Michael Douglas on his battle with oral cancer, and its rise in young nonsmokers.

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• Oral cancer: an important topic that deserves your attention.

If you’ve been following us online or via email, you already know that we’re big supporters of oral cancer prevention. April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month and a good opportunity to remind you of the dangers of this very common disease, and the importance of early detection.

Oral cancer kills one person per hour, every hour of the day.
Oral cancer continues to be the eighth-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The statistics have not changed: every hour of every day, one American dies of oral cancer. Countless others are left disfigured, because stopping this cancer often involves removing parts of the jaw, throat, and mouth.

Who’s at risk? Anybody and everybody.
It used to be that the typical oral cancer patient was between the ages of 50 to 70 with a history of tobacco use or heavy alcohol consumption. While we still see patients fitting this profile, the large majority of oral cancer cases now occur in younger people without these risk factors.

It’s now known that the human papilloma virus (HPV) is the primary cause of oral cancer, and the virus is responsible for a five-fold increase in oral cancers over the last decade. Although a vaccine exists, many adults still come in contact with HPV, which can remain in the system for years.

Screening for oral cancer.
Because oral cancer is so common, it’s very important that all adult and sexually active patients get screened for it at least once a year. At our office, we employ state-of-the-art VELscope technology, which can detect oral cancer at its earliest stages.

A VELscope screening is quick and painless. We shine a special blue light in the mouth, which allows us to see tiny abnormalities invisible to the naked eye. If we spot something unusual, we can perform a brush biopsy or refer you to a doctor for further testing.

In addition to VELscope screenings, we also offer the OraRisk HPV test, an advanced genetic test that checks for the presence of the HPV virus.

Detected early, oral cancer has close to a 90 percent survival rate. And you should know that unlike other cancers, this cancer is most often first diagnosed by a dentist. So if you haven’t seen us in awhile, call (425) 223-4854 to schedule your exam and oral cancer screening today.

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• Celebrities speak out about oral cancer.

Need a refresher course on oral hygiene? Check out our video for a lesson on proper brushing and flossing techniques.

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• Choosing a Toothbrush

Which toothbrush is best?

Up until recently, shoppers didn’t have much choice when it came to toothbrushes. But now there is a bewildering array of products to clean your teeth. In this month’s newsletter, I will discuss criteria for choosing a toothbrush and the advantages of each type available.

Manual toothbrushes, the old standby.
Even if you use a powered toothbrush at home, chances are you keep a few manual brushes on hand to use at the office, the gym, or while traveling. A soft-bristled brush is the best choice for most people. Harder bristles, combined with over-vigorous brushing, can damage tooth enamel. Also, be wary of dollar store brushes, whose bristles may have rough tips that can be hard on the gums. Look for the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Approval on any toothbrush you buy. And remember to replace the brush every three months, or whenever it looks frayed.

Electric or powered toothbrushes.
These brushes range from simple battery-powered models to sophisticated sonic toothbrushes, which I’ll get to later in this post. Many people find powered brushes easier and more fun to use, especially children and those with arthritis or wrist injuries. If a powered brush motivates you to brush more frequently, it’s worth the extra money.

Powered brushes can also make it easier to clean teeth with braces or other orthodontic appliances. And some studies suggest that with long-term use (four to six months), they can reduce your risk of developing gingivitis. They’re also better at removing superficial stains from teeth. But resist the temptation to push down hard, because excess pressure can be damaging to the enamel and gums. As with any toothbrush, look for soft bristles and the ADA seal, and beware of off-brand, bargain-basement models.

Sonic toothbrushes, our recommended option.
These brushes operate on the same principle as regular electric toothbrushes, but instead of humming along at 2,500 to 6,000 strokes per minute, they vibrate around 30,000 to 40,000 strokes per minute. At our practice, we recommend sonic brushes (especially the Sonicare and OralB brands) because of their superior cleaning ability. The intense vibration of a sonic brush pushes water and toothpaste into the areas between the teeth and gum line, helping you clean your mouth more thoroughly than a regular electric toothbrush. In addition, many patients report that their teeth feel better after using a sonic brush, and many are motivated to brush more frequently to justify the expense involved.

If you use a sonic brush, you still must remember not to push down too hard, and to replace the brush head regularly.

And remember, self-care is only a part of good oral hygiene. Regular professional cleanings are also important, so if you’re due for yours, give us a call to schedule an appointment.

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• Dental Care 101

Katie, Dental Hygienist

For the past 8 years, Kirkland native Katie has been a member of Dr. Koczarski’s hygiene team, performing dental cleanings and periodontal treatments, restorative fillings, and educating patients on the importance of good oral self-care.

Dental education is her passion. “I really enjoy the moment when I see the light go on in a patient’s eyes,” she says. “This tells me they ‘get it,’ which is a great feeling for a hygienist.”

