By KELLY M. DAINIAK, DMD, GENERAL DENTIST
April is Oral Cancer Awareness month. As a dental professional the most important part of my job is to screen and detect oral cancer. The dental professional has optimal lighting and mouth mirrors that enable the best visualization of the oral cavity. In general, most mouth lesions disappear in 7 to 1O days. If a lesion persists it is important to have an Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon do an examination and possibly a biopsy. Oral cancer has the best prognosis when caught in early stages.
Risk factors include any tobacco product (cigarettes, cigars, vapes, chewing tobacco}, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV}, age (increased with age}, poor oral hygiene, sun exposure and genetics.
Symptoms are:
1. Lesion does not heal
2. Red and/or white spot
3. Difficulty swallowing
4. Bad breadth (Halitosis}
5. Ear pain
6. Numbness or tingling
7. Rough spot around lips or inside mouth
8. Lesions do not always cause pain/discomfort
If you have any of these symptoms, do not delay in scheduling a comprehensive dental examination. Regular dental check ups are important not only for preserving teeth and healthy gums but also for cancer screening. Often it is easy to fall behind on your dental health. If you missed a dental cleaning, do not delay in calling your dental professional. Teeth can be repaired or replaced (with dental implants} but cancer detection could save your life and ultimately give you a better heath span.
239-992-0325
www.premierdentalstudio.com
20321 Grande Oak Shoppes Blvd.
Suite 316 | Estero, FL 33928