Dentist in Chesapeake
THIS YEAR ALONE, 400,000 people throughout the world will be diagnosed with oral cancer. 40% of those diagnosed won’t live another five years. Oral cancer has such a dismal survival rate because it’s usually not detected until very late in its progression. Because April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we’re encouraging everyone to get screened this year during their regularly scheduled checkups.
Oral Cancer Is A Risk For Everyone
Oral Cancer does not discriminate against race or age. Although it is more common in men than women, we are all at risk. Protecting yourself from prolonged sun exposure and tobacco decrease your risk. Certain lifestyles have higher risk for oral cancer such as heavy drinkers and those who use tobacco frequently. Other conditions such as HPV and Lichen planus may be at increased risk as well.
Early Detection Is SO Important
Early oral cancer detection can boost survival rates to 80–90%! One of the reasons oral cancer goes undetected is because many of the symptoms are not painful. If you experience any of the following symptoms, please let us know right away:
- A lump or thickening of your cheek
- A white or red patch on any part of your inner mouth or throat
- A sore inside your mouth that doesn’t heal within two weeks
- Difficulty moving your tongue or jaw
- Numbness inside your mouth
- Chronic difficulty swallowing or chewing
- Jaw swelling
We Use Velscope For Early Detection
During your preventative maintenance visit with us, you can expect a thorough exam of your teeth, tongue, cheeks and gums. We will look for signs of changing tissue or lesions at this time by visual exam, intraoral cameral or velscope light.
The Best Offense Is A Good Defense
It is important to stay active, eat healthy and stay away from tobacco and alcohol. Being proactive in your health is the first step in prevention of oral cancer. Preventive 6 month screenings will allow effective diagnosis early on. Detection is the best prevention. Keep regularly scheduled cleaning appointments and screenings. Doing so GREATLY increases the likelihood that any problems will be detected early. It’s worth it.
Blythe Danner on Oral Cancer:
As your trusted, lifelong oral health partner, we want to keep you and your loved ones as healthy as possible. Let us know if you have questions about oral cancer or any of the symptoms mentioned above. And share this information with someone you love!