Saving Lives Through Early Oral Cancer Detection

HERE AT OUR ORLANDO DENTAL PRACTICE, IT’S ALWAYS SURPRISING TO US HOW LITTLE “PRESS” ORAL CANCER SEEMS TO GET compared to the press that other types of cancer gets. The statistics are significant… In the United States alone, 35,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer every year. And while early detection boosts survival rates up to 80–90%, too often the diagnoses doesn’t happen until the cancer has progressed much farther than is necessary.

So, you may be asking yourself, “Why does oral cancer go undetected so often?” One of the reasons is because most of the time the symptoms are not painful—and people just don’t know to check. Unfortunately some dentists don’t check either. Detecting oral cancer in its later stages significantly lowers the survival rate.

The Oral Cancer Foundation reports that if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should have Dr. Puig take a look:

• Unusual jaw swelling
• Difficulty swallowing or chewing often
• A thickening or lump in your cheek
• A sore in your mouth that doesn’t heal within 2 weeks
• White or red patches on any part of your throat or mouth
• Difficulty moving your jaw and/or your tongue
• Numbness in your mouth

Of course, there could always be other causes for these symptoms—but having them checked by Dr. Puig here at Dynamic Smile Design will provide the peace of mind you need in knowing the real cause of these symptoms.

It also goes without saying, just like in sports, that the best offense is a great defense… That is, keep those regularly scheduled cleaning appointments and screenings. Doing so GREATLY increases the liklihood that problems will be detected early. It IS SO absolutely worth it.

Here at Dynamic Smile Design, as your trusted, oral health partner, we want to keep you and those you love as healthy as possible. Let us know if you have other questions about oral cancer or any symptoms above. And share this information with someone you know! Staying informed helps us all stay healthier.

We look forward to talking with you the next time you visit our office. Thanks.