How can we help you?
We are happy to answer questions about our services and procedures.
These are a selection of some common questions that patients have. If your question isn't answered here, please contact our office. It's important to us that our patients understand their dental care.
Preventive Dentistry
Since most of us don’t routinely analyze the insides of our mouths, you may wonder how you can detect the signs of oral cancer. In addition to oral cancer screenings with your dentist, seek professional care if you notice any of these symptoms:
- Bleeding in your mouth that doesn’t stop or a sore that doesn’t heal
- A lump or thickening in the lining of the mouth
- Chronic hoarseness or sore throat
- Red or white patches on the soft tissues in the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing
Additional symptoms that may signal a problem include fatigue, unexplained weight loss, loose teeth, chronic bad breath, and ear and/or jaw pain. Check your tongue, lips, gums, cheeks, teeth, face, and neck for changes, and call your dentist if you have any concerns.
Factors that increase oral cancer risk:
- Tobacco use
- Heavy alcohol use
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Excessive sun exposure
- Fair skin
- Poor oral hygiene
- Poor nutrition
- Gender (men are more prone to oral cancer than women)
Prevention is always the best way to avoid oral cancer. Discontinuing tobacco use may be the single most effective way to lower your risk, even if you’ve been using it for years.