Regular Dental Visits Can Ward Off Oral Cancer, Says Orange County Dental Care

Orange, CA, May 22, 2015 (Newswire.com) - There are many reasons to schedule regular dental appointments—and they go beyond cavity and gingivitis prevention. According to a recent CNN Health Minute segment, regular dental visits can also be helpful in detecting and preventing oral cancer. Orange County Dental Care has released a new statement to the press, commenting on this issue and urging patients to make regular dental maintenance a priority.

“Routine dental care is more than just cosmetic or hygienic,” comments a representative from Orange County Dental Care. “It can be life-saving. Seeing your dentist regularly can greatly increase the odds that he or she will spot early signs of oral cancer—allowing you to take action before the cancer gets out of hand.”

The CNN report notes that some patients go to their dentists and make note of stinging or burning sensations in the throat or the back of the tongue—which turn out to be symptoms of oral cancer. “You won’t catch these issues if you’re not seeing your dentist regularly,” says the Orange County Dental Care representative.

Oral cancer often initially presents itself as swelling or thickening in the throat or tongue, as lumps or bumps, unexplained bleeding, numbness, or persistent sores in the mouth. The one-year survival rate is more than 80 percent; the 10-year survival rate is 41 percent. For those who catch their cancer early and begin treatment immediately, though, the survival rate is much higher and the outlook generally positive.

“This is not something to take lightly,” concludes the representative from Orange County Dental Care. “Something as minor as scheduling your six-month dental checkup could ultimately save your life.”

More information about the practice is available at www.orangecountydentalcare.com.