The rise in oral cancer is up, higher than every before. There is no decline in this rate in sight, so as dental professionals we have our work cut out for us.
New cases of oral cancer, no matter age, race, and gender; overall is 10.5 adults per 100,000 will develop oral cancer. Oral cancer rates are significantly higher for males than for females.
Oral cancer rates are higher for Hispanic and Black males than for White males.
If dental professionals can participate in early diagnosis for oral cancer, if we can help discover an abnormality sooner, we can increase the changes of improved survival rates. An estimated
Raise oral cancer awareness and make a difference in your community by arranging an office event where people can walk in and get screened during a certain timeframe.
One of the best ways to screen is using fluorescence technology.
OralID’s fluorescence technology uses a blue light (435–460 nm) that provides the clinician an aid in visualization of oral mucosal abnormalities, such as oral cancer and pre-cancer. The other medical applications of fluorescence technology include highlighting abnormalities of the GI tract, cervix, lung, and skin.
You can learn more about the OralID® by visiting the Forward Science website: http://www.oralid.com/
For more information about oral cancer awareness and simplified, cost-effective ways to screen your patients plan to join the Oral Cancer Awareness Socialthon on Friday April 26, 2019. The socialthon will be hosted on Facebook, all day on Friday April 26, 2019.
Join us for the Socialthon here: http://bit.ly/OralcancerSocialthon
REFERENCES.
- https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/research/data-statistics/oral-cancer/incidence
- https://oralcancerfoundation.org/facts/
- Feb 27, 2019 – The death rate for oral cancer is higher than that of cancers which we hear about routinely such as cervical cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma…
- Key Statistics for Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancers
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/oral-cavity-and…cancer/about/key-statistics.html
- Jan 9, 2019 – In recent years, the overall rate of new cases of human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers has been…
- Oral Cancer Incidence (New Cases) by Age, Race, and Gender …
- https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/research/data-statistics/oral-cancer/incidence
- Oral Cancer Incidence (New Cases) by Age, Race, and Gender. … Overall, 10.5 adults per 100,000 will develop oral cancer. Oral cancer rates are significantly higher for males than for females. Oral cancer rates are higher for Hispanic and Black males than for White males.
- Oral Cavity and Pharynx Cancer statistics. … Modeled trend lines were calculated from the underlying rates using the Joinpoint Trend Analysis Software.
- DM Laronde; HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer Rates by Race and Ethnicity
- https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/statistics/headneck.htm
1. Provide Patient Education
Adopting a protocol at the office for patient education regarding oral cancer can help with early detection.
2. Help Patients Undergoing Cancer Treatment Find Relief
Patients currently undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation often suffer from mouth sores. Because cancer treatments impact the body’s immune system so severely, patients become more prone to mouth sores.
These sores can appear on the lips, tongue or roof and floor of the mouth, causing pain and discomfort while eating, talking and even breathing.
We often hear from our dental pros how much their patients find relief with our Super Relief Dental Gel, powered by healing aloe vera, folic acid, zinc and Oxygene®.
3. Screen at Every Checkup
According to the “2016 Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Survey,” only 37% of survey respondents recall being screened for oral cancer at their last dental checkup.
Furthermore, 83% of respondents said they’d like to be screened for oral cancer at every checkup, and 86% would like their dental pro to talk to them about oral cancer.
If there isn’t a regular screening policy in place at your office, now’s a great time to adopt one!
Patients are sure to appreciate this, especially new patients who were used to getting screened at every appointment by their past provider.
4. Help Patients Establish a Oral Routine
Oral Cancer Awareness Month can be another incentive to motivate good oral health routines in your patient’s lives.
Brushing twice a day, flossing and using quality dental products will always be the key to maintaining good oral health.
Oxyfresh Lemon-Mint Power Rinse Mouthwash is our most popular alcohol-free mouthwash for a reason. Besides its unique and refreshing blend of essential oils, it contains aloe vera to moisten the mouth and comfort the gum tissues, plus Oxygene® and zinc for powerful deodorizing action.
Recommend this powerful mouthwash to your dental patients so they can ditch dry mouth and have fresher breath as they work on quitting the habit
Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS
Debbie founded Dental Practice Solutions in 2000. She speaks at dental conferences throughout the world and also coaches and consults with dental practices worldwide.
The team at Dental Practice Solutions takes a holistic approach working with each dental practice. Debbie understands how to quickly tap into productivity of the dental hygiene department to optimize systems with the entire team, showing everyone how to work smarter and not work so hard.
Check out how the team at Dental Practice Solutions adds to your productivity without working harder or more days. Schedule a FREE 30-minute call now.
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