Beverly Hills dental patients are like dental patients everywhere and they really don’t like to be bothered with those routine dental checkups. But routine dental exams are an important part of your overall healthcare and, just like any checkup, shouldn’t be skipped. During these routine exams we are not only checking for gum disease and decay, we are also looking for potentially life-threatening conditions including oral cancer.
Did you know that nearly 35,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer each year? The majority of these cases will be discovered after the cancer has spread to other areas of the body simply because people are not aware of the signs. Actor Michael Douglas has done a wonderful job sharing information about oral cancer since his diagnosis and successful treatment but most people still don’t think it could happen to them.
The rates of oral cancers have been rising dramatically in recent years and they have been rising especially quickly among the young. Regular screening is key for early diagnosis.
Oral cancer can affect many areas in and around your mouth, including your throat and sinuses. Of the estimated 35,000 diagnosed with oral cancer annually, approximately half will survive five years. This depressing statistic is due largely to the fact that because patients do not know what to look for, and because oral cancer is typically painless in its earliest stages.
Contact us if you experience any of the following:
- Red and/or white discolorations of the soft tissue in your mouth;
- A lump or thickening that develops in the mouth or neck;
- Difficulty swallowing; Numbness in or around the mouth;
- Ear pain that you only feel on one side;
- The feeling that something is stuck in your throat;
- Difficulty moving your jaw or tongue
These are all symptoms of oral cancer but don’t panic if you have one. Having one of these symptoms does not always mean you have cancer – some can be signs of other conditions as well. If you experience any of these symptoms for more than 14 days you should visit us right away. If oral cancer is caught early survival rates sky rocket to 80-90%.
Your regular dental checkup can help keep your smile healthy but it can also save your life. Don’t delay, please contact Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist Dr. David Frey at 310-276-4537 today.
