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Diabetes and Your Oral Health

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Diabetes

Over 9 million people in the United States have diabetes, and about 1.4 million new cases of diabetes are diagnosed every year. In fact, more than one in every 10 adults who are over the age of 20 have it. March 28th is the official American Diabetes Association’s Alert Day. Find out more about what you can do to protect yourself.

Do you suffer from diabetes?

What is it?

Diabetes is a number of diseases that involve problems with the hormone insulin. Normally, the pancreas releases insulin to help your body store and use the sugar and fat from the food you eat. Diabetes can occur when your pancreas produces very little or no insulin, or when your body doesn’t respond appropriately to insulin. Every 21 seconds someone is diagnosed with diabetes, and as of now– there’s no cure. Additionally, the disease is directly linked to poor oral health.

What’s the correlation?

Your oral health affects your overall health in a big way. A healthy mouth leads to a healthy body.

Millions of Americans suffer from diabetes and you might be surprised to learn about an unexpected complication associated with the condition. Research shows that there’s an increased prevalence of gum disease among those with diabetes. Other complications associated with it include heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.

The progression of gum disease.

Not only are diabetics more susceptible to serious gum disease, but serious gum disease may have the potential to affect blood glucose control and contribute to the progression of it. Research suggests that people with diabetes are at higher risk for oral health problems, such as gingivitis (an early stage of gum disease) and periodontitis (serious gum disease). All diabetics are at an increased risk for gum disease because they’re generally more susceptible to bacterial infection. Therefore, they have a decreased ability to fight bacteria that invade the gums.

It’s manageable.

Stop tooth loss before it starts.

If your blood glucose levels are poorly controlled, you’re more likely to develop serious gum disease and lose more teeth. Like all infections, serious gum disease may be a factor in causing blood sugar to rise and may make diabetes harder to control. Maintaining good oral health is an essential part of living a healthy life. Additionally, diabetics need to manage their disease closely to stay healthy.

Make An Appointment

See us twice a year.

Always keep us informed of any changes in your condition and any medication you might be taking. Postpone any non-emergency dental procedures if your blood sugar is irregular.

The American Dental Association says that good oral health is integral to general health. Therefore, be sure to brush and floss properly and see us for regular checkups.

If it’s been over six months since your last appointment–make one today!

Dr. Randall and Stanley Burba

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, with a practice in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

Smile Makeovers

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Put your trust in us.

What a difference a beautiful smile makes! We know that choosing the right cosmetic dentist who will makeover your smile takes a great deal of trust. But, no matter what it is that you want to change about your teeth– we can help.

Are you worried about the results? How will you know that you’ll be satisfied? At Burba Dental, we strive to put your mind at ease with our beautiful smile guarantee. In fact, we guarantee that if you’re ever unsatisfied with any of our work, we’ll fix it– free of charge, until you’re satisfied. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite smile makeovers!

Amy

Before.

After.

Amy came to our office during a difficult time in her life. She was 34, facing a divorce, and coping with life as a single mother of two children. Her confidence and self-esteem were very much affected by not only what was happening in her personal life, but also by her smile. She felt like she needed to hide her teeth due to the visible decay and discoloration from old bonding. After repairing and restoring her teeth with porcelain veneers, Amy had a sudden boost in confidence. Her new, beautiful smile and increase in self-esteem resulted in Amy’s ability to move forward in both her personal and professional life.

Deb

Before.

After.

Deb, 58, always wanted “perfect” teeth. She felt as though her teeth made her look older, and she wanted a more youthful appearance. Using both crowns and veneers, we gave Deb a full smile makeover. When we handed her the mirror afterward, she began to cry and believed her outward appearance finally matched how she felt inside. Beautiful!

Frank

Before.

After.

Frank’s career involves close interactions with people on a daily basis. Over the years, his teeth deteriorated. Several were missing and those that remained were badly broken down. Frank was hesitant to have his teeth fixed because of unpleasant dental experiences in the past. He had always chosen to extract the teeth that were broken and decayed instead of repairing them. After a great deal of consideration, Frank chose to have his smile restored. As a result, we were able to give him back his beautiful and youthful smile. He had both upper and lower teeth restored with fillings, bridges, crowns, and veneers.

