When was the last time you visited our office for a hygiene examination and cleaning? If it has been longer than six months, we recommend scheduling an appointment sooner rather than later. Besides cleaning and inspecting your teeth for decay, we also inspect for other conditions that can affect not only your oral health, but your overall health as well. One condition we look for is oral cancer.
Our teeth work hard for us every single day — from chewing our food, to helping us speak properly and of course, giving us a nice smile. It’s no wonder that they might get worn down or broken and need some TLC. Do you know what the most common dental issues are?
Read more to find out.
According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, close to 53,000 Americans were diagnosed with oral cancer in 2019, and only about half of these individuals will still be alive in 5 years. The high death rate of this type of cancer is a result of late stage diagnoses. At Dentistry by Angela Britt we make it a priority to screen for oral cancer during your routine dental exam because early detection is the best way to prevent it from developing and spreading.
When I remind you that you need to come in for an examination every six months, you may think, ‘Six months, eight months … what’s the difference?’ The truth is, two months could make a difference when it comes to your health. I’m not just talking about tooth decay or gum disease, either. There is a very real danger that could be avoided by being seen by me semi-annually, without fail. What is it? Oral Cancer. The Risk of Oral Cancer Despite what you may think, oral cancer doesn’t just affect those who use tobacco products. While that certainly increases…
Did you know: One person every hour of every day dies of Oral Cancer in America Oral cancer has become a leader in cancer among men Oral cancer has increased in young adults Tobacco users are at higher risk Exposure to the HPV virus increases your risk Most people are not aware of potential risks; however, when detected early, the survival rate for oral cancer is very high. The VELscope exam takes about two minutes, involves no pain or inconvenience, and is completely safe. Abnormal fluorescence patterns aid in detecting unhealthy tissue that sometimes cannot be seen with the naked…
The American Cancer Society’s most recent estimates for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers in the United States for 2013: About 36,000 people will get oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer. An estimated 6,850 people will die of these cancers. These cancers are more than twice as common in men as in women. Oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers occur most often in the following sites: The tongue The tonsils and oropharynx The gums, floor of the mouth, and other parts of the mouth The average age of most people diagnosed with these cancers is 62, however a little more than one-quarter occur…
