Oral Cancer and Gum Disease: Early Detection Can Save Your Life
Preventative Dentistry can Save Your Life
Your dental exam can expose and help diagnose Oral Cancer and Gum Disease early …
You know that your dental team keeps your mouth healthy and clean when you schedule your dental exam and cleaning every six months, but did you know that getting regular dental checkups is the most important procedure against oral cancer and gum disease? Your dentist is doing a lot more than just checking up on your smile and making sure you don’t have any cavities. Preventative dentistry can detect early signs of cancer, gum disease, and other major health problems. All in all, preventative dentistry could just save your life.
Learn more about the Preventive Services at our offices.
Preventative Dentistry Protects Your Smile
Preventative dentistry is also commonly known as general dentistry. These dental services include your regular dental exams, cleanings, and x-rays. When you go to the dentist for your normal cleanings and visits, you’re dealing with preventative dentistry.
This is because cleanings can prevent future oral health issues. With good preventive care, you can avoid costly and frustrating oral health issues in the future. So, it’s extremely important to see your dentist often for checkups. During checkups, dentists can also look for any signs and symptoms of serious oral health issues – providing a great defense and early detection of oral cancer and gum disease.
We offer:
- Dental cleanings
- Early dental diagnosis
- Fluoride and sealants
- Home care coaching
- Mouth guards and retainers
Learn more about Preventative Dentistry.
Schedule Your Visit to the Dentist
Your smile was meant to last a lifetime. That’s why it’s so important to take care of your teeth, so they can function well and last as long as they’re supposed to. Ultimately, the best thing you can do for your teeth’s durability is seeing your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
Some of these reasons include:
- Prevention of tarter, plaque, and decay
- Helps prevent gum disease
- Check for oral cancer and other health issues
- Get advice on your specific oral health needs
- Establish oral health goals for treatment
Preventative dentistry focuses on good oral health & hygiene, dental care practices, and early detection – all of which are happening during your routine dental checkups. So, your dentist may talk with you about what steps to take to avoid cavities, sensitivity, tooth decay, best oral health practices, and more.
Dental Exam FAQ
Q. What Happens During Your Dental Cleaning?
If you are due for routine x-rays, we will begin by taking updated films. During your cleaning, the dentist or one of our expert hygienists will use a scaler (a small metal instrument with a blade-like end) to scrape off tartar above and below the gum line. Or he or she may use an ultrasonic vibrating device to shake loose plaque and tartar and then rinse it away with a stream of water. An oral cancer screening will be completed. We will then polish your teeth with a lightly abrasive paste and finish up with a flossing. The now-smooth tooth surfaces make it more difficult for plaque to accumulate before the next cleaning.
Q. What Happens During Your Dental Exam?
When you see us for your dental appointment, we will carefully examine your teeth, gums, jaw, and oral tissues. We will also refer to your most current x-rays to help to assess your oral health. The purpose of the exam is to accurately assess your current oral health and if possible, identify problems, such as oral cancer and gum disease, while in their earliest stages. When patients attend routine checkups as recommended by the Dr. Thomas L. Anderson or one of our gentle dentists, we tend to uncover problems before they can lead to complications that require more extensive treatment options.
Q. What happens during an Oral Cancer Screening?
During an oral cancer screening exam, your dentist looks over the inside of your mouth to check for red or white patches or mouth sores. Using gloved hands, your dentist also feels the tissues in your mouth to check for lumps or other abnormalities. The dentist may also examine your throat and neck for lumps.
Your dentist will not be able to diagnose cancer during an examination. Oral cancer can be diagnosed only with a biopsy, when a sample of tissue in the area is removed and examined under a microscope. However, your dentist can identify suspicious-looking areas or growths that may need further evaluation.
The bad news: Oral cancer is common. The good news: If you have oral cancer and your dentist finds and treats it early, it usually is very curable. Oral cancer can usually be detected by a dentist or doctor in a routine mouth exam.
Q. How Often Should You Have Schedule a Dental Exam & Cleaning?
The American Dental Association recommends regular dental appointments every six months and we agree!
- Children (once their first baby teeth erupt), teens, adults, and seniors all benefit from regular exams every six months.
- Those with high risk factors of gum disease and other oral health issues may benefit from an exam every three to four months.
If you have any questions or if you would like to schedule one for yourself, then contact our team today!
Remember, if you are suffering from any pain, or notice a sore or legion that is not healing, please call to schedule an Emergency Dental Appointment, so we can help you get out of pain.
Do You Have Questions About Achieving a Healthy Smile?
We can provide a thorough exam to assess the health of your smile and provide early detection for oral cancer and gum disease. At Thomas L. Anderson and Associates, we can help to ensure you maintain a lifetime of healthy smiles. We proudly offer our services to the Kansas City Metro and surrounding areas. Contact us today at one of our three convenient locations to schedule your dental appointment or to learn more about our other services.
Contact us today to schedule your dental appointment and meet with our skilled dentists at one of our three conveniently located dental office locations within the Kansas City area, including Lee’s Summit / Independence, the Country Club Plaza and Downtown Kansas City. The gentle dentists and expert team at Thomas L. Anderson and Associates look forward to working with you to treat your dental emergency, achieve proper oral health and a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime. If you have any questions about your dental insurance benefits, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to review your policy! Please give us a call today to schedule an appointment and become part of our dental family.