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Cancer Prevention in your Mouth
Cancer. It’s not something we like to think about. But when we do think about it, we know it’s important to be alert for the warning signs of cancer – do regular exams and visit the doctor if we see any unusual skin formations. What you may not realize is that it’s just as important to check inside your mouth for oral cancer.
Oral cancer is stereotypically a disease that affects older men smoke and drink. Unfortunately, oral cancer rates are increasing in young women between the ages of 20 and 40. While the cause of this increase is unknown, it may be related to more women smoking, or it could be linked to HPV, or Human Papillomavirus, the same virus that causes cervical cancer.
The mortality rate of oral cancer is very high because it is usually discovered late and has already spread to other tissues in the body. Every year approximately 35,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed in the United States and 25% of these people will die of the disease. Oral cancer occurs almost as frequently as leukemia and claims more lives than melanoma or cervical cancer.
Regular screening for and early detection of oral cancer can literally save lives. If it is detected at its earliest stage, oral cancer can be treated and cured.
The best way to prevent oral cancer is to avoid tobacco and alcohol use. In addition, get regular dental check-ups that include an examination of the entire mouth. At Los Gatos Dental Group, we use a hand-held device called a VELscope® to see dysplasia (pre-malignant) changes in your cells before they are dangerous. Using a safe blue light, we examine your mouth for any spots that may be pre-cancerous. These areas can then be biopsied and monitored. The Velscope exam is performed at every new patient visit by our doctors and follow-up is done once a year by your hygienist.
At Los Gatos Dental Group, our focus is your total health – your teeth and beyond. Ask us about our oral cancer screening process at your next appointment. Who knows – it could save your life!
Remember, the mouth is connected to the rest of the body! Oral health = whole body health.
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Complimentary panoramic x-ray with first evaluation (Value of $145).