Dakota Dental Promotes Oral Cancer Awareness and Prevention

Apple Valley, MN, February 14, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Apple Valley dentists, Dr. Shelley Wakefield and Dr. Bennett Isabella, at Dakota Dental Family Dentistry are reminding individuals that oral cancer screenings are an important aspect of routine dental checkups and dental services.

In an effort to promote good oral health and awareness, Dakota Dental Clinic is informing the community of alarming oral cancer statistics. Around 37,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer in America each year - with only 45% of those diagnosed surviving more than five years.

“The good news is that the survival rate increases to about 90% if oral cancer is detected early,” says Dr. Shelley Wakefield. “Oral cancer screenings are routinely performed at every dental examination at Dakota Dental Family Dentistry. These regular dental procedures and check-ups including an oral cancer screening of the entire mouth are key in detecting cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions at the earliest possible stage. It’s possible to have a very small, but life-threatening oral spot or sore and not even know it – oral cancer may not exhibit any other warning signs.”

Recommendations for the prevention of oral cancer from Dakota Dental Apple Valley Dental Clinic also include, abstinence from all types of tobacco, only moderate alcohol consumption, limited exposure to UV light and use of a SPF 15 lip balm to protect against cancer of the lips, avoiding sources of oral irritation such as ill-fitting dentures, eating an anti-cancer diet of vegetables, fruits and whole-grains and regular dental services including an oral cancer examination of the mouth.

Dr. Wakefield and Dr. Isabella are available to speak to community organizations to promote good oral health care and an understanding of its effect on the overall physical health and wellness of individuals.

Dakota Dental Apple Valley Family Dentistry serves the southern Minneapolis/Saint Paul suburbs. Located in the Pennock Professional Building in Apple Valley, Minnesota, Dakota Dental Center provides comprehensive dental work including, but not limited to, preventative dentistry services, restorative dental procedures, dental implants, periodontal disease treatment, dentistry for kids, low anxiety dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign and dental emergency services.

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