diet

Every hour of every day, someone in North America dies of oral cancer, the sixth most common diagnosed form of the disease. The five-year survival rate is only 50 percent, and oral cancer is one of the few cancers whose survival rate has not improved.

This grim statistic may make you think that oral cancer is a particularly deadly form, when in fact the high death rate has more to do with how late in its development oral cancer is detected. Routine screening is the key to early detection and survival, and in our continuing efforts to provide the most advanced technology and highest quality care available to our patients at Wortzel Integrative Dental Care, we proudly screen our patients for oral cancer.

So, who’s at risk for oral cancer?

Anyone can develop oral cancer, but some people are at a higher risk. These high-risk groups include those over the age of 50 and men, who are twice as likely as women to develop the disease. Smoking or chewing smokeless tobacco products, consuming alcohol excessively, and constant exposure to the sun at a young age are also risk factors.

How is oral cancer detected?

Dr. Robert Wortzel and our team at Wortzel Integrative Dental Care suggest our patients perform a monthly self-examination to check for unusual red or white patches, sores, lumps, or thickenings anywhere inside the mouth, on the lips, or in the throat and neck area.

We encourage you to give us a call at our convenient Mountainside, NJ office if you find any of these symptoms or if you have trouble swallowing or experience a chronic sore throat and hoarseness. During your visit, Dr. Robert Wortzel will inspect the oral tissues and neck to determine if abnormalities are present.

What happens if oral cancer is detected?

If we discover abnormal tissues during your visit, a biopsy will be required. The results from the biopsy will be sent to a laboratory to determine if the cells are cancerous or precancerous. If a diagnosis of cancer is made, surgery, as well as treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation may be necessary. Dr. Robert Wortzel and our team will work closely with your oncologist and other members of your medical team to ensure that you achieve the best possible oral health care both during and after treatment.

Finding out you have oral cancer can be devastating news. If you are concerned that you might be at risk for developing oral cancer, talk to us about screenings and other things you can do to reduce your risk. Through a routine visual inspection, Dr. Robert Wortzel and our team at Wortzel Integrative Dental Care can often detect premalignant abnormalities and cancer at an early stage when treatment is both less expensive and more successful, and can potentially save your life. Ask us about a screening during your next visit!

When most people think of complications of diabetes, they think of an increased risk of blindness, limb amputation, heart disease, and neuropathy. However, Dr. Robert Wortzel and our team want you to know that emerging research is revealing a possible connection between uncontrolled diabetes and dental problems. Whether you have type 2 diabetes or type 1, uncontrolled high blood glucose level increases the risk of certain oral health conditions, including:

• Cavities
• Tooth decay
• Gingivitis (early gum disease)
• Periodontal disease (advanced gum disease)

Diabetes and proper dental care

If you have diabetes, it is more important than ever to take your dental care seriously and practice excellent oral hygiene. These recommendations will help:

1. Manage your diabetes. First and foremost, it is vital to control your high blood sugar in accordance with your physician’s instructions — not only for the sake of your oral health, but your overall health. With properly controlled blood sugar, you reduce your risk of developing gingivitis and other oral health issues.
2. Practice good at-home oral hygiene. This means brushing at least twice a day AND flossing. At a minimum, brush your teeth in the morning and at night, but after meals and snacks if you can. Use a soft toothbrush to avoid injuring your gums. Don’t neglect flossing, because it helps to remove plaque below the gumline and between teeth.
3. Visit the dentist regularly. While it is important to see the dentist every six months even if you don’t have diabetes, it is even more crucial to have a professional teeth cleaning and dental exam if you have the disease. As dental professionals, our team at Wortzel Integrative Dental Care is able to detect early dental conditions before they develop into something more serious and costly.
4. Tell your dentist that you have diabetes. If you were recently diagnosed with diabetes, be sure to let us know as soon as possible, and remind us at every appointment.
5. Be conscientious about examining your own gums and teeth. By looking for early signs of gum disease, which can include bleeding gums, irritated gums, gums that are red (versus a healthy pink), or swelling, we can get started on treatment right away.

Managing diabetes takes effort, not only in watching your diet, exercising, monitoring your blood sugar levels, and taking your medication, but obtaining proper dental care.

To learn more about the link between diabetes and oral health, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert Wortzel, please give us a call at our convenient Mountainside, NJ office!

This week we are sharing our recipe for some delicious chickpea crabcakes! What are your favorite healthy eating recipes? Be sure to share them with us on Facebook!

Ingredients:
1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked for about 8 hours and drained
1 ½ cups yellow onion, roughly chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
½ cup fresh cilantro and/or parsley (roughly chopped)
½ tsp baking powder
2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
1/8 tsp cayenne
½ tsp dry mustard
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ cup vegetable oil
Whole grain buns

Method:

• In a food processor, pulverize the soaked & drained chickpeas using “pulse” function until beans form a paste that sticks together when you squeeze it in your hand.  Be careful not to over process:  it it’s too smooth, the batter will fall apart when cooking.
• Add the rest of the ingredients (except the oil) and combine using the “pulse” function approximately 12 times; batter will be somewhat grainy and speckled with herbs.
• Shape into patties using a 1/3 cup measure and refrigerate until firm (about 30 minutes)
• Preheat oven to 350.  In a shallow 12 inch skillet, heat ¼ cup of the oil over medium-high heat.  Gently place the patties into the hot oil in small batched and fry first side until golden brown, about 3 minutes.  Gently trun and fry 2^nd side the same way.
• place on paper towels for a few moments to absorb any excess oil, then place on baking dish for 10-15 minutes.
• Serve on a bun with cocktail sauce or your favorite condiment

Makes 8 entrée-size patties

Nutrition per patty:  343 calories, 39 gr carbohydrates, 9 g protein, 17 g fat (2 g saturated), 0 mg cholesterol, 5 fiber, 542 sodium.

Source:  from The Meat Lover’s Meatless Cookbook by Kim O’Donnel

At Integrative Dental Care you may already be familiar with our "whole person" approach to oral and overall healthcare. We believe this helps our patients live longer, healthier, and enhances the quality of your life.

As part of our efforts to encourage healthy eating habits, we wanted to share this delicious whole grain pinwheel recipe with you. Please feel free to share your recipes with us on Facebook!

Pinwheels

Ingredients:

• 1 Pk. Multi-Grains Wraps (6)
• 1 tub (8 oz.) cream cheese ( Vegan substitute- Tufutti imitation cream cheese)
• Cranberry fruit spread
• 1 Cup brown rice (cooked)
• 2 cups Ganola with dried berries and nuts
• 2 very ripe bananas (sliced thin)
• Wheat Germ

Method:

1. Spread cream cheese followed by fruit spread and remaining ingredients on wraps in thin layers
2. Roll wrap loosely
3. Using a sharp knife, slice into 1 inch wide pinwheels
4. Secure with fancy toothpicks