Are you brushing and flossing daily during your orthodontic treatment? If yes, that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your general dentist every 3-to-6 months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting our office, of course). Since April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, Drs. King would like to remind patients about the importance of maintaining good oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment.
The fact is, every hour of every day in the U.S., someone dies of oral cancer, which is the sixth-most common diagnosed form of the disease. The five-year survival rate is only 50 percent, and oral cancer is one of the few cancers whose survival rate has not improved. Oral cancer is one of the few cancers whose survival rate has not improved because it is often diagnosed very late.
Your general dentist can check for problems that might not be seen or felt, detect cavities and early signs of decay, treat oral health problems early and show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, let us know during your next visit and we will provide a few great references in the Wexford and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania areas!