Today’s dentists have training in multiple areas. Not only can they perform general, cosmetic, restorative, and endodontic procedures, but they can also assist patients with their oral health in other ways. In particular, modern technology has given dentists a unique tool to use in the search for abnormal tissues within the oral cavity. This device is known as the VELscope, and it is available in the comfort of a dentist’s office. VELscope detects cancer early in the mouths of dental patients who visit dentists with the proper equipment and training.
Three words that can be used to describe the examination include quick, painless, and effective. Taking only a few moments, VELscope detects cancer early on its development, providing the patient with plenty of time for treatment by a medical professional. Before you begin the process, you will receive eyewear designed to protect your retinas against the light that is used. You will also need to rinse your mouth with a special solution. Your dentist will hold the hand-held device near your open mouth in order to shine a specialized blue light into it. If VELscope detects cancer early enough, your recovery has a better chance of success.
If your dentist discovers abnormal mucosal tissues in your oral cavity, a biopsy is usually taken to identify the cells. In some cases where the results are questionable, you might simply be scheduled for a second oral cancer screening. Although VELscope detects cancer early, it can only do so if the patient comes into the office for the examination. It is important to come in for this next visit, because VELscope detects cancer early enough to give you a good opportunity to recover from it.
Scientific studies have shown that VELscope detects cancer early, while also having the ability to point out other mucosal abnormalities that can affect oral health. In particular, the following problems have been identified as being within VELscope’s capabilities of observation: bacterial infections, fungal infections, viral infections, lichen planus, lichenoid reactions, inflammatory lesions, salivary gland tumors, and squamous papillomas.
Healthy smiles are beautiful smiles. Here are a few simple tips that you can use to improve your oral hygiene and keep your smile healthy and radiant.
Everyone should see their dentist regularly to check for dental decay. The dentist can then take preventative action to stop the spread of decay and protect your teeth. Never put off having dental treatments as the problem will only get worse if it is less untreated.
Most people clean their teeth twice a day, but do not pay attention to how they brush. You should spend at least two minutes cleaning all surfaces of your teeth, including the backs, to prevent the build-up of plaque. If you have parts of your mouth that are difficult to reach with a brush, ask your dentist for advice.
Brushing your teeth every day is essential to prevent bacteria causing dental decay. But brushing alone does not remove all the bacteria from your teeth. You also need to floss to clean the spaces in between your teeth that the toothbrush can’t reach. Flossing takes just a few minutes per day, but it’s one of the most beneficial things you can do to keep your teeth healthy.
The foods you put into your mouth can have a big impact on its state of health. Too much sugar will send bacteria into a feeding frenzy. The toxins that the bacteria produce attack tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Try to limit sugary foods and drinks, particularly sodas which also contain harmful acids.
To keep your teeth white, try to cut down on foods that cause staining, such as coffee and red wine. Cigarettes will also stain your teeth, so consider quitting if you are a smoker.
When you suspect that you need to see a dentist, don’t put off making an appointment. Pain in your teeth and gums needs attention from a dentist. Make an appointment as soon as possible to avoid the need for more invasive treatment later on.
Whether you’re coming up to your fifteenth year anniversary or you have only been dating a week, Valentine’s Day has the potential to strike fear into the hearts of couples around the world. But not everyone, for those who have thought ahead and made plans can look forward to the most romantic day of the year. All it takes is a little preparation and creative thinking to come up with some great date ideas. If you don’t have the time to think of them, you’ve come to the right place. Here are five Valentine’s Day date ideas that are sure to knock the socks off your date!
If your date has always wanted to visit a European city like Rome, Paris or Dublin, but you can’t afford to travel there, you can always bring the city to your date! All it takes is a little effort and planning. Decorate your living room in the style of the city, while you dress in the national costume and cook the national cuisine for you date. Make sure to speak in the accent of your chosen city!
If you are in different countries, or for some other reason, cannot be with your Valentine for the special day, why not have a Skype date? Of course this is going to be a one of a kind Skype session because you’re going to go all out. Dress up in your best outfits and make sure you both have the same wine, or your drink of choice. Try to eat before the date, because attempting to eat seductively while on Skype may be one of the least romantic activities in the world! Pick a movie that has significance for both of you and watch it together while chatting through voice and text.
Volunteer at a homeless shelter or in the local community. While this is not romantic in the traditional sense, it can help to foster strong bonds between you and your date. It may be best for those who have been dating for a few years and have spent a few Valentine’s Days together. You will be sure to finish the day with a renewed appreciation for each other.
No matter how old they are, everyone remembers the most romantic scene from Lady and the Tramp, when they ate Spaghetti Bolognese in an alley behind an Italian restaurant. There is something essentially romantic about authentic Italian restaurants. You can’t beat sitting across from each other over a red and white chequered table cloth while a candle burns on top an old wine bottle in the middle of the table. This is a great date idea if you are still getting to know each other. Just make sure to book the table a few weeks in advance.
You can offer your services for all of Valentine’s Day. For one day and one day only, you are at your date’s beck and call. Make up a menu of services like tidying the bedroom or giving them a massage, painting the walls and what meal they would like for dinner. Tailor the services to make it a special experience for the two of you. You can guarantee this will be one Valentine’s Day your date will never forget!
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a stressful occasion. With a little bit of foresight and planning, and by using these date ideas, you can have a great day out that both of you will remember in years to come.
If you smoke, use poor or inconsistent brushing techniques, suffer from a dry mouth, grind your teeth during the night or have a diet that is especially high in sugar, you are likely to need to ask your dentist to treat a decaying tooth at some point in your life. However, there is more than one way in which one might treat a decaying tooth, and the approach taken to treat a decaying tooth will vary depending on the severity and cause of the decay.
If your dentist spots mild decay on a tooth, he may simply suggest that he treat the decaying tooth with a fluoride coating that can help to protect the tooth and prevent the decay from getting any worse.
If tooth decay has led to the development of a hole in your tooth, your dentist will most likely remove the decay and then use a filling to compensate for the hole and recreate the original shape of the tooth.
In more severe cases, your dentist may treat a decaying tooth that has caused nerve damage by opting to perform a root canal. This procedure will get rid of the nerve that has been damaged by decay, and the tooth can then be restored in a natural-looking way.
If your dentist thinks that your tooth is damaged beyond repair, he may suggest that the way to treat a decaying tooth of this type is to remove the tooth. Although you may be concerned about how this will look, it is important to realize that cosmetic dentistry is highly effective. Once you have been through the extraction required to treat a decaying tooth that is severely decayed, you can pursue options such as a bridge or an implant in order to hide the gap where the extracted tooth used to be.