Deidre

Before.

After.

Deirdre, 37, always felt as though her smile made her look like a child. With her sister’s wedding approaching, she found a new motivation to improve her smile. Deirdre wanted a more sophisticated appearance for the wedding photos, and with six porcelain veneers, we were able to give her the look she always wanted.

Make An Appointment

Schedule a consultation to discuss your options.

If there’s something about your teeth that you want to change, schedule a consultation for a smile makeover and let us work our magic! You’ll love your new smile– we guarantee it.

Dr. Randall and Stanley Burba

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, practicing in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

Meet The Team!

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Here at Burba Dental Partners, we consider ourselves extremely lucky to have such an amazing team of people working with us. We want you to get to know them each a little bit better.

Joanna

Office Coordinator.

Joanna is originally from central Maine, but moved to the Northshore in 2009 with her husband. She’s always been passionate about caring for people, and is very involved in giving time and finances to both her community and missions through her church. Before she started in the dental field, she worked in human services and home health care.

When she isn’t managing our office, she assists her husband in running their businesses, and is passionate about her faith, family, philanthropy, reading, travel, and soaking up the sun at the beach.

Maria

Dental Assistant.

Maria has been in the dental field for over six years. She enjoys helping people feel good about themselves, and her favorite part of her job is interacting with our patients.

Maria is married and works as a dental assistant part time in order to spend more time raising her son, Louis. She loves to walk on the beach, exercise, and do abstract art. She’s also fluent in Greek and likes to learn new things.

Corrine

Hygienist.

Corinne developed a passion for dentistry while working as a front desk coordinator in a dental office during college. She completed her degree in mathematics, but never lost her passion for teeth– and eventually went on to study dental hygiene.

In her spare time she enjoys doing cross fit, playing ultimate frisbee, and golfing.

Katie

Hygienist.

Katie is a graduate of Cape Cod Community College with an associate’s degree in dental hygiene. Previously practicing in Central Massachusetts, she recently moved to Salem and joined our team.

Katie enjoys working in the dental field because she loves working with people, and strives to help create a positive experience for her patients. Some of her other interests include cooking, reading, fishing, hiking, playing sports, and spending time with her family and friends.

Siobhan

Hygienist.

Siobhan has a bachelor in science from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, and has been a dental hygienist for the last ten years. She loves the dental field because she gets to work with people, listen to their stories, and help them feel good about themselves.

Siobhan has been married for ten years and is blessed with three beautiful daughters. In her free time, she likes to run, spend time with her family, and go to the beach.

Deborah

Dental Assistant.

Deborah has been in the dental field for over twenty years. She enjoys comforting nervous patients and helping them feel at home. In addition, she gets satisfaction from learning and keeping up with the latest technology in the field.

Deborah is married and likes traveling and hanging out with family. She particularly enjoys the ocean!

Tifani

Dental Assistant.

Tifani has been a dental assistant for over 9 years, and studied at the Everest Institute’s Dental Assisting program. Tifani’s interest in dentistry began as a child, and her favorite part of her job is making patient’s feel comfortable.

In her personal life, Tifani is married and has two children.

Without this incredible team of people surrounding us, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do! If it’s been over six months since you’ve been in to see us– request an appointment.

Dr. Randall and Stanley Burba

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, practicing in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

Halloween Candy Buyback Event

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1st Annual Buyback

Have leftover candy? Donate it!

Here at Burba Dental Partners, we’ve decided to celebrate Halloween by doing our favorite thing– giving back to the community! We absolutely love finding ways to give back, and this year, we’ve found a way to help others AND pay you for your donation. That’s right, we’re going to buyback your leftover Halloween candy and donate it. On November 2nd, from 3-6 pm, we’ll be collecting your candy and buying it back from you– up to 10 pounds! It’s a great way to teach your kids about giving back to the community. Plus, they’ll get a little cash incentive. It’s a win-win.

