Yet another reason why we always are harping on having a healthy mouth

If you have bleeding gums you may have gum disease.  This can cause many problems including heart disease and increased risk of cancer.  However for pregnant women the effects can be deadly for their unborn child.  Scientists have linked a stillborn child to gum disease and the associated bacteria, as reported by MSNBC.  Even if you are an expecting father, you need to be careful because you can spread gingivitis to the mother of your child, potentially harming your family.

Bleeding gums, tooth pain, sore gums, and gum disease can be treated with a proper plan and you need to be proactive about the health of your mouth.  Regular checkups and screening are very important.  Please contact an experienced and caring Michigan  dentist today if you have any of the symptoms or have not had a dental checkup in the past 6 months.

Oral cancer includes cancer of the tongue, lip, palate, gum tissue, andoropharynx.

Of all major cancers, it has the worst five-year survival rate…only 54%, and is the 7th most common cancer among males. Most lesions grow slowly; however, some double in size within a few days or a week.

WARNING SIGNS OF ORAL CANCER ARE:

* A sore in the mouth that bleeds easily and does not heal.
* Pain, burning sensation, or numbness in the tongue or other areas in the mouth
* Change in texture of the mouth
* Sore throat or feeling there is something stuck in the throat
* Change in voice or hoarseness
* White or red patch on tongue, gums, or tonsil
* Brown color bordering the lip
* Lump, ulcer, or swelling of jaw, neck, or oral tissues
* Thickening of soft oral tissues

Early detection is vital, with survival rates as high as 81%. Late intervention is 17% or less. Most dental check-ups include an oral cancer screening. The process is painless and takes minutes. Don’t wait until it is too late. Visit our team in our Michigan Cosmetic Dental Office for more details.