Get Your Oral Cancer Screening Today at Premier Walk In Dental
February 17, 2015
More than 43,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. That’s approximately one person per hour, every hour, for the entire year. The oral cancer mortality rate is particularly high due to the cancer being routinely discovered late in its development. While dentists routinely screen for oral cancer each time you get a dental checkup, often, the patients most at risk for developing the disease don’t see a dentist on a regular basis. Don’t jeopardize your health by skipping the dental checkup you need to stay healthy. Make an appointment with Dr. Nichols and Dr. Collins at Premier Walk-In Dental today. Premier Walk-In Dental delivers quality care daily throughout Rockledge, FL, Cocoa, Satellite Beach, Merritt Island, Viera, to Suntree, Melbourne, Palm Bay, and the surrounding communities.
What Causes Oral Cancer?
While anyone can develop oral cancer, some factors may increase your likelihood. Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor, but having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer. The most common risk factors for oral cancer include:
- Gender: Oral cancer is twice as common in men as in women.
- Age: The average age at diagnosis for oral cancer is 62, and 2/3 of individuals with this disease are over age 55.
- Sunlight: Cancers of the lip are more common among people who work outdoors or others with prolonged exposure to sunlight.
- Genetics: Some inherited genetic mutations, which cause different syndromes in the body, carry a high risk of oral cancer.
- Tobacco use: About 80% of people with oral cancers use tobacco in the form of cigarettes, chewing tobacco or snuff.
- Alcohol: About 70% of people diagnosed with oral cancer are heavy drinkers.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection: There is a strong link between HPV-16 and oral cancer. People with oral cancer linked to HPV tend to not be smokers or drinkers.
What Are The Symptoms of Oral Cancer?
If you are experiencing any of the following oral cancer symptoms, you should make an immediate appointment for an oral cancer screening:
- A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsil, or lining of the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing
- Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue
- Numbness anywhere in the mouth
- Jaw pain or swelling
- Loosened teeth
- Voice changes
- Sudden unexplained weight loss
- Persistent bad breath
- A sore in the mouth that does not heal after two weeks
- Persistent mouth pain
- A lump or thickening in the cheek
- A sore throat or feeling that something is caught in the throat
Rockledge Oral Cancer Screening Appointments
If you, or someone you love, are at risk for developing oral cancer, make an appointment for an oral cancer screening with Dr. Nichols and Dr. Collins at Premier Walk-In Dental today. The experienced team at Premier Walk-In Dental proudly serve families daily throughout Rockledge, FL, Cocoa, Satellite Beach, Merritt Island, Viera, to Suntree, Melbourne, Palm Bay, and the neighboring areas.
Which Floss Is Right For You?
July 17, 2014
With almost everything in life, you have ample options to choose from. Whether it is hair color or cereal, there are so many options to choose from, and sometimes the options can be overwhelming. What people may not realize is that we are given many options when it comes to oral care products. With dozens of types of toothpastes and mouthwashes, trying to find the product that is perfect for you can be difficult. When it comes to floss, it is important to pick the right one for you and your lifestyle.
Many people may underestimate the true importance of flossing on daily basis. When you floss every day, it can add an average of six years to your life, and it will also reduce your chances of heart disease, gum disease, respiratory complications, diabetes, and etcetera. Also, when you brush and floss every day, it heightens your odds of having a beautiful, healthy smile!
Electric and traditional flossing both have benefits, but some may be wondering what the real difference between the two are. Research has shown that electric flossing removes more plaque after a single use, though standard flossing is very effective. Traditional and electric are both save, as they do not cause hard to soft tissues in your smile. Electric flossing does have an advantage as it may appeal to older adults who have difficultly handling traditional floss. And given the age we live in with constantly advancing technology, electric flossing could appeal more to teenagers and young adults, as they will enjoy the experience more! No matter which flossing method you choose, it is important to do what is best for you and your smile!
If you want to make an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Nichols or Dr. Ryan Collins, contact our Rockledge, FL dental office today! We are able to take care of all of your dental needs, and our experienced doctors are eager to help you achieve your smile goals! We are proud to serve patients from Cocoa, Satellite Beach, Merritt Island, Viera, Suntree, Melbourne, and Palm Bay.
