Fight Oral Cancer – Visit Your Dentist for Preventive Care!

Is it really that important to visit your dentist for preventive care? After all, you feel okay. Unfortunately, danger could still be lurking, an example of which is the development of oral cancer. Because this is a growing problem in America, April has been designated as National Oral Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a time where dentists around the country are encouraging people to receive preventive care and to undergo oral cancer screenings. Read on to find out why this is so important and how it could save your life!

Oral Cancer on the Rise

This year, it is projected that over 50,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer, and close to 11,000 of the cases are forecasted to end fatally. Far from being just morbid statistics, these numbers should be used as motivation to improve oral health and further enhance one’s total wellness.

Oral cancer typically begins in the flat cells of the mouth, and it can be found in the following areas:

• Gums
• Throat
• Cheeks
• Tongue
• Sinuses
• Floor of the mouth
• Soft and hard palate

The Importance of an Oral Cancer Screening

While the disease can be life-threatening, with early detection and treatment, there is a 75% chance of reaching the five-year-survival benchmark. However, if the initial symptoms are ignored and the disease is allowed to fester, the survival rate can fall by as much as 55%.

How Your Dentist Can Help Out

When you visit your dentist for preventive care, a portion of the time is dedicated to the professional performing an oral cancer screening. The procedure is usually divided into two segments to ensure a tediously-conducted examination.

Visual Assessment

When you’re reclined in your dentist’s chair, the professional has a bird’s-eye-view of your head, neck and mouth. He or she will visually inspect those areas to look for bumps, abnormal growths, red or white spots or ulcerations.

Hands-on Examination

Next, using his or her hands, the dentist will probe the same areas in search of anything that is uncommon. If there are any oddities discovered, further tests can be conducted.

By identifying oral cancer early, less aggressive measures can be taken to treat the condition.

Why Now is the Time to Act

Studies have found a connection between untreated bacteria growth and the development of oral cancer. Therefore, now is the perfect time to commit to visiting your dentist for preventive care semi-annually. In addition to undergoing an oral cancer screening, you’ll also have your teeth cleaned, which is integral in preventing the development of oral cancer.

The bottom line is that by taking proactive steps for improved oral health, you may be actually saving your life as well. So reach out to schedule your first visit today!

About the Author

Dr. Jon Davidson is a graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy. He has since gone on to provide 24 years of top-notch dental care. To stay abreast of the latest breakthroughs in dentistry and to further expand his knowledge, Dr. Davidson takes continuing education courses throughout the year. He provides preventive care, which includes oral cancer screenings, at Dental Dynamics, and he can be reached for more information through his website.