Oral Cancer Awareness Month

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, a month on the awareness of cancers of the mouth and upper throat. While oral cancer can be fatal or have dangerous consequences,  when oral cancer is detected and treated early, treatment-related health problems are reduced, and survival rates may increase.

Here are a few symptoms and signs of oral cancer. It is encouraged to check between dental visits, and to see a dental professional if they do not improve or disappear after two-three weeks.

• Any sore or ulceration that does not heal within 14 days.
• A red, white, or black discoloration of the soft tissues of the mouth.
• Any abnormality that bleeds easily when touched.
• A lump or hard spot in the tissue, usually border of the tongue.
• A lump or thickening that develops in the mouth.

Facial Protection Month: When to Wear a Mouthguard

April is National Facial Protection Month! National Facial Protection Month serves as a reminder over the importance of wearing mouth guards during sports, protecting your beautiful smile.

67% of parents surveyed by the American Association of Orthodontists said their child does not wear a mouth guard, yet 70% said their biggest fear is their child getting hurt when playing sports. The most effective way to protect your childs teeth and prevent injuries is to wear a mouthguard.

About 80% of traumatic dental injuries occur to the two front teeth. Injuries can happen at any age and any skill level. So when should you wear a mouth guard? Here are just a few.

• Basketball 
• Baseball
• Football
• Soccer
• Skiing 
• Rugby  

Did you know from the ages of 7 to 11 years old, children are most vulnerable to sports related mouth injuries? The importance of protecting our smile should be stressed enough and should remind our friends and community how easy it is to protect our teeth.