NOT only do periodic dental examinations help detect cavities and gum disease, but they also allow early detection of oral cancer.
During dental exams, we screen for pre-cancerous changes in the oral tissues and help detect cancer at a stage when it can be more successfully treated.
Because early detection is important, check your mouth when brushing and flossing.
Contact our office if you notice any changes in the appearance of your mouth or any of the signs and symptoms listed below:
• A persistent sore or irritation that does not heal;
• Color changes such as the development of red and/or white lesions;
• Pain, tenderness or numbness anywhere in the mouth or lips;
• A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area;
• Difficulty in chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue;
• Changes in bite.
Each year, 10,000 Americans die of oral cancer, with 30,000 new cases of the disease diagnosed annually.
Dentists are often first to detect this disease when it is in its early treatable stages.
So visit our office regularly.
***
If you have questions, pls call Dr. Valerie de Leon at (650) 697–9000 or visit our website at www.millbraesmiles.com. She is with Millbrae Smile Center located at 15 El Camino Real, Millbrae 94030. She is a member of American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Academy of Laser Dentistry, ADA, CDA and SMCDS. Please call for a free consultation.
( Published November 19, 2009 in Asian Journal Northern California p. B2 )
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