715-845-3200The American Dental Association offers a series of daily and annual guidelines to help maintain the health of your mouth. This starts by brushing your teeth twice each day and flossing in the evening as part of your daily oral hygiene regimen. The ADA also advocates attending a dental exam and cleaning twice each year to remove hardened tartar and plaque while also monitoring the overall health of your mouth.
The first phase of a dental checkup at Szmanda Dental in Wausau, Wisconsin involves a dental hygienist cleaning your teeth and polishing away any surface stains. Then your dentist will examine your teeth and gums for any signs of gum disease and tooth decay. If they notice any areas of concern, the dentist will present you with treatment and prevention options.
The checkup concludes with a basic screening for signs of oral or pharyngeal cancer. Early detection of these serious oral heath maladies significantly improves your chances of treatment success.
The ADA estimates that 1 in 92 adults are diagnosed with some form of oral or pharyngeal cancer each year. While it’s more common in people in their 60’s, increased risk factors such as tobacco use and excessive alcohol intake increase your chances of developing oral cancer at a younger age. A family history of oral and pharyngeal can also be a significant factor for early onset. So be sure to let our dentist know about any increased risk factors you have for oral cancer.
If you live in the Wausau, Wisconsin area and you have concerns about oral or pharyngeal cancer, please call 715-845-3200 to schedule a checkup and screening with one of our experienced dentists. Drs. Paul Szmanda, Jim Sobolewski, and Yvonne Schmitz look forward to helping you smile!