April Is Oral Cancer Awareness Month
Dr. Wollock Reminds All Of Our Valued Patients That Early Oral Cancer Detection Saves Lives
IT’S SOMEWHAT SURPRISING THAT ORAL CANCER DOESN’T GET THE “PRESS” that other types of cancer seem to get. The numbers are significant. In the United States alone, over 35,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer every year. Here at our practice, early detection is very important because it can boost survival rates to 80–90%! Unfortunately, many times if people do not see their dentist regularly, the cancer is not diagnosed before it reaches a more advanced stage.
So, why does oral cancer so often go undetected? Dr. Wollock says, “One of the reasons is because many of the symptoms are not painful, and people just don’t know.” Sadly, detecting oral cancer in its later stages significantly lowers survival rates.
According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should have Dr. Wollock and our team take a look:
- A sore inside your mouth that doesn’t heal within two weeks
- A lump or thickening of your cheek
- A white or red patch on any part of your inner mouth or throat
- Chronic difficulty swallowing or chewing
- Difficulty moving your tongue or jaw
- Numbness inside your mouth
- Jaw swelling
Although there may be other causes for these symptoms, having them checked here at our practice will provide peace of mind in knowing the cause.
And of course, it goes without saying—the best offense is a great defense… That is, keep those regularly scheduled cleaning appointments and screenings. Doing so GREATLY increases the likelihood that any problems will be detected early. It’s absolutely worth it, so make your appointment today.
As your trusted, lifelong oral health partner, we want to keep you and your loved ones as healthy as possible. Let us know if you have any questions about oral cancer or any of the symptoms mentioned above. And share this information with someone you love! Staying informed helps us all stay healthier.
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The practice is by far the best run doctors office (of any kind) that I have ever experienced. I’ve told so many friends and family members that they should switch dentists immediately! They always have soothing music and planet earth videos playing in ever room. They also have a large collection of DVD’s that you can choose from if you are going to be there for an extended period of time. They have a fridge fully stock of drinks that you can choose from while you wait or on your way out, as well as a Keurig machine with an assortment of hot beverages! I am currently thinking of buying a house in a town over an hour away, and I would still gladly make the commute to keep Dentistry At Suburban Square my dentist office!