On January 19, Dr. Heather Strock was the speaker at the Wakefield Unified Prevention Coalition meeting at the WCAT Studio in Wakefield.
The coalition (WAKE-UP) is comprised of social workers, healthcare workers, police, parents and community advocates. The organization is dedicated to reducing alcohol, tobacco and drug use among its residents, especially youths.
Dr. Strock expounded on the importance of oral cancer screeni
ngs at a dental visit. Early detection and education about high-risk factors — such as smoking (cigarettes and hookah), smokeless tobacco, vaping with e-cigarettes, and alcohol use — are the best defenses for the most preventable cause of death in the United States.
Over time, the nicotine in these products causes “neuroadaptation” that leads to a much higher tolerance and severe physiological dependence — regardless of the route of nicotine administration. Users of smokeless tobacco appear to be more addicted than cigarette smokers due to the proximity of the buccal mucosa to the brain. Nicotine is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream at levels twice as high after smoking one cigarette. The best defenses against the most preventable cause of death in the United States is early detection and education.
A Formidable Opponent
With all that we as healthcare providers, parents and youth advocates attempt to do for our children, we are up against a formidable opponent. Tobacco and nicotine companies present deceptive and aggressive marketing campaigns. Social networking ads target tweens and teens to become “friends” of their pages, creating more visibility and exposure.
Urging teens to do some research on their own will not only validate your concerns and advice, but hopefully, persuade them to not experiment with any nicotine products. An excellent resource is the National Spit Tobacco Education Project (NSTEP).
This website is inviting and easy to navigate. It provides testimonials from professional athletes and tips on how to quit if you have started.
We all need to play an active role in providing our children with a healthy future by educating them now.
If you’re interested in having a member of Future of Dentistry’s clinical team speak at an event, contact Susan or Lisa at 781-245-2299 or email lisa.futureofdentistry@gmail.com. To learn more about WAKE-UP, visit www.wakefieldwakeup.org.
a genetic predisposition for certain diseases. We can determine if you are at risk for periodontal disease or for certain HPV-related oral cancers. We can also diagnose the cause of periodontal infections.
programs and organizations throughout the region. Recently we had our windows decorated by three young ladies from Wakefield High School. It was part of the Visual Arts Department’s annual Holiday Window Painting Project. The students did a great job, and our window looks very festive! Thank you to Mia, Alyssa and Samantha for their efforts.
hockey team. We’re “Trophy Sponsors” again this year and we’re excited about another awesome season! Coach Chris Gianatassio does a great job and we know he’ll lead the team to many victories.
entistry, we utilize sophisticated tools and techniques. One example is laser detection of tooth decay, which can even reduce the need for fillings.
cheek. The jewelry used comes in many styles including studs, barbells and rings. Although popular, there are a number of health-related risks associated with oral piercing.
make whiter teeth an attainable goal for our patients. With this program, you get free whitening gel every six months when you come in for your hygiene appointments. For $275, you receive custom-made whitening trays and enrollment in the program. All you have to do is maintain your twice-a-year hygiene appointments.
about the 
good thing! Saliva washes away food particles, neutralizes acids in the mouth, provides disease-fighting substances, and carries calcium and phosphate to help strengthen tooth enamel.
receive.
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