Brushing and flossing are not enough to keep your teeth and gums healthy. The American Dental Association also recommends you see your dentist in Pasadena twice a year. You may think the routine visits are only for a cleaning and checkup, but they serve another important purpose as well. Your dentist will also perform an oral cancer screening. Now, you can enjoy the power of early detection by visiting your dentist twice a year.
Don’t Skip Your Dental Visits
One-third of Americans did not see their dentist last year. Often, it is thought you do not need an appointment until after a problem arises, but this is untrue. Routine care allows your dentist to prevent common issues from developing to lower your long-term dental expenses. In fact, every $1 spent on prevention can save you $8 to $50 on restorative and emergency services. Besides keeping your teeth and gums healthy, dentists can detect 80% of new oral cancer cases during semi-annual visits.
Oral cancer is classified as those affecting the head and neck, but brain cancer is in a separate category. It is estimated 53,000 Americans will be diagnosed with a form of it this year, making it one of the most prevalent cancers. Sadly, only 57% of those diagnosed with it survive longer than 5 years. 1 person every hour dies from it, most often from late detection. All too often, oral cancer is not diagnosed until it has reached advanced stages or spread to other areas of the body.
Power of Early Detection
Often, oral cancer is not diagnosed early because many people are not aware they are at risk. Not to mention, they do not know they can get an oral cancer screening from their dentist. During your preventive visit, your dentist evaluates your oral tissues to look for any concerning areas. If a suspicious spot is detected, a biopsy is taken and tested at a lab.
In between your appointments, there are some warning signs to watch for, such as:
- Sores on your lips or mouth that will not heal.
- White or red patches on the inside of your mouth.
- Unexplainable loose teeth.
- Unexplained dental pain.
- Lumps or growths on the inside of your mouth.
- Numbness or tingling in the mouth.
- Ear pain.
- Difficulty or painful swallowing.
- Feeling as though something is stuck in your throat.
- Difficulty moving the tongue or jaw.
If you develop any of these symptoms, do not wait until your next appointment to contact your dentist for an oral cancer screening.
Get a Healthy Smile Today!
If it has been more than 6 months since your last dental visit, invest in a healthy smile with a preventive appointment for a cleaning, checkup, and oral cancer screening.
About Pasadena Family Dentistry
Pasadena Family Dentistry strives to help you feel comfortable and relaxed when visiting the dentist. We focus on prevention to ensure your smile lasts. If you need a routine appointment, including an oral cancer screening, contact our office today.