National Cancer Control Month

After heart disease, cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States.
Over a lifetime, about 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women in the United States will develop cancer.Cancer rates and deaths have been on the decline since the early 1990s.

Every hour 3 more people are diagnosed with oral cancer. What may be even more alarming is that today more than 16 people will die from some form of this disease, a trend which has been consistent for 40 years.

April is National Cancer Control Month, a time dedicated to creating awareness in the hopes of preventing the disease.  For Dr. Kifer, it is a chance to educate people on risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol use and human papillomavirus (HPV).

This frightening connection to HPV is rarely acknowledged, but we now know that it can lead to oral cancer, bringing the disease to a younger population than ever before.  Even worse, standard sexually transmitted infection (STI) tests do not screen for HPV, and people often don’t even know they have it until something worse develops.  Your dentist may be the one who can help you with early detection of oral cancer.

Regular checkups at your dental office and self-evaluations are both essential.  Be aware of any bumps, discoloration of tissue (such as white or red areas) or changes to the mouth, throat, tongue and lips.  Using these practices we can all help lower the risks and prevent oral cancer.
For more information about National Cancer Control Month, or to book your appointment, please contact Dr. Wade Kifer.  
1845 Green Acres Rd.
Fayetteville, AR 
479-521-2002

This February, Give Your Children Something to Smile About! 

     Thanks to recent advancements in dentistry at Wade Kifer, DDS , including early stage cavity-detecting lasers and advanced formula fluoride varnishes, protecting your child’s teeth from decay-causing bacteria and cavities has become much easier. Tooth decay is a disease that cannot be treated with immunizations. Early detection and proper home care, along with a healthy diet, can give children the knowledge and means to maintain a healthy smile.

     February is National Children’s Dental Health Month our office is working to celebrate healthy teeth for all of our young patients this month. The American Dental Association (ADA)  and dental professionals across the country work together every February to educate our communities on the importance of developing early healthy dental hygiene routines. 

     Dr. Wade Kifer is working to teach children the basic of oral health, the dangers of sweets and sugars, and the benefits of regular dental check-ups and cleanings. Developing strong dental habits at a young age, like brushing their teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day, can ensure a beautiful, healthy smile that will last a lifetime.

Fayetteville, AR – July is the month we celebrate our independence, and this year you can celebrate your freedom at the dentist office too. Dental advancements in x-rays, tooth restorations and teeth whitening reduce the time you spend in the dental chair and the amount of visits to your dental office.

Today’s technology has moved even routine dental visits into the 21st century. Digital x-rays have replaced traditional radiographs, virtually eliminating the processing time and reducing the amount of radiation by 70%. The advancements in dental technology have reduced the amount of visits patients need and provided results in an accelerated time. 

Teeth whitening has also benefited from advanced technology and materials. With the KoR Deep Bleach system, a brighter, dazzling smile is now possible with predictable results, even for sensitive teeth.  We started using the Kor whitening system a few years ago, and I can say that I have been really impressed with the results.  We consistently get quality results that last without any gimmicks or lights that dry out the teeth.  We put in the work and research to make sure this process is safe and effective and are very happy with the results we get.  For more information on KoR Whitening and other services we offer, please visit our website:  www.nwafamilydentist.com or give us a call at 479-521-2002.

June is National Men's Health Month and Dr. Kifer is hoping to educate all Fayetteville men and their loved ones about the dangers of sleep apnea. This condition is sadly underdiagnosed  and, of the 12 million people who do know they have it, many often do not get the treatment they need for a variety of reasons.

“Although sleep apnea can affect everyone, including children, those most commonly affected by sleep apnea are men,” explains Dr. Kifer.  Men most at risk for sleep apnea are those who are overweight or obese, over the age of forty and consume alcohol frequently.

If sleep apnea is left untreated, the individual can stop breathing repeatedly during the night, sometimes for a minute or longer. These periods without oxygen increase high blood pressure in patients and raise the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular disease. Some indicators that a man may need sleep apnea treatment include chronic snoring, restless sleep, morning headaches, and weight gain.

The most common type of apnea is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), and it can often be remedied with a dental appliance provided by our office. New discoveries in technology have produced modern dental appliances that can not only ease the symptoms of sleep apnea, but also help to ensure a full night of sleep and a longer, healthier life.

Dr. Kifer and our team are on a mission to educate patients on reducing risk factors by maintaining regular dental check-ups and encouraging their friends and family who exhibit symptoms of sleep apnea to schedule evaluations.

For additional information about sleep apnea, or to schedule a free evaluation for the men in your life, contact Dr. Kifer at 479-521-2002 or visit www.nwafamilydentist.com.

Fayetteville, AR–June is National Men’s Health Month and healthcare providers across the nation are dedicated to creating awareness for early detection and treatment of diseases that affect the men in our country. According to the Men’s Health Network, “On average, men die almost six years younger than women and suffer higher mortality rates for the top causes of death.”