Before beginning her career in dentistry, Katie worked in public health as an assistant in a mobile children’s clinic. Now, she has her hands full with two daughters of her own, including a new baby born in the fall of 2012. Katie manages to juggle career and family life with the help of her husband Phillip, along with her mother and sister, who live on the same block.

When she’s not helping patients, Katie enjoys spending time with her family and catching a few zzz’s when she can. “I feel very sleep deprived,” says this new mom. “Sleep is what inspires me.”

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• Dr. K’s Kissability Quiz

February is the month of love, and whether you’re happily coupled up or single and looking, you’ll want your kisses to be as sweet as you are.

Wondering how your smooches stack up? Take this fun quiz to see if you’re on the right track toward a kissable smile. Give yourself one point for every YES answer.

1. 1. Do you floss every single day? (YES/NO) When you skip flossing, you’re skipping over about 40% of your tooth surfaces, leaving them vulnerable to odor-producing bacteria. Everyday flossers are more likely to have fresh breath.
2. 2. Do you keep your tongue clean? (YES/NO) Oral bacteria and food debris can accumulate on the tongue, too. While you don’t need to clean it every day, an occasional brushing or scraping can help gunk from building up. Use a little toothpaste or mouth rinse for extra freshening power.
3. 3. Do you drink eight glasses of water a day? (YES/NO) If you forget to drink your water, your mouth can dry out, which is definitely not kiss-friendly. Plus, drinking water helps wash away bacteria from the mouth in between brushings.
4. 4. Do you avoid black coffee and tea? (YES/NO) These beverages can stain the teeth, so for a sparkling smile, try adding a bit of milk to your coffee, and switch to green tea. Drinking beverages through a straw can also help you avoid stains.
5. 5. Do you get regular professional cleanings? (YES/NO) Despite your best efforts, plaque will build up on the teeth over time. Eventually, it turns into the hard plaque known as calculus (or tartar) that’s impossible to remove with regular brushing and flossing. Plaque buildup is one of the major causes of bad breath, so getting it removed every six months helps ensure your breath will stay naturally fresh.
6. 6. Does your smile sparkle? (YES/NO) Even if your breath is fresh and clean, yellow teeth can detract from an otherwise kissable smile. Meticulous self-care can help your teeth stay their whitest, as can treatments like ZOOM! whitening or dental veneers.

How did you do? If you scored five points or more, your smile is kiss-ready. Three or four points? Cupid might have second thoughts. If your score is two points or less, you may need to change your habits and make an appointment to spruce up your smile!

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• Katie, Dental Hygienist

What’s your New Year’s resolution? Chances are, it’s got something to do with improving your appearance or your health. Unfortunately, many of these resolutions require lots of willpower–and take months to produce results.

If you want to look and feel better fast, consider investing in your smile. All it takes is a phone call (and showing up for your appointments, of course). Cosmetic and restorative dentistry can make a huge difference in your appearance and confidence. Unlike weight loss or a fitness regimen, the results can be almost immediate and last for decades.

In 2012, we helped hundreds of patients get healthier, more confident smiles. Take a look at our online Smile Gallery to see before and after photos of patients like Glenn, who came to us earlier last year.

Glenn was unhappy with the appearance of his teeth, which had been damaged and discolored for decades. He made the decision to invest in cosmetic dentistry, including 10 direct composite veneers, which only took one office appointment to complete. Now, Glenn’s smile is perfect and glowing. “Dr. Koczarski and team have literally changed my life,” he says. “My only regret is not having done this 20 years ago.”

Porcelain veneers are one of the most effective ways of transforming a smile. They work like magic to improve the shape, size, color, and position of the teeth. Veneers are wafer-thin shells, custom designed to fit over your existing teeth flawlessly. We offer two types of veneers: no-prep veneers and traditional veneers.

No-prep veneers are reversible and adhere to the teeth, without having to remove healthy tooth enamel. They are recommended for those with slight imperfections. Traditional veneers require some preparation of the tooth surface, but are stronger and can cover up more severe problems.

Dr. Koczarski is an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and is considered one of the top dentists in the country. He can let you know whether veneers are a good option for you, and can recommend the best treatment plan to achieve your desired results within your timeline and budget.

Smile inspiration: Check out our Smile Gallery to see Glenn’s before-and-after shots, as well as and other amazing transformations

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• Coming up: Kid’s Day 2013

Touch down on better oral health at our football-themed Kid’s Day, featuring games, prizes, and costumes. Appointments fill fast, so call to make yours today. Or, to find out about upcoming Kid’s Days, you can view the schedule here.

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• Amazing smile transformations – Make 2013 your best year ever.

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• Seasons Greetings from Dr. Koczarski

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• Dr. Koczarski featured in Seattle Magazine – December 2012.