Operation Gratitude

This year, we’re partnering with Operation Gratitude which annually sends 200,000+ care packages filled with food, entertainment, hygiene, and handmade items, plus personal letters of appreciation to Veterans, First Responders, New Recruits, Wounded Heroes, their Care Givers, and to individually named U.S. service members deployed overseas and their families waiting at home.

Their mission is to lift the spirits and meet the evolving needs of the Military and First Responder communities, and provide volunteer opportunities for civilians anywhere in America to express their appreciation to all who serve our nation.

Every piece of candy you donate is a peice that isn’t in your mouth– rotting your teeth! All collected candy will be sent as a Halloween treat to our heroes. Don’t worry, we’ll send them a toothbrush too! 😉

Tricks and Treats

We’ll buy back anywhere from 1-10 pounds of your candy.

In addition to treats, we’ll have tons of fun prizes for you. Be sure to wear your costume and be in character. We can’t wait to see what you’ve come up with this year.

When: Thursday November 2, 2017 3-6pm

Where: Burba Dental Partners

129 Highland Ave, Salem, Massachusetts 01970

What: 1st Annual Candy Buyback #operationgratitude

See you there!

Dr. Randall and Stanley Burba

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, practicing in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

 

 

Make This Halloween Tooth Friendly

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Happy Halloween!

Trick-or-Treat.

Just thinking about Halloween candy and its effect on your children’s teeth is enough to make you want to avoid the holiday all together. But don’t fret, your kids CAN eat candy, and trick-or-treat with their friends– and still be healthy.

Tooth Decay in Children

More than half of all children have cavities by the second grade.

The U.S. Surgeon General recognizes oral health as critical to overall well-being. Unfortunately, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, cavities are a chronic disease that’s five times more common than asthma among our nation’s children.

The majority of tooth decay occurs from eating foods that contain sugars or starches that enable bacteria in dental plaque to produce acids. If the acids remain in their mouth for longer than 20 minutes, it can lead to a loss of tooth minerals and eventually– cavities.

Making Better Choices

The kind of candy they eat makes a difference.

Choosing the right kinds of candies and snacks this Halloween is a crucial part to keeping your kiddos teeth healthy.

Try and avoid lollipops or any hard candies that will allow large amounts of sugar to sit in their mouth for long periods of time. If your child licks a piece of hard candy every few minutes, they’ll be more susceptible to tooth decay, because long-lasting snacks create an acid attack the entire time they’re in the mouth. Therefore, one approach would be to allow your little witches and goblins to indulge in their Halloween candy at mealtimes– instead of as a snack.

In addition, avoid sour candies, since they’re highly acidic, and taffy– because it can get stuck in their teeth.

Don’t worry– we aren’t making you avoid all of the good stuff this holiday. Grab some dark chocolate! Its antioxidant properties will help to keep your kid’s hearts healthy.

Furthermore, sugar-free hard candies can stimulate saliva and prevent dry mouth.

Finally, chewing sugar-free gum after meals helps to prevent cavities, by aiding in removing food particles in teeth left behind that cause decay.

We’ll Buy Back Your Candy!

Donate your candy to this wonderful cause.

We’re having an awesome event that we’d love for you to participate in. This Halloween, if you have leftover candy, or candy that you don’t want your children to eat– donate it!  On November 2nd, we’ll buy back your unwanted candy and donate it to servicemen and women overseas. It’s a great way to teach your kids about our military and giving back to the community. Plus, they get a little cash incentive. It’s a win-win.

Have Fun

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Have a safe and Happy Halloween!

It’s okay to let your children have Halloween treats– just make sure they do it in moderation. Depriving your kids of all candy will only make them want it more. Remember, good dental health depends on more than just their diet.

Practice good oral hygiene by making sure your kiddos brush and floss every day, use fluoride toothpaste, and visit us regularly. If it’s been over six months since they’ve been in to see us, make an appointment today.