The Mayo Clinic and the Center for Disease Control list the top two threats to men’s health as heart disease and cancer. This year, Fayetteville dentist Dr. Wade Kifer is making a commitment to patients to be aware of the risk factors and how to protect friends and family from these diseases.

Many issues involving overall health, including heart disease and a number of cancers, can be detected, monitored, or treated in the mouth. The American Heart Association cites that bacteria can enter the bloodstream from the mouth and cause several types of cardiovascular diseases, such as clogged arteries, stroke, and heart disease. “By staying on top of the latest in preventative care and dental technology we are able to provide comprehensive evaluations and ensure patients receive a proactive approach to long-lasting oral and overall health,” explains Dr. Kifer.

Dr. Kifer and the office team are hoping to create awareness and prevent men’s health issues by encouraging their community to keep scheduled health care visits and by inviting any patient scheduled this month to bring the men in their life in for a free oral health screening.

For additional information, or to schedule a free evaluation for the men in your life, contact Dr. Kifer at 479-521-2002 or visit www.nwafamilydentist.com. 

 May is the month we celebrate the women who dedicate their lives to taking care of us, whether they are a mother, a grandmother, or someone else who has made a meaningful impact. Making sure that other people live healthy lives can be stressful and time-consuming, and this leads a lot of women to put their own health on the back burner.

Dr. Kifer wants to change this pattern by inspiring all women to get the health care they may have been neglecting, and treat themselves as well as they treat those around them. We are encouraging everyone to celebrate National Women’s Health Week from May 13^th-19^th this year.

Studies show that in times of need mothers are quick to cut things out of their own lives rather than have their children sacrifice. In one survey 72% of women said they gave up on the quality of clothing they wear, while the same number said they made no changes to that of their children. We need to make sure that these cuts are not extending to health-related issues.

Dental visits are one great way to check up on overall health. Fixing issues that come up in a visit can save a woman you love from deadly conditions such as COPD, pneumonia, a stroke, or even a heart attack.  Dr. Kifer checks for signs of diabetes, high blood pressure, oral cancer, and many other life-threatening disorders as part of regular twice-yearly appointments.

This month, encourage a woman you love to put themselves first. Buy them a massage or give them a foot rub when they come home. Tell them to take it easy one night while you make dinner and do the dishes. Better yet, make sure they are getting all of the health care they need and deserve. Are they on schedule for their twice-yearly check-ups with Dr. Kifer?

A new study which points to a correlation between dental x-rays and meningioma was released this week.   We feel it is important to acknowledge and address this study, and keep our patients informed, so that they can make the best decisions regarding their treatment.   Reading some of the headlines can be pretty scary, if you don’t have all the information available.   A Google search for “dental x-rays” turned up results such as “Are Dental X-rays Causing Brain Tumors” and “Yearly Dental X-rays Raise Brain Tumor Risk”.   Let’s examine these claims more closely. 

•      One of the key points to recognize is that this study pertains to “past” x-rays.  It is important to note that modern x-rays utilize much lower doses of radiation, due to advances in technology and increased film speeds.   Our office uses digital x-rays, which use significantly less radiation: as much as 80% less.

   

•             The specific type of tumor mentioned is usually benign, rarely cancerous.   There are also studies that seem to indicate that genetics play a role.    Symptoms include changes in vision, headaches that worsen over time, hearing or memory loss, seizures and weakness in extremities.

•     The study relies on a patient’s memory.  Many of our patients are surprised to learn that it has been over a year since we last took any x-rays.  They “could just swear” that they had x-rays at their last visit.  Be honest, can you remember what dental x-rays you had taken 5 years ago? 10 years? How about 20-60 years ago?   That’s how far back this study is asking patients to remember.  American Dental Association’s media spokesperson, Dr. Matthew Messina, says one of the weaknesses of the study is that people’s memories about their x-rays are unclear.  It is difficult to pin down, especially without the x-rays.

•             Finally, the difference between “linked to” and “causes”.   The study suggests that there is a correlation between the amount of past x-rays and meningioma; it does not suggest that dental x-rays actually cause the tumors.  Even with the flaws, the study does not make the claim that dental x-rays cause cancer, as some of the headlines seem to suggest. 

In our office, we like to look at risk factors: your gums and bone, your bite, and your teeth themselves.  Some of our patients are at an increased risk in one or more areas, and may need to have diagnostic x-rays more frequently.  Those patients would include: 

•             Children, depending on age, are more likely to develop cavities.  We are also monitoring growth and development during their developmental years.  Teenagers need to be monitored for wisdom teeth. 
•      Patients with extensive existing restorations (crowns and/or fillings)- there is an increased risk for decay to develop under these restorations, where they can’t be seen with the naked eye. 
•             Patients who have a high sugar intake are at an increased risk for developing cavities.
•             Patients with periodontal disease may need more frequent x-rays to monitor bone levels.
•             Patients with dry mouth, whether due to medications or illness.  Saliva helps to maintain a stable pH in the mouth.  When there is reduced saliva, the pH decreases, which contributes to cavity development. 

For more information on x-rays, please visit the American Dental Association’s website:   http://www.ada.org/6972.aspx