disease

Weakened immune system — for example, if you have AIDS or are taking medication after a transplant

Drugs that may cause mouth sores include aspirin, beta-blockers, chemotherapy medicines, penicillin, sulfa drugs, and phenytoin

Healthy teeth not only make you feel attractive, but they are crucial for your oval health and for performing everyday simple activities like eating an apple, smiling, speaking, and kissing.

When a tooth is missing, it creates more than just an aesthetic problem, you may experience significant psychological, functional and oral discomfort.

Missing teeth put pressure on the remaining teeth to work harder, which can increase the possibility of tooth decay, gum disease and crooked teeth.

The part of the jaw where the tooth is missing may recede, resulting in further tooth loss, bone loss and premature aging.

Even just one missing tooth can cause extreme damage to the rest of your mouth, it is recommended to replace missing teeth as soon as possible to avoid future dental problems caused by tooth loss. The sooner you see a dentist, the better!

Causes of missing teeth may include:

Accidents

Bad genes

Cavities

Periodontitis

SO YOU HAVE A MISSING TOOTH YOU NEED TO GET FIXED…WHAT’S THE SOLUTION?

Replacing missing teeth today is not a complicated or as expensive as you would expect. Dental technology has advanced greatly in the past decade.

Missing teeth can now be replaced in functional as well as appealing ways.

A tooth replacement with a Dental Implant is the best for a natural-looking and long-term solution. Implants can be used to replace one or several missing teeth. This process is usually completed in two stages over a average of 6 to 8 months.

A Dental Bridge can an excellent solution for one or more missing teeth.  They literally bridge the gap between one tooth and another and use your natural teeth as anchors. There are various types of Dental Bridges to choose from depending on your needs. This process can be completed within 10 days and a couple of visits to the dental office.

If you have a missing tooth, and want more information about your best replacement options, contact our International Patient Coordinator at clinic@davincisdentalcare.com

TOOTH DECAY

To put it simply, Tooth Decay is the result of an infection with certain types of bacteria that use sugars in food to make acids. Over time, these acids can make a cavity in the tooth.

When a tooth is exposed to acid frequently — for example, when you eat or drink foods and beverages containing high sugar and starches on a regular basis — the repeated cycles of acid attacks cause the enamel to continue to lose minerals. A white spot may appear where minerals have been lost, this is an early sign of Tooth decay and can be stopped or reversed at this point. Enamel can repair itself by using minerals from saliva, and fluoride from toothpaste or other sources. When the tooth decay process continues, more minerals are lost over time and the enamel is weakened and destroyed, forming a cavity.

A cavity is permanent damage that a dentist has to repair with a filling.

TREATING TOOTH DECAY

Treatment for tooth decay depends greatly on how advanced the decay is.

Early detection is the key to keeping decay from spreading, if your decay is in the early stages, a fluoride varnish applied to the area will stop further decay and help your tooth naturally repair itself.

If decay has worn away your enamel and led to a cavity, the soft decay will need to be removed and replaced with a filling to seal the hole in the tooth.

If the nerve in the middle of your tooth is damaged, you may need a root canal treatment, which removes the nerve and damaged tissues, and is then restored with a filling or crown.

If the tooth is so badly damaged it cannot be restored, it may need to be completely removed.

Early detection of decay ensures you can stop and or reverse the damage and this is not only good for your overall health, it is good on your pocket book as well!

If you think you have a decay or a cavity and would like a consultation for your best treatment options contact us at clinic@davincisdentalcare.com

Did you know, according to scholars and historians, Braces date back to ancient times?

400-300 BC in fact, Hippocrates and Aristotle both contemplated ways to straighten teeth and fix various dental conditions. Archaeologists have discovered numerous mummified ancient individuals with what appear to be metal bands wrapped around their teeth. Catgut, a type of cord made from the natural fibers of an animal’s intestines, performed a similar role to today’s orthodontic wire in closing gaps in the teeth and mouth.  The Etruscans buried their dead with dental appliances in place to maintain space and prevent collapse of the teeth during the afterlife. A Roman tomb was found with a number of teeth bound with gold wire documented as a ligature wire, a small elastic wire that is used to affix the arch wire to the bracket.

Dental Braces (also known as orthodontic braces, or braces) are devices used in orthodontics that align and straighten your natural teeth and help to reposition them with regard to your bite, while also working to help improve your overall dental health.

They are often used to correct an under bite, as well as malocclusions, over bites, cross bites, crooked teeth, and various other flaws of the natural teeth and jaw.

Braces can be used for either cosmetic or structural purposes.

Today, many people travel to Costa Rica for Dental Braces. The placement of Braces in Costa Rica can be considerably less on the budget and regular monthly maintenance  treatments can be carried out with your Local Dental Team.

Interested in learning more about whether Braces are right for you

Contact our International Patient Coordinator at clinic@davincisdentalcare.com

So you think you have Gingivitis…now what?

Treatment of Gingivitis

Prompt treatment usually reverses the symptoms of gingivitis and prevents its progression to more serious gum disease, tooth loss and over loss of health.

Effective treatment requires professional Dental care followed by stepped up oral hygiene at home.

Professional gingivitis care includes:

• An initial evaluation

• Your initial professional evaluation will include a thorough cleaning with use of dental instruments to remove all traces of plaque and tartar — a procedure known as scaling.