Dr. Randall and Stanley Burba

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, practicing in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

Meet The Burbas

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Drs. Randall and Stanley Burba

Between the two of them, they have a lot of knowledge.

They’re your favorite dentists, but how much do you really know about them? Find out more about the amazing doctor and son team– the Burbas!

Dr. Randall Burba, DDS

Dr. Randall Burba, DDS

Dr. Randall Burba, DDS

Dr. Randy Burba earned his undergraduate degrees in biology and chemistry from Providence College in Rhode Island, and in 1995 he earned his doctorate from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He began his dental career alongside his father, Dr. Stanley Burba, in Salem, MA.

Dr. Burba is committed to providing his patients with exceptional care. For sixteen years he’s been practicing general dentistry in a family practice with an emphasis on cosmetic dentistry. His high work ethic means that he won’t just rely on his years of experience. Additionally, Dr. Burba and his team offer state-of-the-art dentistry to their patients through a considerable amount of continuing education, and both Dr. Randy and Dr. Stanley are AACD accredited.

AACD Accreditation

AACD accreditation is the standard of excellence in the cosmetic dentistry field, and only around one out of every 500 dentists worldwide have attained this level.

The process of obtaining accreditation includes:

-An extensive written examination.

-An oral examination administered by the American Board of Cosmetic Dentistry.

-Close-up photographic documentation of a broad range of cosmetic treatments performed on patient.

-A peer review of their artistic skills in delivering cosmetic dentistry.

Dr. Randy has also held leadership positions in the AACD and he’s a past president of the New England Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the national AACD.

Advanced Training

Dr. Randy Burba doesn’t limit his advanced training to cosmetic dentistry. While Massachusetts requires 20 hours of continuing education each year, he routinely exceeds 100 hours, staying up with advances in implant dentistry, complex restorative dentistry and TMJ treatment. Furthermore, he’s a graduate of the Dawson Academy in Florida, which teaches full mouth rehabilitation, complex restorative dentistry and occlusion.

Personal Life

picture of a camera- Dr. Burbas passion

His other passion is photography!

In his spare time– when he’s not treating patients, Dr. Burba enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, woodworking, photography and traveling.

Dr. Stanley Burba, DDS

Dr. Stanley Burba DDS

Dr. Stanley Burba, DDS

Dr. Stanley Burba was raised in Salem, MA, and still lives here with his wife, Janet, a hygienist in our office. He’s been serving the Salem community for over forty years! After graduating from St. John’s Preparatory School in Danvers, MA, he received his Bachelors of Science from Northeastern University in Boston. He went on to attend Georgetown University School of Dentistry and received his DDS degree in 1965.

After graduating he held a position as an instructor in the Department of Crown and Bridge at Georgetown University Dental School in Washington, D.C. Then, in 1967, he left to serve our country in Vietnam and received a U.S. Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Dental Service. He was a lieutenant in the U.S. Army Signal Corps and then a captain in the U.S. Army Dental Corps.

Once he returned home from Vietnam, he went on to open his family dental practice in Salem. He is committed to providing valued patient care in an environment of trust and understanding. His passion for dentistry is displayed in his desire to continue offering the best in patient care. In addition, he attends continuing education courses every year to keep up with the advances in dental medicine.

Awards

– Georgetown University of Dentistry Clinical Diligence Award (1965)

– U.S. Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Dental service in Vietnam (1967)

– Fellow International College of Dentists (1987)

Personal Life

Dr. Stanley and Mrs. Burba have four kids: Randall, Elaine, Elizabeth and Deborah. Between their four children, they have a whopping ten grandchildren! During their free time they enjoy traveling, boating and spending time with their family.

Make An Appointment

Picture of a calendar and a toothbrush to remind people to schedule their dental appts

Schedule your appointment today.

If it’s been over six months since you’ve been in to see us, request an appointment today or give us a call to schedule 978-744-7575!

