Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Nearly 40,000 people nationwide are diagnosed with oral cancer every year, resulting in approximately two dozen deaths daily.  But according to the Dental PR News article, “Education and Exams for Oral Cancer Awareness Month,” there is something you can do to avoid becoming part of this statistic.  Early detection and diagnosis are key elements to fighting this deadly disease.  Survival rates skyrocket when oral cancer is found in the early stages, leading many dentists to recommend annual screenings in addition to maintaining good oral hygiene.

As part of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, education about the disease is being targeted.  There are several early indicators of oral cancer that would warrant a trip to the dentist and could potentially lead to early detection.  The most notable symptoms include red or white discoloration of soft tissues in the mouth, sores that do not heal within a two week period, and persistent hoarseness.  More advanced indicators can include numbness in the oral area, difficulty moving the jaw or tongue, and ear pain.  Additionally, some people experience a sensation that something is lodged in the throat, difficulty swallowing, and a lump or thickening that develops in the mouth or neck.  Experiencing any or all of these symptoms should prompt you to contact your dentist to request an oral cancer screening as soon as possible.

At Miami Dental Sedation Spa, an oral cancer screening is routine with your visit.  They use a very simple technology, Vizilite Plus, which assists in early detection of oral abnormalities.  The patient simply rinses with a cleansing solution before the mouth is examined under a specially designed light.  It is a completely painless procedure that is very quick and effective.  Oral cancer is one of the most curable diseases when detected early.  Regular visits to your dentist as well as being aware of changes in your mouth will help you to fight this fatal disease.