Oral Cancer Screenings

Cancer is defined as the uncontrollable growth of cells that invade and cause damage to surrounding tissue. Oral cancer appears as a growth or sore in the mouth that doesn’t go away. At Criscione Family Dental, our staff utilizes oral cancer screenings to identify mouth cancer early, when there is a greater chance for a cure.

Oral cancer screening is an examination performed by a dentist or doctor to look for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth. The examination can be carried out in the dental chair using gloved hands, a mirror and good lighting. The screening will consist of a visual inspection of the mouth and palpation of the jaw and neck.

The oral cavity includes your lips, cheek lining, gums, front part of your tongue, floor of the mouth beneath the tongue and the hard palate that makes up the roof of your mouth. During your dental visit, one of our doctors can talk to you about your health history and examine these areas for signs of mouth and/or throat cancer.

To learn more about oral cancer screenings as well as the services we provide, visit www.criscionefamilydental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Criscione Family Dentistry in Lake Oswego, OR, call 503-636-7601.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Gum disease, or gingivitis, is inflammation of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. Gingivitis is a very common condition and varies widely in severity. When left untreated, it can extend from the gums to the bone and advance to periodontitis. This is why it is important to schedule regular dental checkups with our doctors at Criscione Family Dental to prevent the current problem from getting worse.

Gingivitis starts as food debris mixes with saliva and bacteria-forming plaque that sticks on the surfaces of the teeth. If dental plaque and tartar aren’t removed by brushing with toothpaste and flossing, it can become mineralized and form tartar, or calculus that can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning. Gum disease is usually caused by improper oral hygiene, however, other risk factors include:

• Smoking or chewing tobacco


• Crooked, rotated or overlapping teeth that create more areas for plaque and calculus to accumulate


• Hormonal changes due to puberty, pregnancy and menopause


• Poor nutrition


• Stress

If you notice a bit of blood when you brush, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about periodontal (gum) disease as well as the services we provide, visit www.criscionefamilydental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Criscione Family Dentistry in Lake Oswego, OR, call 503-636-7601.

What is TMJ syndrome?

The temporomandibular joints, called TMJ, are the joints that make it possible to open and close your mouth. Located on each side of the head, your TMJ work together when you chew, speak, or swallow and include muscles and ligaments as well as the jaw bone. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs and bones from working properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder. When it does, our staff at Criscione Family Dentistry can help.  

Causes of temporomandibular joint syndrome include injury to the teeth or jaw, misalignment of the teeth or jaw, teeth grinding, poor posture, stress, arthritis, and gum chewing. Signs and symptoms of TMJ syndrome include pain in the jaw joint, clicking of the jaw, ear pain, popping sounds in the ears, headaches, stiff or sore jaw muscles, pain in the temple area or locking of the jaw. Depending on the severity of the TMJ pain one of our doctors may suggest a night guard to relieve pressure on your jaw.

If you have questions about TMJ syndrome, give us a call or visit www.criscionefamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Criscione Family Dentistry in Lake Oswego, OR, call 503-636-7601.