April of each year marks Oral Cancer Awareness month as sponsored by various health organizations and the American Dental Association (ADA) in an effort to shed a brighter light on this often deadly disease affecting thousands each year.
Oral Cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers statistically because it is frequently diagnosed in the late stages of development. At this point, many patients are faced with less than a 50% survival rate.
Dr. Amy Mandalia provides an oral cancer screening during your routine visits to our Buckhead dentist office. This quick, painless exam lasts about two minutes, but could add years to your life if an oral cancer is spotted in the early stage when treatment is often successful. Many patients do not even realize that they are being screened for the signs of oral cancer as Dr. Mandalia performs a routine examination of the teeth, gums and neck area during their hygiene visits.
Although many else signs of oral cancer easily go unnoticed, understanding what we are looking for durning your screening can help you to monitor your own oral health between visits, especially if you are a smoker or use tobacco products which places you in the high risk category.
Although some of these signs or symptoms can be an indication of a wide range of dental health concerns, it is important to come in for a visit if you notice any if these changes. Early treatment can often avoid more complex problems down the road and in the case of an oral cancer, it could be life saving.
Oral cancer screening provides another good reason to visit with Dr. Mandalia in Buckhead twice a year. Routine dental care not only keeps your smile healthy but can also provide the opportunity to spot early signs of larger health concerns such as an oral cancer. As your dentist, we consider ourselves a partner in your overall health care, helping you to enjoy the best quality of life every day.