Back-To-School Essentials

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Back-to-school season adds a lot of things to a parent’s to do list: purchasing school supplies, buying new clothes for your kids, and wrapping up summer programs and vacations. Don’t worry- we’re here to help! We’ve compiled a list of everything your kiddo needs for a successful school year.

It’s that time of year. Back to school!

School Supplies

Use this check-list and be ready for the first day of school.

Every school differs when it comes to their requirements for school supplies. However, we have a general check-list you can use until your children’s teachers tell you anything specific they need. Get ahead of the game!

-pens

-pencils

-colored pencils

-markers

-highlighter

-pencil pouch

-ruler

-paper

-multi-subject notebook

-binder

-dividers

-folders (one per subject)

-mini stapler

-USB drive

-calculator

-combination lock

Clothing and Shoes

Make back-to-school shopping fun.

Shopping for new clothes and shoes is always the most fun part about going back to school. Makes sure you buy a pair of athletic shoes– they’ll come in handy. Some other things your kids need are shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, socks, belts, sweaters, sweatshirts, a heavy jacket, leggings, tights, hats, mittens, and scarves for the winter.

Backpack

Get a strong and sturdy backpack.

When it comes to choosing a backpack for you child, you’re going to want to get one that’s sturdy and will last all year. Backpacks go through a lot and many break as a result of wear and tear. Jansport is a great brand and they offer a lifetime guarantee. Just buy one, and you won’t need to purchase a new one every year.

Lunchbox

Don’t forget a water bottle.

Next, let your child choose a fun lunchbox. Pottery barn kids has a variety of colorful, durable, fun lunch boxes. Always remember to include a water bottle!

In case of an emergency

Be prepared.

You can never be too prepared for any situation. Just in case, you probably want your child to be prepared too. Include a first aid kit, tissues, an umbrella, and sunscreen in their backpacks.

Have a Physical

Do your kids play sports? They should have a physical.

Late summer often results in a rush to complete physicals, and although some schools require an annual physical, some don’t. It’s always a good idea for all parents to get their child a school physical annually. This is important for a variety of reasons, including: having immunizations done, receiving a general check-up to make sure their development is coming along normally, and receiving important safety information.

Get a Dental Check-up

Is it time for a check-up?

Regular dental visits are important all year-round, but a back-to-school check-up is key in fighting the most common chronic disease found in children– periodontal disease. The bacteria found in plaque are the main cause of periodontal disease, and dental disease causes children to miss more than 51 million hours of school each year.

Prevention and early detection can help with avoiding pain, trouble eating, difficulty speaking and school absences, so if it’s been over six months since your child has had a check-up– request an appointment today.

Have a Great Year!

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, practicing in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

Suffering From TMJ? We Can Help!

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What is it?

Do you suffer from TMJ disorder?

TMJ is a disorder of the temporomandibular joint that connects your upper and lower jaw. When this joint is injured or damaged, it can cause a cycle of pain and spasms that can disrupt your ability to function normally.

Causes

There are a variety of causes that can contribute to the development of TMJ syndrome. They include: injury to your teeth or jaw, misalignment of your teeth or jaw, teeth grinding, bad posture, stress, arthritis, and chewing gum.

Symptoms

-Pain in your face and/or neck.

-Worn down teeth.

-Clicking and popping of your jaw joint.

-Trouble opening and closing your mouth.

-Ringing in your ears.

-Headaches.

-Earaches.

TMJ Dentist

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right) specialize in treating TMJ.

Although there’s no recognized dental specialty in TMJ, the dentists at Burba Dental have been treating TMJ for over 40 years. In particular, Dr. Stanley Burba has some impressive credentials and education.

Dr. Burba studied at the Dawson Academy in Florida. Founded by Dr. Peter Dawson, this continuing education academy for dentists focuses on TMJ therapy.

He also took several classes from another well-respected TMJ expert named Dr. Frank Spear, a prosthodontist who runs a training institute in Seattle.

Finally, both Dr. Stanley Burba and Dr. Randall Burba have taken further courses on TMJ treatment, including from the PAC Live Institute and other experts.

