Oral cancer is not a rare disease.  Screening at your dental visits is simple , easy , painless and quick. 

It kills one person every hour , every day and over 115 cases are diagnosed each day . 

Oral cancer like gum disease does not hurt.  You may notice a strange spot on your tongue, cheek or somewhere in your mouth.  We use an advance light to detect irregularities which may indicate pre-cancerous cells. 

Early indicators range from red or white discolorations in the mouth and soft tissue, sores that do not heal in 14 days , hoarseness that lasts more than 6 weeks, numbness, difficulty in swallowing , ear pain , a sore under a denture, lump in the mouth or neck .

The leading cause of oral cancers in the USA is HPV16 virus.  Alcohol and tobacco have also played a major role in the major risk factor. The fastest growing of the oral cancer population are the healthy , young, non smokers due to HPV virus. 

Oral cancer screening should be conducted yearly at your dental visits, always ask your dentist or hygienist if they see anything suspicious . 

Good oral hygiene can help protect more than just your teeth. People with poor oral health may also have:

self-esteem issues
a harder time finding a job
difficulty participating and performing well in school
oral discomfort
speech problems
malnutrition
swallowing problems
A neglected infection or untreated oral cancer can even be fatal.

There are some universal ways to maintain your dental health, such as regularly visiting the dentist and regularly brushing and flossing your teeth. Some groups of people, though, may need to take extra precautions. Come in for a cleaning and a comprehensive exam so that we can provide you with the BEST dental care for your mouth .

Today more young adults are becoming involved in after school activities. From field hockey, soccer, football, wrestling, basketball these activities are increasing the risk of sport related oral cavity injuries.
It is most important that dental protective devices be fabricated in order to reduce the incidence of injuries.
Many states are trying to mandate the increase  use of mouth guards but have failed in their proposals.
Concerns as to why the mandates have failed  vary from: breathing ability, speech and hygiene of the mouth pieces. I feel that it is most important to fabricate these mouth guards with a licensed dentist , in order to verify fit, proper covering of teeth and protecting gum areas and review care of the mouth guard.

According to JADA, Jan. 2015 , the cover story refers to the New Guidelines on Using Prophylactic Antibiotics. The article concludes that the 2014 Panel made the following recommendations. Generally patients with prosthetic joint implants , prophylactic antibiotic coverage in NOT recommended prior to dental procedures in order to prevent a prosthetic joint infection ( PJI ). The article does recommend that the practitioner and patient should consider clinical situations that may present significant medical risks in providing dental treatment without antibiotic prophylaxis.
It does conclude that the doctor and patients needs should be their decision in approaching the patient care. Further considerations patients can develop antibiotic resistance to repeated exposure to antibiotics. Some patients , can have an adverse drug reaction, long term can be associated with changes to the gastrointestinal linings. Finally, cost !!! According to a 2013 report , prophylactic coverage using amoxicillin before dental appointments in the United States may have exceeded $50 million.  Be sure to always update your medical history when visiting the Dentist.