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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Gingivitis is quite common across the globe, but if left untreated can lead to periodontal disease, the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

Dr. J. Craig Alexander, your dentist in East Greenbush, explains that mild gum inflammation, or gingivitis is quite easy to diagnose and treat.

Symptoms of Gingivitis

Changes in gum color-Gums should be pink all over. If you notice shiny areas or red patches along your gum line, it could be plaque or tartar buildup.

Changes in the way gums feel-When you press on your gums, they should be moist. Healthy gums lay flat against the teeth that seals out bacteria and food particles. Unhealthy gums will roll away from the surface of your teeth allowing pockets to form. People who suffer from gingivitis will have soft, dry, or smooth gums.

Changes in Gum Shape-Healthy gums have scalloped edges along the teeth and should be covering up the same amount of root on every tooth making them appear symmetrical. Advanced gum disease will cause gums to pull away from your teeth and recede. Teeth will begin to look misshaped or longer because of root exposure.

Bad Breath-Halitosis is one of the most common symptoms of gingivitis and is caused by poor oral hygiene habits. Food particles that aren’t removed with proper brushing and flossing will begin to smell. Recurring bad breath is often a symptom of oral bacteria getting out of control.

Bloody Saliva-If you see blood when you spit after brushing or flossing, it is time to see your East Greenbush dentist, as this isn’t normal. If you practice good oral hygiene habits and use a soft bristled toothbrush, your gums will not bleed. If they do, it could be a sign that your gum tissue is inflamed, even if you aren’t experiencing any pain.

If you suspect you may be suffering from gingivitis, call or click and schedule an appointment with Dr. J. Craig Alexander who may recommend prophylactic cleaning or root planing and scaling.

Gingivitis should never be ignored and if you have swollen, sore, red or bleeding gums, or any of the signs above, it’s time to see your East Greenbush dentist, Dr. J. Craig Alexander. Call or click and schedule an appointment today.

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