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When we think of Valentine’s Day, we think of cards, flowers, and chocolates. We think of girlfriends celebrating being single together and couples celebrating their relationship. We think of all things pink and red taking over every pharmacy and grocery store imaginable. But what Dr. Bill Whitley and our team would like to think of is when and how this joyous, love-filled day began.

Several martyrs’ stories are associated with the origins of Valentine’s Day. One of the most widely known suggests that Valentine was a Roman priest who went against the law at a time when marriage had been banned for young men. He continued to perform marriage ceremonies for young lovers in secret and when he was discovered, he was sentenced to death.

Another tale claims that Valentine was killed for helping Christians escape from Roman prisons. Yet another says that Valentine himself sent the first valentine when he fell in love with a girl and sent her a letter and signed it, “From your Valentine.”

Other claims suggest that it all began when Geoffrey Chaucer, an Englishman often referred to as the father of English literature, wrote a poem that was the first to connect St. Valentine to romance. From there, it evolved into a day when lovers would express their feelings for each other. Cue the flowers, sweets, and cards!

Regardless of where the holiday came from, these stories all have one thing in common: They celebrate the love we are capable of as human beings. And though that’s largely in a romantic spirit these days, it doesn’t have to be. You could celebrate love for a sister, a friend, a parent, even a pet.

We hope all our patients know how much we love them! Wishing you all a very happy Valentine’s Day from the team at Whitley Family Dental!

Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is best known as a sexually transmitted infection. In the United States, HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease, with 79 million Americans currently infected, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition to increasing risk for cervical cancer, HPV is a contributing factor in some cases of oral cancer. Each year an estimated 1,700 women and 6,700 men develop oropharyngeal cancer, which affects the tongue and throat.

Connection between HPV and oral cancer

There are more than 40 strains of HPV that live in the skin and mucosal areas. Some of these affect the genitalia, while others are found in the mouth and throat. Of the strains of oral HPV, only one, called HPV16, increases the risk of oral cancer, the Oral Cancer Foundation reports. A retrospective study conducted found that oral cancer developed an average of 15 years after exposure to HPV, making it a relatively slow-growing form of cancer.

In general, 80% of Americans will have an HPV infection at some point in their lifetimes, while 99% develop no ill effects. Getting oral HPV is associated with multiple sexual partners and engaging in oral sex; however, even some individuals who have been with only one partner may contract the infection. Although overall risk of oral cancer from HPV infection is low, it is essential to be proactive about oral health.

How to prevent HPV-related oral cancer

Scientists continue to study how HPV infections lead to oral cancer, so little is known about the progression of the disease. However, one recent study found that poor oral health, including gum disease and poor oral hygiene, is associated with oral cancer risk. Thus, being vigilant about brushing and flossing your teeth regularly may reduce HPV-related oral cancer. Getting the HPV vaccine also protects against the oral form of the virus.

Another key way to reduce mortality from oral cancer is to have regularly scheduled appointments with at Whitley Family Dental. Having Dr. Bill Whitley examine your mouth at least two times a year increases the likelihood that a sign of oral cancer, such as a sore or patch, will be detected. If you’re concerned about HPV-related oral cancer, please give us a call at our Dallas office for advice about oral hygiene and disease prevention.

Welcome Vannessa to Whitley Family Dental!

Vannessa was born in Sterling, Illinois and shared her formative years between California and Forney, Texas where she graduated from Forney High School. While taking healthcare curriculum courses in high school, Vannessa began to explore the idea of a career in healthcare.

Vannessa attended Elite Dental Assisting School and became a registered dental assistant to perform four-handed instrument transfer, take X-rays, and use dental materials and instruments in endodontics, restorative, crown and bridge, and dental surgery.

After 7 years as a dental assistant, Vannessa followed her passion of educating patients regarding their oral healthcare to the next level when she decided to pursue her degree in dental hygiene. Vannessa became a proud, first-generation, college graduate when she obtained her associate degree in dental hygiene from Concorde Career College where she made the Dean’s List with a perfect attendance record.

Vannessa’s patient focus is building relationships, easing dental anxiety, and developing home care strategies for their long-term optimal health. Using her gift of bilingual communication in English and Spanish, allows Vannessa to focus on these areas while also being an advocate for those patients who do not speak English.

Vannessa holds concurrent licenses in both dental assisting and dental hygiene in the State of Texas and is currently certified by the American Heart Association in CPR basic life support with automated external defibrillator. Being a lifelong learner, she enjoys continuing education courses to further her knowledge of dentistry and to stay up to date on new dental protocols and techniques.

In her spare time, Vannessa loves spending time with her family and friends, staying active, trying new activities, traveling, and especially going on walks with her beloved, long-haired German Shepherd, Capitan.

This month we are celebrating Donna’s 5-year anniversary as a dental assistant with Whitley Family Dental! Next time you are in our office, make sure to wish her a happy anniversary. We couldn’t do everything we do without Donna. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to our team!