Oral Cancer Screening: Did you know oral cancer is 1 of only 3 cancers increasing in incidence in this country? Someone dies every hour from oral cancer it it is responsible for more cancer deaths than skin and cervical cancer combined. The simple screening we perform as an integral part of your comprehensive and periodic. examinations is probably THE MOST IMPORTANT SERVICE DENTISTS PROVIDE. In just a few minutes we can simply and painlessly evaluate your oral tissues for suspicious areas that may require further investigation.

Dr. Nichols also does a careful evaluation of the outer portions of your mouth as well as areas of the neck for potential lumps and nodules that may be indicative of other disease processes.  In addition to horrible diseases like cancer, many systemic diseases like Lupus, diabetes, HIV and others, have oral manifestations both before and during larger more noticeable symptoms. Your oral examination is a critical component to evaluating your general health and we consider ourselves an essential member of your health care team.

We will work closely with your physician and other health care attendees to make sure we are all working together to help you maintain optimal wellness.

Certain foods we eat my seem good for you, but can cause serious damage to your teeth.  Personally, popcorn and sports drinks are at the top of the list in my practice.  It seems like once a month I see someone who has a horribly fractured tooth due to popcorn.  Here are some other examples of foods and drinks that can be bad for your smile.

Apples -  Apples are high in acid, are surprisingly hard on your enamel. While a daily apple may keep the doctor away, the acid might keep your dentist on speed dial. Eating apples is fine, just be sure to rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash shortly after.

Hard Candies -  Though you probably know the sugar in candy is a problem, hard candies are especially harmful because we tend to hold them in our mouths longer. Also be aware that cough drops are often made with sugar, so opt for the sugar-free brand if available.

Pickled Vegetables -  Pickles are made with vinegar, which is acidic, and often sugar as well. While the vegetables are healthy, the brine is can damage your teeth. Drinking water with your meal helps wash away acids and sugar, but remember to brush an hour later.

Bread -  Many breads contain sugar—especially processed white breads. Check the labels for any added sweeteners that will breed mouth bacteria. Bread is also sticky and gets between and behind your teeth.

Popcorn is notorious for getting stuck in your teeth, and the areas between your teeth will cultivate more bacteria for that reason. It’s okay to treat yourself to a bag of popcorn as long as you rinse with water and remember to floss and brush after.

Peanut Butter -  Peanut butter feeds bacteria and makes it easier for them to adhere to teeth. Look for natural peanut butters with no added sugars to lessen the problem.

Jelly -  Along with peanut butter, jelly or jam is loaded with sugar and quite sticky. Even the all-fruit brands contain natural sugars and encourage plaque and bacteria if not washed away soon.

Meat -  Meat tends to get stuck between your teeth, and some meat products contain sugar as a preservative. While the amount may not be very high, any food that sits between your teeth can promote tooth decay. Try chewing sugar-less gum after eating if you can’t brush right away.

Diet Soda -  Just because it doesn’t have sugar doesn’t mean your teeth are safe. The acidity of diet sodas is still extremely high, making it one of the worst products for your teeth.

Salad Dressing - More of a condiment than a food, salad dressings use vinegar and sugar for flavor. Salads should be a staple in anyone’s diet, but be careful of the dressings that can harm your smile.

The mouth's a funny thing. It's the source of one of the most beautiful things around - a smile - and also home to tons of bacteria. Maintaining a clean mouth isn't always easy, but there are definitely some things you can do to at home or work to keep your mouth fresh:

- Brush and floss daily

- See your dentist every six months

- Drink plenty of fluoridated water

- Maintain a well-balanced diet

Now let's a take a look at how these best practices for your mouth can do wonders for your mind and body.

Why Keep It Clean?

Your teeth and heart will stay in tip-top shape. Dental diseases like tooth decay and gum disease may seem inevitable, but they're not. Brushing, flossing and seeing your dentist regularly can all help keep dental diseases in check. And being free of dental disease is not only great for your mouth; it's great for the health of your heart,