Miami and Coral Gables, FL
You probably know that going to the dentist helps keep your teeth and mouth in good condition, but did you know that keeping a regular schedule of dental visits also might save your life?
Going to your dentist regularly or often improves your chance of detecting any oral cancers in their earliest stages. Various professional medical organizations, including the American Dental Association and the American Academy of General Dentistry, recommend that patients visit their dentist on a regular basis, lowering their likelihood of developing oral cancer, a life-threatening disease. In honor of April’s National Oral Health Awareness Month, your Miami dentists at Miami Designer Smiles wants to share with you some important information about this disease.
Everyone should visit his or her dentist at least once every six months. Failing to follow such a routine increases the danger of developing oral cancer, as well as other ailments such as gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss and—if undiagnosed—raise your risk of cardiac disease as the bacteria and plaque from your infected mouth filter into the bloodstream. At a dental check-up, in addition to having a professional cleaning that completely removes all bacteria, plaque, and tartar from your teeth, your dentist will perform a thorough examination of your teeth and mouth that includes an oral cancer screening. An experienced, well-trained Miami dentist can detect this potentially deadly disease in its earliest stage. And detecting any cancer as early as possible improves the likelihood of full recovery.
What should an oral cancer screening entail? Your dentist should look for warning signs such as lumps or other abnormal tissue changes in your cheeks, head, oral cavity, neck, and the soft tissues of the mouth. Discoloration or sores also may be signs that oral cancer is present. By maintaining a regular schedule of dental visits, your dentist can identify any of these issues, as any changes to your oral health will be more readily apparent.
According to the American Cancer Society, more than 35,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed on a yearly basis. And the mortality risk associated with oral cancer is significantly higher than other types of cancer. In fact, the five-year survival rate for patients diagnosed with oral cancer has dropped by about 50 percent. The sad part is maintaining regular schedules of dental check-ups may have prevented many of these deaths.
Oral Cancer Screenings in Miami
Why live with any of that risk? If you have lapsed in receiving regular dental care, there is no better time than right now to get back on track. You can trust the team of professionals at Miami Designer Smiles to look after the health of your teeth and mouth, and safeguard your overall health by conducting cancer screenings as part of every routine checkup. We also offer a wide array of services in the specialties of cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, and neuromuscular dentistry. To learn more about the services offered at Miami Designer Smiles, call our office today at (305) 595-4616 to schedule a consultation.
Miami Designer Smiles is proud to care for patients in the areas of Miami and Coral Gables, FL.