April is National Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Oral cancer strikes almost 37,000 Americans each year. Most people think if they're not heavy smokers or tobacco chewers, they don't have to worry about oral cancer. However, there are many other risk factors, including exposure to the sun, exposure to the human papillomavirus (HPV), and even alcohol consumption, proving that just about everyone should be screened regularly for oral cancer.

At Dentistry at 1818 Market Street, your health and safety is our first priority. We screen each patient, not just at their first visit but at each routine exam, for signs of oral cancer.

First, we do a visual examination of the oral cavity at each checkup (in other words, each time you come in for a routine cleaning - even more reason to keep those biannual appointments!).

If any abormalities or concerns arise from the visual exam, we offer the Visilight oral cancer screening test, which is a painless, noninvasive procedure. A simple swab with a staining solution will indicate quickly if there are any abnormalities present, and can be used to prediagnose any possible cancerous lesions. If the test indicates signs of cancer, we will send you to your oral surgeon (or we can recommend one) for a complete assessment and diagnosis.

For our doctors and staff, every month is oral cancer awareness month!