Science

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Philadelphia Inquirer: HPV is causing an oral cancer epidemic in men by outwitting natural defenses

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Philadelphia Inquirer: HPV is causing an oral cancer epidemic in men by outwitting natural defenses

Five years ago, when actor Michael Douglas candidly revealed that his throat cancer was linked to having oral sex, two things happened.

He made headlines that mortified his family. And he helped publicize the fact that a pervasive, sexually transmitted virus called HPV was unleashing an epidemic of oral cancer among men.

Compared with women, men are more likely to get infected with HPV — including “high-risk” cancer-causing strains. They also are less able to wipe out infection on their own, and more likely to get reinfected. The reasons are unclear.

Your dentist should play a key role in detecting oral cancer.  Having an thorough oral cancer screening is the first step to catching this dangerous cancer early. 

Did you know that Dr. Henley is the ONLY general dentist in Jacksonville that serves on the Head and Neck Tumor Board at Baptist MD Anderson?  The tumor board is a multi-specialty group that works together using the latest in dentistry and medicine to ensure that cancer patients have the best possible outcomes.

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Red wine compound could help tooth decay and gum disease

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Red wine compound could help tooth decay and gum disease

Red wine has previously been linked to a range of supposed health benefits, from helping the heart to lowering the risk of diabetes.

Now a new study suggests it contains chemicals that can help in the fight against tooth decay and gum disease.

Researchers found compounds from the drink, known as polyphenols, helped fend off harmful bacteria in the mouth.

Sharks May Have the Healthiest Teeth in the Animal Kingdom

Sharks May Have the Healthiest Teeth in the Animal Kingdom

You’d think with all those seals, fish and the occasional surf board, sharks’ teeth would be a mass of cavities and bad dental hygiene. Not the case. Sharks may have the healthiest teeth in the animal kingdom, it turns out. Scientists just found that their pearly whites contain fluoride, the active ingredient in most toothpastes and mouthwashes.

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FDA: No More Antibacterials In Consumer Soaps

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FDA: No More Antibacterials In Consumer Soaps

In an article published today on NBC News  the FDA has ordered antibacterials from consumer soaps. The Food and Drug Administration says they do little or nothing to make soap work any better and said the industry has failed to prove they're safe.