Dental Solutions
“I love my teeth and my smile. The work was done very softly and pleasant, and Dr. Gross and his team really cared and even worked on “odd” hours as I was a bit pushed for time leaving USA for Europe. Thank you Dr. Gross – Thank you Renee and the rest of the team – You are great!”
- Pernilla
Oral Cancer Screening
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Only half of all patients diagnosed with oral cancer survive more than five years. Thankfully, it is now easier than ever to detect oral cancer early, when the opportunity for a cure is greatest.
Your dentists at SmilePerfect, with four offices in Southern Florida, have the skills and tools to ensure that early signs of cancer and pre-cancerous conditions are identified. You and your dentist can fight and win the battle against oral cancer if you know the early signs and see your dentist regularly.
Oral Cancer in Men Associated with HPV
Regular Dental Check-ups Important
Oral cancer screening is a routine part of a dental examination. Regular check-ups, including an examination of the entire mouth, are essential in the early detection of cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions. You may have a very small, but dangerous, oral spot or sore and not be aware of it.
You Should Know
- Oral Cancer often starts as a tiny, unnoticed white or red spot or sore anywhere in the mouth.
- It can affect any area of the oral cavity including the lips, gum tissue, check lining, tongue and the hard or soft palate.
- Other signs include:
- A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal
- A color change of the oral tissues
- A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area
- Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue.
- A change in the way the teeth fit together
- Oral Cancer most often occurs in those who use tobacco in any form.
- Alcohol use combined with smoking greatly increases risk.
- Prolonged exposure to the sun increases the risk of lip cancer.
- More than 25% of oral cancers occur in people who do not smoke and have no other risk factors.
- Oral Cancer is more likely to strike after age 40 but can affect any adult regardless of other risk factors.
Studies suggest that a diet high in fruits and vegetables may prevent the development of potentially cancerous lesions.
Incidence and Mortality
- Oral cancer strikes more than 34,360 Americans yearly. An estimated 7,550 people will die of oral cancer in 2007.
- Oral cancer is as common as leukemia
- Oral cancer claims more lives than melanoma or cervical cancer.
- 50% of those diagnosed with oral cancer survive beyond five years.
- African-Americans are more likely to develop oral cancer.
Risk Factors
- 25% of oral cancer patients have no known risk factors (tobacco and alcohol use do contribute).
- There number of oral cancer patients under age 40 has increased five-fold.
- Oral cancer in women has significantly increased, as more women now smoke. Compared to 1950, when the male to female smoking ratio was 6:1; it was 2:1 by 2002.
- Oral HPV will predispose a patient to oral cancer
Prevention and Detection
- Adjunctive Screening once per year with ViziLite Plus
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol use.
- One of the most effective means of reducing oral cancer is to find and remove epithelial dysplasias before they become cancerous.
- Know the risk factors
- See your dentist for oral cancer screenings.
- Oral cancer may begin with white or red patches or spots that are actually premalignant lesions. Identifying and removing them before they become cancerous is effective in reducing oral cancer.
To learn more about oral cancer and what you can do to prevent it, please contact one of the SmilePerfect offices in Boca Raton, Ft. Lauderdale, Plantation, or Deerfield, Florida today to schedule your consultation.