• Instruction on effective home brushing and flossing techniques

• Regular professional checkups and cleaning

• Dental Restorations, if required; fixing crowns or fillings that make good oral hygiene difficult

• Misaligned teeth or poorly fitting crowns, bridges or other dental restorations irritate your gums and make it harder for you to remove plaque during daily home care.

If problems with your teeth or dental restorations contribute to your gingivitis, your dentist may recommend fixing these problems.

Gingivitis usually clears up after a thorough professional cleaning — as long as you continue good oral hygiene at home. Your dentist will help you plan an effective at-home program.

To book a consultation today contact our International Patient Coordinator atclinic@davincisdentalcare.com and see for yourself the DaVinci Difference!

Gingivitis is a form of gum disease (periodontal disease) that causes irritation, redness and swelling (inflammation) of your gums.

Gingivitis is common, and anyone can develop it. Many people first experience gum problems during puberty and then in varying degrees throughout life.

Gingivitis can be mild so you may not be aware that you have the condition.

Signs and symptoms of gingivitis include:

Swollen gums

Soft, puffy gums

Receding gums

Occasionally, tender gums

Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss, sometimes seen as redness or pinkness on your brush or floss

A change in the color of your gums from a healthy pink to dusky red

Bad breath

It’s important to take gingivitis seriously and treat it promptly as untreated gingivitis can progress to gum disease that spreads to underlying tissue and bone (periodontitis), a much more serious condition that can lead to tooth loss. Studies have shown that Periodontitis may also adversely affect your overall health.

Diagnoses of gingivitis is based on symptoms and an examination of your teeth, gums, mouth and tongue. Your dentist will look for plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth and check your gums for redness, puffiness and easy bleeding. If it’s not clear what has caused your gingivitis, your dentist may recommend that you get a medical evaluation to check for underlying health conditions. The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene. Good oral health habits, such as drinking lots of water, proper diet and of course brushing at least twice a day for two minutes and flossing daily are essential.

Stay tuned for our next blog article featuring treatment for Gingivitis.

Contact our International Patient Coordinator at clinci@davincisdentalcare.com for all your questions on Gingivitis and how to treat it effectively.

Experience the DaVinci Difference!

Bad breath… can it be reversed and what can you do to prevent it?

The simple answer is yes it can be reversed and is preventable!

Bad breath can easily be reduced or prevented if you:

Practice good oral hygiene.Brush twice a day for a minimum of 2 minutes to remove food debris and plaque.Brush teeth after you eat (keep a toothbrush at work or school to brush after lunch).Don’t forget to brush the tongue, too.Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months and immediately after an illness.Use floss or an interdental cleaner to remove food particles and plaque between teeth once a day before bed.Dentures should be removed at night and cleaned thoroughly before being placed in your mouth the next morning.See your dentist regularly every 4 to 6 months. We will conduct an oral exam and complete a professional teeth cleaning, detect and treat periodontal disease, dry mouth, or other problems that may be the cause of bad mouth odor.Stop smoking and chewing tobacco-based products. Ask your dentist for tips on kicking the habit.Drink lots of water. This will keep your mouth moist.Keep a log of the foods you eat. If you think they may be causing bad breath, bring the log to your dentist to review. Similarly, make a list of the medications you take as some drugs may play a role in creating mouth odors.

Come in for a professional consultation and cleaning today and experience the DaVinci Difference!

We all worry about it and at some point we all have it … Bad breath!!

Medically called halitosis, it can result from poor dental health habits and may be a sign of other health problems too.

Bad breath can also be made worse by the types of foods you eat and other unhealthy lifestyle habits.

How Does What You Eat Affect Breath?

Basically, all the food eaten begins to be broken down in your mouth. As foods are digested and absorbed into the bloodstream, they are eventually carried to your lungs and given off in your breath. If you eat foods with strong odors (such as garlic or onions), brushing and flossing — even mouthwash — merely covers up the odor temporarily. The odor will not go away completely until the foods have passed through your body.

Why Do Poor Habits Cause Bad Breath?

If you don’t brush and floss teeth daily, food particles can remain in your mouth, promoting bacterial growth between teeth, around the gums, and on the tongue. This causes bad breath. Antibacterial mouth rinses also can help reduce bacteria.

Smoking or chewing tobacco-based products also can cause bad breath, stain teeth, reduce your ability to taste foods, and irritate your gums.

What Health Problems Are Associated With Bad Breath?

Did you know that persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth may be a warning sign of gum (periodontal) disease?

Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque on teeth, when bacteria causes the formation of toxins to form, which in turn irritate the gums.

If gum disease continues untreated, it can damage further damage to the gums, jawbone and overall health.

Other dental causes of bad breath include poorly fitting dental appliances, yeast infections of the mouth, and dental caries (cavities).

The medical condition dry mouth (also called xerostomia) also can cause bad breath. Saliva is necessary to moisten the mouth, neutralize acids produced by plaque, and wash away dead cells that accumulate on the tongue, gums, and cheeks. If not removed, these cells decompose and can cause bad breath. Dry mouth may be a side effect of various medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous breathing through the mouth.

Many other diseases and illnesses may cause bad breath. Here are some to be aware of: respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis, chronic sinus infections, postnasal drip, diabetes, chronic acid reflux, and liver or kidney problems.

Stay tuned for our blog on Bad Breath Prevention.

Want more information on this and other blog articles contact our International Patient Coordinator at clinic@davincisdentalcare.com