Watch Your Tongue

An article in Shape Magazine noted that tongue cancer has risen 111% in Caucasian women younger than 44.  The cause for the increase in cases is a mystery.  During your dental checkup, we conduct a visual examination for oral cancer on the tongue and soft tissues of the mouth.  Between your dental visits, be on the lookout for symptoms on your own.  Any persistant irritation of the tongue or sores that don’t go away can be cause for concern.  In addition to the visual inspection, consider a ViziLite oral cancer screening annually.  This simple test takes just minutes and can catch abnormal tissue in the mouth before it is seen with the naked eye.  The screening is only $50 and can be conducted at your next dental cleaning.  Of course, tobacco users are at a higher risk, but anyone with a family history of any type of cancer should also consider a screening.