Having regular oral cancer screenings can catch the early signs of mouth cancer before it has a chance to progress. Oral cancer can be treated successfully if tongue, cheek, lip, and throat cancer is caught early on. According to Dr. Alexander, a qualified dental professional can detect about 84 percent of oral cancers in the early stages.

Velscope

Dr. Alexander uses the Velscope screening test to look for any abnormalities. The simple and painless test looks at your oral tissue to detect any problems that you may have using specialized lights. If anything abnormal is detected, a sample will be sent to the lab for additional testing.

Who’s at Risk?

• People over 40
• Tobacco Users
• Heavy Alcohol Drinkers
• HPV Sufferers
• An Unhealthy Diet
• Prolonged Exposure to the Sun

Although there is no solid proof, people who have been diagnosed with mouth cancer usually have one or more of the above risk factors, however there are some people that have no risk factors what so ever which is why an oral cancer screening from your East Greenbush Dentist is so important.

See your Dentist if you:

• Have white or red patches on your tongue and in your mouth
• Patches or sores that don’t heal or bleed
• Hard spots or lumps in your mouth
• Pain or numbness when you bite down

Treatment and Prevention

The best way to prevent any type of oral cancer is to schedule regular dental appointments for cancer screenings. Although Dr. Craig cannot diagnose you during your cancer screening, he can send anything to the lab that looks suspicious.

If you would like to schedule an oral cancer screening with Dr. J. Craig Alexander, call or click and make an appointment today.

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Brushing

Keep your teeth clean by brushing twice each day with a soft bristled toothbrush at a 45-degree angle near your gum line. Both the surface of your teeth and the gum line should connect with the bristles on your toothbrush. Go back and forth, up, down, and make sure you use a soft touch to avoid bleeding. Clean the insides of your teeth and gums and don’t forget to brush the roof of the mouth and your tongue to get rid of odor causing bacteria.

It’s all about the Floss

Flossing is just as important as brushing as it removes the particles of food between your teeth that brushing just can’t budge. Floss once every day, or more often if you notice anything stuck between your teeth.

Tobacco

If you chew or smoke tobacco, your teeth and gums are paying the price. Not only will tobacco stain your teeth, but it can also cause gum recession, not to mention the oral cancer risks.

Coffee Alcohol and Soda

All contain phosphorous, which is necessary for a healthy mouth, but too much of a good thing can deplete your body’s calcium levels. Not enough calcium can cause the enamel on your teeth to weaken making you more susceptible to tooth decay.

Watch what you eat

Eat calcium rich foods such as dairy products and fortified orange juice. Broccoli, cheese, and yogurt are great foods that can help your calcium intake. Vitamin B complex, copper, zinc, iron, iodine, and potassium are also good for oral hygiene.

See your Dentist

One of the best oral hygiene tips is to visit your dentist every six months or more so if you are susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. During your checkups, make sure that your dentist gives you a comprehensive dental exam that includes an oral cancer screening.

Mouthwash

Mouth rinses have changed over the years and these days can protect you against gum disease, whiten your teeth, and help prevent cavities. Mouthwashes that contain Listerine or chlorine dioxide kill the left over bacteria and can help your breath stay fresh. Although it cannot do the work alone, a good mouthwash that is recommended by the American Dental Association is the perfect companion to brushing and flossing.

Dental Symptoms

If you have a toothache, jaw pain or any other dental issue, it is imperative that you contact your dentist immediately. You may not think that cracked tooth is a big issue because it doesn’t hurt, but your dentist will think differently.

Keeping your oral hygiene in check is important, and if you would like more oral hygiene tips, or can’t remember the last time you saw your dentist, call, or click and schedule an appointment today.

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