SYRACUSE, N.Y., April 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, approximately 42,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer in 2013, the seventh consecutive year where there has been an increase in the rate of oral cancer occurrence. So Aspen Dental is reminding patients about the importance of early detection and encouraging screenings in recognition of Oral Cancer Awareness Month (April).
As a commitment to early detection of oral cancer, Aspen Dental will donate $5 to the Oral Cancer Foundation for every ViziLite® oral cancer screening conducted at Aspen Dental locations during the month of April. ViziLite® Plus is a specially designed light technology that can help detect oral cancer.
"The oral cancer survival rate is significantly increased when found early, but many patients are not familiar with all the signs of oral cancer," said Maureen Howes, RDH, MS, director of hygiene services at Aspen Dental Management, Inc. "It's important to identify any possible signs or irregularities as early as possible, when the cancer is most treatable, and one of the best ways to do that is through regular dental care and oral cancer screenings."
Throughout the month, Aspen Dental will be sharing information about oral cancer on its Facebook page. Common risk factors for oral cancer include use of tobacco products (smoked and smokeless), excessive alcohol consumption, and HPV infection.
Possible signs and symptoms of oral cancer include: a sore in the throat or mouth that bleeds easily and does not heal within two weeks; a lump or thickening in the cheek; a white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsil or lining of the mouth; a sore throat or a feeling that something is caught in the throat; difficulty chewing or swallowing; difficulty moving the jaw or tongue; or numbness of the tongue or other area of the mouth. Denture patients may experience swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable.
To find locations offering free oral cancer screening in your area, please visit the Oral Cancer Foundation website at http://www.oralcancer-screening.org/events/index.php?com=searchresult&r=0&e=1388448000&t=3.
To learn more about what to expect during an oral cancer screening, please visit the Oral Cancer Foundation website at http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/dental/how_do_you_know.html.
About Aspen Dental
Aspen Dental is one of the largest and fastest-growing networks of dental care providers in the U.S. with 380 practices in communities across 25 states, providing millions of Americans with access to quality, affordable dental care. Every Aspen Dental practice offers a full range of dental and denture services – including comprehensive exams, cleanings, extractions, fillings, periodontal treatment, whitening, oral surgery, crown and bridge work.
In 2012, Aspen Dental practices recorded nearly 2.6 million patient visits and welcomed more than 550,000 new patients. The dentists and staff at Aspen Dental have a deep commitment to patient satisfaction, and every Aspen Dental office is accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
To learn more about Aspen Dental practices and services, preview the Aspen Dental patient experience, get answers to general treatment questions, find a location, and schedule appointments, visit www.aspendental.com. To learn more about careers at Aspen Dental, visit http://aspendentaljobs.com.
SOURCE Aspen Dental
