Oral Cancer and Alcohol

Holmdel’s Dr. Dipika Shah has been part of the care team for many oral cancer patients. In order to help prevent more people from getting this disease, we at our dental office wanted to pass along the findings of a new report by the American Society of Clinical Oncologists (ASCO) which found a connection between oral cancer and alcohol.

Many people are unaware of the fact that alcohol is a contributor to cancer, but the ASCO found that alcohol is the cause of about 5-6% of new cancer cases each year. That statistic included cancer in the oral cavity and the esophagus. In fact, oral cancer, unlike liver cancer, is something drinkers are at increased risk for even if they only use alcohol in moderation. The type of alcohol consumed (hard liquor vs. beer and wine) did not appear to have any impact, but the risk was heightened if the patient also smoked. Because so many people are unaware that alcohol is carcinogenic, many of them continue to drink alcohol after being diagnosed with cancer and oral chemotherapy is often compromised as a result. We provide oral cancer screenings at Dr. Shah’s office at every dental check-up visit and help our patients to manage medication side-effects such as dry mouth, but we hope this information will lead to fewer cases and better outcomes.

Dr. Dipika Shah, Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, operates at 723 N Beers St, Suite 2F, Holmdel, New Jersey, 07733-1512. To schedule an appointment, call 732-264-8180 or visit Dentist NJ and fill out a contact form.

Children's Dental Health Month

Dr. Dipika Shah of Holmdel is proud to run a family dental office that provides compassionate, well-informed care to children. Every February, the American Dental Association celebratesChildren’s Dental Health Month along with many volunteer dentists, their staff, and dental suppliers. This year’s theme is the use of fluoridated toothpaste.

Fluoridation provides teeth with more robust defense against the acid produced by oral bacteria. People who drink fluoridated water have better dental health than those who drink well water, and the topical fluoride treatments we provide reduce children’s chances of developing caries. However, it is still important for them to brush regularly. Decay in baby teeth is painful and has an adverse impact on children’s sleeping, eating,  speech development and affects permanent tooth that develops underneath the baby tooth. Additionally, brushing their teeth is often the first thing children learn to do to care for their own health and helps to get them into a lifetime of good habits.

Brushing should be done for two minutes per session with a soft-bristled toothbrush and should be done on every tooth surface, as well as the tongue.  Additional fluoride supplements should not be given to children, as it may cause their teeth may develop white patches. Dentists give topical fluoride and make sure that child does not swallow it thereby getting the best benefit. Dr. Dipika Shah, Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, operates at 723 N Beers St, Suite 2F, Holmdel, New Jersey, 07733-1512. To schedule an appointment, call 732-264-8180 or visit Dentist NJ and fill out a contact form.

Mini Dental Implants

If missing teeth have you frowning, more than smiling, Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS has the solution. Dental implants are an excellent way to aesthetic repair a tooth while restoring it back to its natural function. In her Holmdel, NJ, office, Dr. Shah utilizes regular and mini-implants. Mini dental implants are a cost-efficient alternative to regular dental implants and also requires less surgery so it can be a good alternative for patients with some of the medical conditions where regular implants may be higher risk.  To determine if mini-implants are right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Shah.  

Mini dental implants make placement much easier since they are small in diameter. They are ideal for a patient who is looking to replace missing teeth but doesn’t want to go through the process of invasive implant surgery. Mini dental implants have the same structure as regular dental implants but are smaller in form. Additionally, they can still provide a sturdy foundation for replacement teeth, such as bridges and fixed crowns.

If you have questions or concerns about dental implants or restorative dentistry, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.dentistnj.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS in our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180.