Treatment

We’ll start by getting you out of pain, and finish by correcting the problem.

Finding a dentist who will treat TMJ disorder is sometimes difficult because it’s so complex and requires highly specialized skills and equipment. The first thing that needs to be determined is exactly what’s wrong and what’s causing your pain.

At Burba Dental, we have a special machine called the T-Scan Occlusal Analysis System by Tekscan. This system uses a highly sophisticated piece of diagnostic equipment, the T-Scan sensor. You bite down on the T-scan sensor and the computer will analyze your bite data and display it graphically. This data is extremely helpful in determining the cause of your problem. We’ll use this information to help diagnose you and set up your treatment plan.

Phases

Your treatment is usually done in two phases. During phase one we’ll focus on getting you out of pain. We’ll accomplish this by using moist heat, pain medications, and/or a temporary orthotic.

Phase two is centered on a long-term solution, and treatment varies from person to person. Sometimes we’ll use a long-term orthotic to move a displaced disc into its correct position. Other times, we may need to do some dental work such as implants, crowns, or bridges to restore your bite to normal. In the most severe cases, we’ll need to fully reconstruct your mouth.

Schedule a Consultation

It’s important to remember that everyone’s case is unique. If you think you might be suffering from TMJ disorder, schedule an appointment. We’ll get you on the road to recovery right away. If you have any further questions about if and how we can help you, please schedule a complimentary consultation to ask those questions before you commit to a full examination.

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, practicing in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

Why Are Visits To The Dentist So Important?

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Twice A Year

We’ll make you comfortable.

There’s a major reason why the American Dental Association, and your dentist, recommend that you come in for a cleaning/exam every six months. Regular dental visits are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. If you need additional help, we may even suggest you come in and see us even more frequently, until we can get your issue under control. In addition, in-between your exams, it’s important for you to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as you can.

What To Expect

Cleanings don’t hurt, so there’s no need to be nervous.

At a typical checkup and cleaning appointment, we’ll perform an examination of your mouth, teeth, and gums. Dr. Burba will be looking for any signs of gum disease, loose, broken or cracked teeth, a damaged filling, or tooth decay. He will also look for any signs of oral cancer.

Once a year you’ll need X-rays taken, and if you’ve been experiencing any pain– we’ll examine your head and neck, your bite, and the movement of your jaw.

Finally, we clean, polish, and floss your teeth– leaving them fresh and beautiful.

Benefits

Taking care of your oral health means taking care of your overall health.

There’s a number of benefits that come along with seeing us regularly. Since there’s a strong correlation between your oral health and your overall health, taking good care of your mouth means taking care of your entire body.

For example, gum disease can increase your risk of serious health problems including heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes– just to name a few.

Deep Cleaning

We clean the places you can’t reach with just a toothbrush and floss.

You might think you don’t need regular cleanings, but we have specifically designed tools to clean your teeth much better than you’re able to at home. During your cleaning, we’ll remove plaque from hard to reach areas, and get rid of any buildup that has occurred since your last cleaning.

Prevent Gum Disease

We can catch gum disease before it spreads.

Regular visits to see us can help to prevent the onset of gum disease. Gum disease doesn’t just harm your oral health– it can affect your entire body. One of the biggest reasons you might develop periodontal disease, is by neglecting your oral health, and missing dental visits. The good news is, even if you’re more susceptible to gum disease than others– we can usually help you prevent it through regular cleanings and proper oral hygiene.

Detect Oral Cancer

Your visits could be life saving.

By seeing us twice a year, you’re giving yourself the best shot at catching the early warning signs of oral cancer. If we do detect any symptoms of the disease, we’ll recommend you begin treatment immediately to improve your chances of beating it quicker. If oral cancer is detected early, it’s curable.

Save Money

Regular check-ups save you time and money in the future.

In addition to their health benefits, regular checkups can even be good for your wallet. Finding and treating minor problems like cavities, can spare you the expense of future complicated procedures including extractions, crowns, or root canals.

