According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately
42,440 men and women in America will be diagnosed with oral cancer in 2014. Of these, only 62.7 percent are expected to
survive for more than five years. Research tells us that the successful
treatment of oral cancer is
contingent upon early detection and diagnosis. At JL Dental in Arnold, MO, Drs. Jonathan and Laura
Mears provide families with all of the preventive and
general dentistry services they need to maintain optimal oral health,
including routine oral cancer screening.
Protect
Yourself with Oral Cancer Screening
Because oral cancer is
such an aggressive disease, early treatment is pivotal to success in fighting
it. At your routine general dentistry checkup at JL Dental, our team will thoroughly evaluate the gums and other
soft tissues in your mouth, utilizing proven oral cancer screening technology to detect problems that aren’t yet
visible to the naked eye. While an oral
cancer screening is the only definitive way to spot and diagnose a
potentially cancerous lesion, there are some signs that you can keep in mind
between your visits to our office. These include:
·
White or red patches anywhere in the mouth
·
Unexplained bleeding
·
A persistent cough or hoarseness
·
Numbness or tingling in the mouth or on the lips
·
Sores in the mouth that recur or simply do not go away
·
Lumps or thickening of the skin of the cheek lining
·
A change in the way dentures fit
·
Difficulty swallowing
·
Soreness when moving the tongue
·
Pain in the teeth or jaw bone
·
Persistent halitosis (bad breath)
If you notice any of these symptoms or suspect their presence
in a loved one, call us as soon as possible to arrange an appointment with our
doctors and friendly, experienced staff. We’ll work with you from day one to
develop a treatment plan that is customized to meet your individual needs.
Schedule
Your Visit Today
Even if you are completely free of these symptoms, oral cancer screening is an integral
component of your routine dental checkup. Contact our office today
to schedule your appointment with Dr.
Jonathan Mears or Dr. Laura Mears,
and discover the difference our patient-centered approach and gentle touch can
make in your next checkup. Our family-friendly dental practice in Arnold, MO, proudly serves patients
from throughout nearby neighborhoods as well, including those located in Barnhart, Oakville, Imperial, and more.
