Dangerous Duo: Cigarettes and Alcohol as Triggers of Oral Cancer

The vast majority of people can go to an oral/maxillofacial surgeon or other dental professional without any preparation. Then there are patients with specific heart conditions who must take antibiotics before invasive dental procedures. It’s called antibiotic prophylaxis.

The office of Westchester Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery & Implantology has a well-established reputation for providing high-quality care and compassionate oral/maxillofacial services. We are an excellent practice for the needs of your whole family. As the best resource for superior oral surgery, we provide the expert service you need and expect. 

The American Heart Association (AHA) has guidelines for patients who should take antibiotics before dental care. Here’s why: All of us have bacteria in our mouths—more than six billion kinds, and they include 700 varieties! Some strains of that bacteria are good (they promote health) while others are bad (they incite disease). Even common dental activities, such as chewing, brushing and flossing, can let bacteria slip into our bloodstreams. More than a few dental treatments—and even daily routines like chewing, flossing or vigorous brushing—can let bacteria into the bloodstream. 

Bacteremia is the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream. This isn’t a problem for those with healthy immune systems, which stop the bad bacteria from doing harm. But bacteremia is cause for concern for people with heart issues in that it can provoke an infection somewhere in the body. 

According to AHA guidelines, antibiotic prophylaxis should be considered for people with artificial heart valves; infective endocarditis (a history of an infection of the lining of the heart or heart valves); or a heart transplant that resulted in a problem with one of the valves. Antibiotic prophylaxis should also be taken into account for a dental patient who was born with a heart condition. 

Tell your oral/maxillofacial surgeon if you have a heart condition and about any medications you’re taking for it. Your surgeon can talk to your cardiologist or general physician about whether you would benefit from antibiotic prophylaxis.

We at the office of Westchester Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery & Implantology are enthusiastic about treating your oral health. In addition to our high-quality, comprehensive care, we have a welcoming, patient-focused environment in which each client will feel at ease. For more information about the many ways we can help you, call us today to schedule an appointment.

By Southern Connecticut Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery & Implantology

October 29, 2024

Smoking cigarettes is a popular pastime. Fathom this: In the United States, people light up 600 billion times annually. It’s common knowledge that tobacco use is the main cause of lung cancer. On another front, nearly a third of American adults are “excessive” drinkers; 10 percent of them are alcoholics. Heavy smokers and drinkers are 15 times more susceptible to oral cancers than people who don’t use both. The combined substantial use of alcohol and tobacco products (including smokeless tobacco) puts people at an especially high risk of contracting the disease.

An oral/maxillofacial surgeon is your go-to doctor to treat oral cancer, as well as perform surgeries on teeth, gums, jaws, and the oral and facial structures that surround them. This type of specialist must have exceptional hand-eye coordination and a keen eye for detail to perform delicate and precise procedures. Patients get those imperative qualities and so much more at the office of Westchester Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery & Implantology.

Tobacco and alcohol synergistically interact, increasing each other’s harmful effects. How alcohol affects the mouth is strategic to identifying how it works with tobacco to increase the chances of getting oral cancer. Alcohol dehydrates the cells on the inside soft tissues of the mouth. This demoisturizing increases the ability of tobacco’s carcinogens to penetrate those soft tissues. Chronic alcohol use often leads to poor dietary choices and skipping meals, both of which contribute to nutritional deficiencies. Heavy drinking can lower the body’s natural ability to use antioxidants to prevent cancers from forming. 

Quitting cigarettes and stopping or reducing drinking alcohol will have an immediate positive effect of lowering your chances of getting oral cancer. In 10 years, your chances will be as low as any other non-drinker/non-smoker.

Three sobering facts about oral cancer in the United States: 

• About 58,000 new cases are identified annually. 
• Every year, oral cancer causes the death of 9,750 people. 
• Oral cancer represents 2.2 percent of all cancer deaths. 

The office of Westchester Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery & Implantology takes pride in its outstanding service, attention to detail and friendly professionalism. No matter what your oral surgery needs are, you will receive excellent care and explanations of the best options available to you. We look forward to exceeding your high expectations. Please call us today for an appointment. 

By Southern Connecticut Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery & Implantology

September 30, 2024