The adverse effects of smoking and drinking permeate a broad spectrum of issues. In 2007, a study conducted by Moore et al. illustrated the effects of both smoking and drinking on Oral Cancer and Oral Epithelial Dysplasia. Simply speaking, Oral Epithelial Dysplasia (OED) is the precursor form of Oral Cancer.
The conclusions of the study illustrate that smoking is a significant risk factor in the development of OED, and Oral Cancer. Furthermore, smoking has a more significant role prior to the formation of malignant (cancerous) cells. Secondly, alcohol consumption was strongly correlated with both Oral Cancer and OED throughout all stages. With increased levels of alcohol consumption, the significance factor also increased.

Quick Facts
1. In 2002, 127,500 people died of oral cancer; 274,300 diagnoses of oral cancer were made. Since 2002, the number has significantly increased, and continues to be on the rise.

Think twice before picking up that drink, or lighting up your cigarette.


References
1. Smoking and Drinking in Relation to Oral Cancer and Oral Epithelial Dysplasia Douglas E. Morse, Walter J. Psoter, Deborah Cleveland, Donald Cohen, Mireseyed Mohit-Tabatabai, Diane L. Kosis and Ellen Eisenberg Cancer Causes & Control , Vol. 18, No. 9 (Nov., 2007), pp. 919-929
2. Google Images

For all of you out there with little ones, I know you must have just experienced the post-halloween sugar overload craze! .... OR if you have halloween candy left over I sure hope you didn't gobble it down in one sitting!

We have all heard time and time again about how sugar affects your teeth (and your kids). In light of halloween festivities, everything in moderation...BUT try and stay away from sticky, chewy candy that will nestle in the crevices of your teeth. To keep the cavity bugs away and at bay remember to brush & floss AM &PM!!!!!!

On another note, my heart goes out to all those that were hit by Nor'easter and Hurricane Sandy. I spent the weekend of November 3rd in New Jersey, and it is still a mess. The resiliency of the communities we drove by is outstanding. I know that there was a curfew in NJ on Halloween so the kids weren't able to go out past 7:00PM. I hope that the rebuilding efforts are successful and that all the families affected continue to stay strong, and positive.

I literally waited in a gas line for 3 hours; I am very fortunate and thankful that the DC metro area was not hit that hard.

If you would like to make a donation towards American Red Cross please visit their website.