April is the start of oral cancer awareness month. Early detection of oral cancer can be life-saving. At Advanced Total Dental Care, Dr. David Rever offers routine oral cancer screenings during your biannual preventive care visit.
Dr. Rever is an experienced dentist who has advanced training in many aspects of dentistry including orthodontics, sleep apnea, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Rever believes preventive dental care is a valuable tool in obtaining a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile.
Regular dental care visits are instrumental in achieving optimal oral health. Preventive dental care visits allow Dr. Rever to perform a comprehensive exam to check for any signs of dysfunction in your mouth, teeth, gums, and muscles. If oral cancer is detected during your visit, Dr. Rever will work with you to coordinate the next steps in your treatment process.
Oral Cancer Symptoms
The symptoms of oral cancer may vary from patient to patient; however, being aware of the signs of oral cancer may be life-saving. Some of the most common signs of oral cancer are:
- Red or white spots in the mouth
- A persistent sore throat
- Numbness, pain, or discomfort in the mouth, tongue, lips, and throat.
- Pain or discomfort in the jaw
- Ear pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Lump or obstruction in the neck or cheek
If you notice any of these symptoms, please visit our Silver Spring dental office. Dr. Rever can work with you to determine the next step in your process. Dr. Rever may also review your risk factors for oral cancer and what you can do to minimize your risk. The risk associated with oral cancer is:
- Age
- Gender
- Tobacco use
- Alcohol consumption
- Exposure to HPV (Human papillomavirus)
An early stage of oral cancer may not be noticeable to patients which is why patients should schedule regular visits with a trusted dentist. An oral cancer screening is a quick and effective process that may potentially save your life. Dr. Rever uses VelScope technology to aid in the visual portion of the oral cancer screening performed during your preventive care visit.
If you haven’t visited the dentist for an oral cancer screening, visit Advanced Total Dental Care in Silver Spring, MD. To schedule an oral cancer screening, call (301) 637-0960 to schedule an appointment or schedule an appointment online.