Here at Fluellen Roberts Family Dentistry, we want to ensure that each of our patients are aware and preventative of oral cancer. Oral and oropharyngeal cancer (cancer of the mouth and upper throat) unfortunately kills nearly one person every hour of every day each year. Of the people diagnosed with these types of cancers, 40 percent will not survive longer than five years. However, many who do survive oral cancer suffer long-term problems, such as severe facial disfigurement or difficulties with eating and speaking. It is a serious disease that is sometimes not taken seriously and Fluellen Roberts Family Dentistry wants to ensure that every patient is aware and regularly gets cancer screenings.
The main issue we face today with oral cancer is the death rate associated with oral and oropharyngeal cancers remains particularly high because the cancers routinely are discovered late in their development. Fortunately, when oral and oropharyngeal cancers are detected and treated early, mortality and treatment-related health problems are reduced. That is why Fluellen Roberts Family Dentistry is here to help each of our current and new patients be proactive in their screenings. We want to ensure that everyone lives a happy and healthy life, while being aware and proactive!
In between dental visits, it is important for patients to be aware of the following signs and symptoms, and to see a dentist if any of these symptoms proceed.
- soreness or irritation within the mouth
- red or white patches, or pain, tenderness, or numbness in mouth or lips
- lumps, thickening tissues, rough spots, crusty or eroded areas
- difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving your jaw or tongue
- a change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth
If you have any of these symptoms please call Fluellen Roberts Family Dentistry to make an appointment with one of our dentist professionals. If you are not experiencing any symptoms we still recommend that you receive annual oral cancer screenings. Why not be preventative with your oral treatment?
Call Fluellen Roberts Family Dentistry at 972-231-8241 today to get further information about Oral Cancer Awareness Month!