When you visit us for your regular dental cleanings, we will offer an oral cancer screening.
“Oral cancer kills roughly 1 person every hour. Don’t be a statistic, visit us for an oral cancer screening.”
According to the Oral Cancer Foundation (OCF), more than 43,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. Furthermore, 8,000 – roughly the equivalent of a death an hour – will die from the disease. The survival rate drops dramatically toward later stages. A screening at our office may save your life by detecting it early.
What Is Oral Cancer?
Included in the term “oral cancer” are cancers of the:
- Lips
- Tongue
- Floor of the mouth
- Hard and soft palate
- Cheeks
- Sinuses
- Pharynx
Discovering Oral Cancer
North Heacock Dental routinely checks for signs of pre-cancerous cells during your routine visits. Our dentists use ViziLite, a special light that can make abnormal tissues appear white and therefore easier to detect. This system helps detect for early warning signs. Early detection of pre-cancerous cells can help save your life.
Here’s how a ViziLite screening works at our office:
1. You rinse your mouth with a cleaning solution.
2. The lights are dimmed.
3. The dentist or hygienist will examine your mouth for any warning signs using ViziLte.
It’s that simple! And no pain involved.
Regular dental visits with us can lower your risk of letting it go undiagnosed.
Preventing Oral Cancer
The dental office is the best place for discovering oral cancer early, but it’s even better to try to prevent it via healthy habits.
Preventing oral cancer starts with cleaning your mouth and scheduling regular trips to the dentist. It’s one more reason why brushing, flossing and rinsing are so important.
Other tips and resources for preventing oral cancer are available online from organizations like the National Cancer Institute, which advises against smoking, drinking and sun exposure. Taking these precautionary measures can go a long way toward lowering your risk.
Call today for your for oral cancer screening, simply schedule a consultation with North Heacock Dental Group!
