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Prevention

A preventive program is a team effort between you, your dentist, and the dental staff to protect your natural teeth and supporting structures by preventing the onset, progress, and recurrence of dental diseases and conditions. The first step in preventing dental issues begins at home with good oral hygiene and a balanced diet. Your dentist and dental hygienist also play a crucial role in promoting, restoring, and maintaining your oral health during your visits to the dental office preventing complications or even fatal results cause by Oral Cancer.

Dental Exams & Cleanings

Dental Exam

A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by your dentist at your initial dental visit.  At regular check-up exams, your dentist and hygienist will perform the following:

  • Examination of diagnostic X-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss.  X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.

  • Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.

  • Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.

  • Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.

  • Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.
     

Professional Dental Cleaning

Professional dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis) are usually performed by Registered Dental Hygienists.  Your cleaning appointment will include a dental exam and the following:

  • Removal of calculus 

  • Removal of plaque

  • Teeth polishing: 

DANGER FACT

ORAL CANCER/MOUTH CANCER  is a cancer that occurs on the inside of the mouth and it can be fatal. It will cause over 12,250 deaths, killing roughly 1 person per hour, 24 hours per day.

ORAL CANCER CAN BE PREVENTED​

SEEING YOUR DENTIST REGULARLY is one of the best ways to prevent oral cancer. Both Dr. Holina and Dr. Jacobs will inspect your entire mouth for abnormal areas that may indicate mouth cancer or precancerous changes.

Dental X- Rays

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Dental radiographs (X-rays) are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam.   Without X-rays, problem areas may go undetected.

Dental X-rays may reveal:

  • Abscesses or cysts.

  • Bone loss.

  • Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors.

  • Decay between the teeth.

  • Developmental abnormalities.

  • Poor tooth and root positions.

  • Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line.

  • Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage can save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth!

Oral Cancer Exam

According to research conducted by the Oral Cancer Foundation close to 58,500 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer every year. It will cause over 12,250 deaths, killing roughly 1 person per hour, 24 hours per day. Of those 58,500 newly diagnosed individuals, only slightly more than half will be alive in 5 years. 

The good news is that oral cancer can easily be diagnosed with an annual oral cancer exam, and effectively treated when caught in its earliest stages.

The most common type of oral cancer is the malignant squamous cell carcinoma.  This oral cancer type usually originates in lip and mouth tissues.

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There are many different places in the oral cavity and maxillofacial region in which oral cancers commonly occur, including:

  • Lips

  • Mouth

  • Tongue

  • Salivary Glands

  • Oropharyngeal Region (throat)

  • Gums

  • Face

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