April is the start of Oral Cancer Awareness Month. Oral Cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer because it is commonly diagnosed in the advanced stages. As an effort to help patients get the treatment they need to overcome oral cancer, Dr. Nicholas Gardner and our dental care team encourage each of our patients to schedule routine preventive care exams.
During a routine preventive care exam, Dr. Gardner will thoroughly examine your neck, gums, tongue, cheeks, throat, and soft tissue for any signs of oral cancer. The oral cancer screening will only take about 2-5 minutes. The process is fast, painless, and offers a lifetime of benefits. The early oral cancer is identified the more treatment options are available. We recommend that patients visit our Gouverneur, NY dental office as soon as possible to receive an oral cancer screening.
Oral Cancer
As noted, oral cancer is commonly identified in the most aggressive stages. It is critical to identify oral cancer in its earliest stages to offer patients the most treatment options. We will also work with you to identify your risk of developing oral cancer and determine if there is any way to lower your risk. We care about our patients, and we work with them to provide personalized, conservative solutions to improve their oral health.
Common Signs of Oral Cancer:
- A sore throat
- Thickening of soft oral tissues
- Red or white patches in the mouth
- Numbness of the lips and/or tongue
- Swelling of the jaw
- Difficulty swallowing and/or chewing
- Sores or lesions in the mouth
If you notice any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, you may want to schedule an oral cancer screening at our Gouverneur, NY dental office.
Schedule An Oral Cancer Screening
Preventive care exams are an essential part of maintaining excellent oral health. Preventive care exams may even help save your life. Dr. Gardner is a highly trained family dentist committed to helping you achieve optimal oral health. If you would like to schedule an oral cancer screening, contact our Gouverneur, NY dental office. To schedule an appointment, call (315) 203-1772 or schedule an appointment online.