Cure Side Effects

Knocking out one problem can fix another.

Sometimes dental problems have side effects, and Dr. Burba will be able to correct more than one issue at a time. For example, bacteria in your mouth can not only cause tooth decay, but it’s also responsible for bad breath. Conquering tooth decay will help you get rid of your mouth odor as well.

Make An Appointment

Don’t forget to schedule a cleaning every 6 months!

By visiting us twice a year, and practicing good oral hygiene daily, you’ll keep your teeth and gums healthy, and prevent diseases.

If it’s been over six months since your last appointment, request one today!

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, practicing in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

April Is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

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What Is Oral Cancer?

Educate yourself and help stop the spread of oral cancer.

Oral cancer, a.k.a cancer of the mouth and upper throat, kills about one person every hour of every day of the year. Of the people that are newly diagnosed, about 40 percent won’t survive longer than five years. In addition, those who do survive can suffer long-term problems, such as severe facial disfigurement or difficulties eating and speaking. The death rate associated with oral cancers is particularly high since the cancer is often discovered late in its development.

Why Do We Have Oral Cancer Awareness Month?

Because the death rate is so high, it’s important we dedicate an entire month to educating the public about the risks. Oral Cancer Awareness Month is celebrated in April, and it’s a national screening campaign to end oral cancer. Awareness in the American public is low, and without education– the problem won’t get any better.

The purpose of the campaign is to remind everyone that regular cancer exams by your dentist, remain the best method to detect oral cancer in its early stages. The Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Oral Medicine, the American Dental Association, and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, just to name a few– have all joined the Oral Cancer Foundation in its campaign to educate the public about knowing the risks.

Risks

Being aware of the symptoms and risk factors of oral and oropharyngeal cancer– along with early detection and treatment, may be the key to a complete recovery. There are a number of things that contribute to the onset of oral cancer, but the top three are tobacco, alcohol and HPV.

Tobacco

Tobacco can wreak havoc on your mouth.

Cigarette smoking puts you at a higher risk for developing mouth cancer, since tobacco smoke contains chemicals that have been proven to contribute to oral and esophageal cancer.

Alcohol

Avoid alcohol for a healthy mouth.

All forms of alcohol can cause or contribute to mouth cancer. Alcohol, particularly when used in addition to tobacco, has been recognized as an important risk factor for almost 50 years.

HPV

Young people are increasingly at risk for oral cancer due to HPV.

Finally, genital HPV, also known as the human papilloma virus, is a very common sexually transmitted disease. It usually causes no symptoms and goes away by itself, but it can cause serious illnesses, including oral cancer. In fact, HPV is responsible for approximately 60% of all oral cancers.

As a result, the fastest growing demographic of oral cancer patients is young, healthy, nonsmoking individuals. If you have HPV, you’re 30 times more likely to develop oral cancer.

Signs and Symptoms

Knowing the signs and symptoms of this terrible disease can help with early detection, and ultimately save lives. The following are all signs you could have oral cancer:

-A white or red patch in your mouth.

-A feeling that something is caught in your throat.

-Difficulty chewing or swallowing.

-A sore, irritation, lump or thick patch in your mouth, lip, or throat.

-Difficulty moving your tongue or jaw.

-Numbness in your tongue or other areas of your mouth.

-Swelling of your jaw.

-Pain in one ear without hearing loss.

If you have any of these symptoms for more than 2 weeks, you need to see us for an exam right away. Usually, these symptoms don’t mean cancer, but you need be sure. An infection or other problem can cause the same symptoms– but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Get Checked

We can’t stop this virus from spreading, but we do hope to save lives with professional involvement and public awareness. While the death toll is high, when cancers are detected and treated early, mortality and treatment related health problems are greatly reduced.

If you’ve never never had an oral cancer examination, there’s no better time to schedule one than this month. When you do, be sure to ask that this examination be made a routine part of all of your future dental check-ups. Make your appointment today!

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, practicing in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.