General Dentistry

Oral Cancer Screening: The life saving decision

General dentistry is more than just cleaning your teeth and checking for cavities. Our dentist also performs a screening for any signs of oral cancer. The earlier this type of cancer is detected, the better, and our dentist is in the best position to find any signs that you might miss.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

When a dentist evaluates your oral health during your regular appointment, he will examine your tongue, gums and cheeks for any signs there might be something wrong. Some signs both you and your dentist can keep an eye out for include:

• Any unusual lumps
• Red or white lesions or patches
• Unusual bleeding
• Problems chewing or swallowing
• Numbness or discomfort in the mouth

If you notice any of these problems, be sure to bring them to Dr. Taskonak’s attention. Also be sure to visit the dentist regularly. During your dental appointments, our dentist can get a good look at your mouth and will examine your oral tissues closely. It is easier for your dentist to find symptoms of oral cancer earlier than you might be able to, because of the dentist’s different perspective and expertise. As with any form of cancer, early detection increases the odds of successful treatment.

Preventing Oral Cancer

Taking care of yourself helps prevent cancer of all kinds, including oral cancer. Maintain your oral health by brushing and flossing regularly and visiting your dentist. Smoking or use of smokeless tobacco products, like chewing tobacco, greatly increases your likelihood of developing oral cancer. Excessive alcohol use can also increase your risk. Other risk factors include:

• A family history of oral cancer
• Sun exposure
• HPV (human papillomavirus)

Some cases of oral cancer, however, occur in the absence of any of these risk factors. It is important, then, to keep a close eye on your oral health, see us for regular appointments, including a cancer screening, and report any unusual symptoms to our dentist for evaluation.

Contact our office if you notice any symptoms or schedule a checkup with us today!

Keeping teeth healthy during pregnancy

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Maintaining your health during pregnancy includes keeping your teeth healthy. You should maintain regular dentistry appointments and oral care throughout this special time. Our team at East Broward Dental can provide guidelines for regular care.

Changes During Pregnancy

The hormonal changes that prepare your body for pregnancy and childbirth can also have an effect on your dental health. These hormones affect the connective tissues throughout your body, including the tissues in your mouth. Your gums might become more sensitive and more prone to infection and gum disease. Your gums are also more likely to bleed during brushing while you are pregnant. This makes regular trips to the dentist important so that any symptoms of gingivitis or periodontal disease are diagnosed and treated promptly.

If you suffer from morning sickness, your teeth could also be more susceptible to decay because of increased acid in the mouth. Using a mouthwash can help reduce acid buildup on your teeth, making it less likely that this acid will lead to severe decay. If you experience any symptoms of gum disease or possible decay, be sure to bring these to our dentist’s attention as soon as possible.

Dental Care During Pregnancy

Be sure to maintain your regular dental care routine during your pregnancy. Brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth clean and ensure the health of your gums. Visit the dentist for standard cleanings and other care. Our dentist will make recommendations as to how often you should have your teeth cleaned and be screened for gum disease and oral cancers.

When you visit the dentist, be sure to let the dentist know that you are pregnant. It is advisable to avoid X-rays during pregnancy. The exposure to radiation from a standard X-ray is relatively small, but because your baby is growing very quickly, the side effects of the exposure can be more severe than they are with an adult. Therefore, dentists avoid X-rays for pregnant women except in emergencies.

If you are pregnant and have questions about proper oral hygiene and dental care during pregnancy, please call our office at 954-905-2000 for more information.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]