Oral cancer

An example of an oral cancer-squamous cell carcinoma

Introduction

Oral or mouth cancers are any tumours that grows anywhere in the mouth. They are often associated with tobacco use. It is a condition of concern because some oral cancers are fatal if not detected and treated early, such as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which is due to uncontrolled proliferation of the squamous cells. Almost all oral cancers begin in the flat cells (squamous cell) that cover the surfaces of the mouth, tongue, and lips.

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Bald tongue

A smooth tongue is also known as Atrophic glossitis, bald tongue or Moeller glossitis. ‘Atrophic glossitis‘ is a condition where one’s tongue turns a different shade of color, swelling in the process. The inflammation is brought on due to many factors, which we will look into later. Small protruding vertical structures, called papillae, are not present anymore, giving the tongue a smooth and bald look. Due to this problem, one can have difficulty eating, and taking in air, as this starts to block one’s airway. We find out what is behind this problem, and how it can be treated upon examination. Continue reading →

Care of Mouth After Tooth Extraction

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Teeth extractions are usually done to relieve dental pain or remove loose teeth. However even though your initial problem is solved, you have to take care of the tooth socket which the tooth was extracted or further complications may follow.

Post-operative care instructions would normally be provided by the dentist, in which you will have to follow. If there are any complications after your tooth extraction, always consult your dentist. Do not wait till the problem worsen. Continue reading →

Types of papillae on tongue

Taste buds contain the receptors for taste. They are located around the small structures on the upper surface of the tongue, soft palate, upper esophagus and epiglottis, which are called papillae. These structures are involved in detecting the five (known) elements of taste perception: salty, sour, bitter, sweet, and umami. Via small openings in the tongue epithelium, called taste pores, parts of the food dissolved in saliva come into contact with taste receptors. These are located on top of the taste receptor cells that constitute the taste buds. The taste receptor cells send information detected by clusters of various receptors and ion channels to the gustatory areas of the brain via the seventh, ninth and tenth cranial nerves. Continue reading →

Dental Treatments to Avoid When You Are Pregnant Part 2

Continued from Part 1

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Dental treatment is best carried out during the second trimester, but advanced restorative procedures are probably best postponed until the state of the gums improves after giving birth and prolonged sessions of treatment are better tolerated. In the second and third trimesters the fetus is growing and maturing but can still be affected by infections, drugs and possibly other factors. In the third trimester the supine hypotension syndrome may result if the pregnant woman is laid flat. The person should therefore be put on one side to allow blood return to recover. Some pregnant women also have a hypersensitive gag reflex. Elective dental care should be avoided in the last month of pregnancy, as it is uncomfortable for the patient. Moreover premature labor or even abortion may also be attributed, without justification, to dental treatment. Continue reading →

What is Obturation in Root Canal Therapy? Part 2

According to Grossman

-Lateral condensation method
-Vertical condensation method
-Sectional method
-Compaction method (mcSpadden)
-Metal-core obturation
-Silver-cone method
-Stainless steel file method
-Chemically plasticized gutta-percha
-Injection techniques of obturating canals
-Hydron
-Thermo-plasticized gutta-percha method
-Obtura II, Ultrafil

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White sponge naevus

White sponge nevus (WSN), also known as Cannon’s disease, Hereditary leukokeratosis of mucosa and White sponge nevus of Cannon, is an autosomal dominant skin condition. Although congenital in most cases, it can first occur in childhood or adolescence. Continue reading →

Dental Treatments to Avoid When You Are Pregnant Part 1

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Pregnancy is a major event in any woman’s life and is associated with physiological changes affecting especially the endocrine, heart and blood systems and often attitude, mood or behavior. Therefore pregnant women should take extra care during this period to avoid any circumstances that could harm their fetuses, including certain dental treatments. Continue reading →

Removable orthodontic appliances

Orthodontic treatment can be divided into:

i) Removable orthodontic appliances

ii) Fixed appliances (braces)

iii) Orthognatic surgery

Fixed orthodontic appliance

We will be focusing on removable orthodontic appliances in this article.

Firstly, you may want to know what are the types of movement involved in orthodontics and the amount of force required for that movement of a single tooth: Continue reading →