Tips on Choosing the Best Dentist for You
Choosing the right dentist for your needs is one way to give you the best chance of maximizing your oral health.
If you don't already have a Dentist Jacksonville FL - or want to find one better suited to your needs - here are a few points to consider.
- Get recommendations from family, friends, neighbors or co-workers
- Ask your physician or a local pharmacist
- If you are moving to a different area, ask your current dentist for recommendations in your new location
Effective dental care depends on a great relationship between the dentist and the patient so you may want to visit more than one before making your decision.
To help decide if a dentist is right for you, consider:
Is the office easy to get to from your home or job?
Are the staff helpful and friendly?
Does the office appear to be clean, tidy and well organized?
Is the appointment schedule convenient for you?
What arrangements are made for handling emergencies outside of office hours?
Does it cater for any special needs you have?
As you'll need to work closely with your dentist in caring for your oral health, it's worth taking time to ask questions and take notes to make sure you choose the right one for your needs.
The facts about oral cancer
Oral cancer is not as well known as other types of cancer but it can represent a life-threatening risk if not identified early.
- It strikes an estimated 35,000 Americans each year
- More than 7,500 people (5,200 men and 2,307 women) die of these cancers each year
- More than 25% of Americans who get oral cancer will die of the disease
- On average, only half of those diagnosed with the disease will survive more than five years
- African-Americans are especially vulnerable; the incidence rate is 1/3 higher than whites and the mortality rate is almost twice as high
Although the use of tobacco and alcohol are risk factors in developing oral cancer, approximately 25% of oral cancer patients have no known risk factors.
There has been a nearly five-fold increase in incidence in oral cancer patients under age 40, many with no known risk factors.
The incidence of oral cancer in women has increased significantly, largely due to an increase in women smoking. In 1950 the male to female ratio was 6:1; by 2002, it was 2:1.
The best way to prevent oral cancer is to avoid tobacco and alcohol use.
Unusual red or white spots can form in and around the mouth. These are often harmless but they can be cancerous or pre-cancerous.
Identifying and removing these early enough is a major factor in reducing the incidence of cancer.
So knowing the risk factors and seeing your Dentist Jacksonville FL for regular examinations can help prevent this deadly disease.