ORAL CANCER SCREENING Q: Do I have to go to my regular physician for an oral cancer check? A: No. In fact, one of the compelling reasons for regular (twice a year, at least) visits to your dentist is that he or she is trained to detect the signs of oral cancer or its pre-cancerous warning signs. It's a serious matter. The American Dental Association estimates more than 10,000 Americans die each year as a result of oral cancer. You should be watchful for any change of texture, sensation or color in any part of your mouth and report it to your dentist immediately. SM-CL206877 However vigilant you are, though, the person best equipped to spot the signs of oral cancer is your dentist. By virtue of education, training, experience, familiarity with your mouth and the vantage point afforded by the dental office, your dentist is most likely to be the first to detect something wrong. When you are looking into your own mouth, be on the lookout for white or red patches or a sore that doesn't heal. As with any type of cancer, early detection is important in obtaining a positive outcome. Talk with your dentist about ways you can minimize your risk for oral cancer. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 ORAL CANCER SCREENING Q : Do I have to go to my regular physician for an oral cancer check ? A : No. In fact , one of the compelling reasons for regular ( twice a year , at least ) visits to your dentist is that he or she is trained to detect the signs of oral cancer or its pre - cancerous warning signs . It's a serious matter . The American Dental Association estimates more than 10,000 Americans die each year as a result of oral cancer . You should be watchful for any change of texture , sensation or color in any part of your mouth and report it to your dentist immediately . SM - CL206877 However vigilant you are , though , the person best equipped to spot the signs of oral cancer is your dentist . By virtue of education , training , experience , familiarity with your mouth and the vantage point afforded by the dental office , your dentist is most likely to be the first to detect something wrong . When you are looking into your own mouth , be on the lookout for white or red patches or a sore that doesn't heal . As with any type of cancer , early detection is important in obtaining a positive outcome . Talk with your dentist about ways you can minimize your risk for oral cancer . Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave. , Suite 130 , Downers Grove , IL 60515 630-663-0554