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According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, this form of cancer kills roughly one person an hour, every 24 hours. This means that nearly 10,000 people will die this year from this type of cancer.

Often, the cancer is discovered late, which is the main reason the death rate is unfortunately so high. Drs. Emily Ruthven and Daniel Cepeda and our team want you to know the precautionary steps you can take to avoid oral cancer.

Here are some of the most effective methods:

• Good oral hygiene is the first step in oral cancer prevention.
• Visit our North Appleton office every six months for a dental exam.
• Quit smoking or using chewing tobacco, if you do.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet.
• Consume cancer-fighting foods such as vegetables, berries, garlic, green tea, etc.
• Change how you prepare foods; baked, boiled, or steamed foods are healthier than grilled or fried.
• Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy immune system.
• Limit the amount of time you spend in the sun, and be sure to use sunscreen.
• Conduct an oral self-exam each week.

We know the thought of oral cancer can be frightening, so we hope the above advice can help patients catch it early or prevent it from ever happening. If you notice a negative change in your oral health, contact our North Appleton location right away and schedule an appointment with Drs. Emily Ruthven and Daniel Cepeda.

If you’re ever concerned or have questions about this common form of cancer, don’t hesitate to ask a member of our team.  

"Motherhood: All love begins and ends there." - Robert Browning

We would like to take this moment to thank all the great moms out there for being so great during their child’s visits to North Appleton Dentistry. Whether it’s driving their kids to regularly scheduled appointments or for “being there” while their child is treatment, the moms who come to our office are all stellar individuals, so Drs. Emily Ruthven and Daniel Cepeda and our entire staff would like you to know that we appreciate you all!

Happy Mother’s Day and enjoy your special day!

We’re having a hard time believing that May is already here but as the saying goes, time flies when you’re having fun. May is host to National Teacher’s Day, Mother’s Day, and the return of our favorite summer activities, therefore, we wanted to share a few things we are excited for this month with all of you!

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and although we think they should be celebrated all year long, moms deserve a day dedicated just to them. We find that when it comes to showering Mom with love, you can never go wrong with a great brunch. Pair your delicious meal with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and you’ve got yourself a wonderful Mother’s Day celebration.

While we’re on the subject, holidays offer the perfect opportunity to spend time with your loved ones and dig into a few sweet treats. At our office, we aren’t picky when perusing a dessert menu. Chocolate, fruity, or frozen goodies - we love them all! As long as you brush and floss afterward, we don’t see anything wrong with indulging from time to time.

May is also host to National Teacher’s Day and we think it’s so important to applaud these influential role models. Teachers work tirelessly to inspire our children with positivity and goals for the future and, ultimately, they shape the next generation. Whether you offer thanks with a small gift or simply a verbal “thank you,” be sure to show appreciation for the teachers who have impacted your life.

Perhaps what we’re most excited about this month is the fact that it’s almost summer again. This year, two staff members have kids who are getting married so there is lots to be excited about! Our summer to-do lists are filled with outdoor activities like camping, boating, evenings spent on the porch, and family vacations. In fact, our staff has lots of vacations planned this year - but don’t worry: we always have someone in the office to make sure our patients’ needs are met.

We are so grateful to have access to all the outdoor adventures that Wisconsin has to offer! The opportunities are endless for hiking, biking on trails, camping, and river kayaking. Not to mention all of the state parks that are just waiting to be explored throughout the state. Let us know what your favorite summer activity is next time we see you in the office!

We hope you are enjoying May so far! Have a wonderful rest of your month and we look forward to seeing you on your next visit.

The merry month of May also happens to be National Fitness and Sports Month, so take advantage of the warmer days to get outside and exercise! Bringing a friend, family member, or coworker with you when you go for a brisk walk during a lunch break can provide an opportunity to socialize as well as health benefits. If you need a little more motivation, here are some good reasons to stay active and fit.

Exercise provides:

• Improved stamina and energy as well as toned muscles and bone strength and density
• Improved circulation and breathing for a healthier heart and lungs
• Reduced risk for Type 2 diabetes and certain forms of cancer
• For older adults, regular exercise may help improve balance and reduce the risk of falls as well as improved cognitive abilities

Children and Teens

Children and teenagers spend long hours at their desks in school, on the computer, watching television, and involved in other sedentary activities that result in obesity and poor health later in life. Getting them engaged in school or community sports teams can help them form good life-long exercise habits. One important note: If they are participating in contact sports, Drs. Emily Ruthven and Daniel Cepeda and our team at North Appleton Dentistry recommend your kids wear an approved mouthguard to protect those valuable teeth from injury! Ask us for a proper fitting of your safety appliance during your next visit!

A gym membership is nice but not necessary to stay fit; try these easy ways to work some exercise into your daily routine.

At Home

• Take a friend along for company on a walk through your neighborhood.
• Pursue gardening or other yard work, including mowing or raking.
• Take your kids on a bike ride or have them push a baby stroller around the block.

Couch potatoes take note: simply moving from the sofa to the floor for some sit-ups, leg-lifts, or push-ups while you’re watching television can help you get in better shape in no time.

At Work

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Take exercise breaks for walks around the building or parking lot.
• Walk or ride a bike to work.

So what are you waiting for? Get moving!

For more information on exercise techniques, or to schedule an appointment with Drs. Emily Ruthven and Daniel Cepeda, please give us a call at our convenient North Appleton office!