Thursday, October 11, 2012

Dental Checkups - More Than A Cleaning: Oral Cancer Screenings


Oral cancer is the largest group of those cancers which fall into the head and neck cancer category. Common names for it include such things as mouth cancer, tongue cancer, tonsil cancer, and throat cancer. Approximately 40,000 people in the US will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer in 2012. Published studies show that currently less than 15% of those who visit a dentist regularly, report having had an oral cancer screening. Historically, the greatest strides in combating most cancers have come from increased awareness and aggressive campaigns directed at early detection.
It is important to realize that a visit to the dentist is no longer about a filling, a crown, or a postponable cleaning, but is actually a matter of life and death. Dental examinations, when properly done and which include a screening for oral cancer, will save lives. Oral cancer screenings are a very important part of the dental visit for the patient. With the advances in modern technology, we are now able to pinpoint the start of a potential problem much earlier in its evolution. The ability to do so is extremely important in being able to treat any issues prior to them becoming a major irreversible problem.

At Dr. Palani's offices in Rancho Palos Verdes and Beverly Hills, CA, the oral cancer screening is often completed with an ultraviolet light or similar device that allows us to view issues that can't always be detected by the human eye under normal conditions.

Certain lifestyle choices can have a great impact on the health of tissues and your overall health in the mouth. If you are a smoker or heavy drinker, make sure to get regular screenings when you visit the Dr. Giri Palani. To learn more about oral cancer and why screening works,
click here.
We encourage you to make an appointment today at Total SmileCare in Beverly Hills, CA for your annual dental exam and cleaning, and make sure that you are on the path to wellness. Contact us today for your Oral Cancer Screening!



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