“But do I really need a dental x-ray?”
If you think you can’t afford x-rays this time around, just think about whether
you can afford to skip them…
- In the United States, 29,600 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer in 1994 and
7,925 will die from it.
- In Arizona, 350 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer in 1994 and 100 will die
from it.
- Besides tobacco consumption, drinking more than 3 oz. of alcohol a day (2 beers
per week) puts you at an increased risk for oral cancer.
- About 1 of 2 people diagnosed with oral cancer will survive 5 years.
- In the early states, oral cancer is usually not painful. This is the ideal time
for your dentist to identify it in the mouth or by x-ray. Without regular dental
x-rays, it’s no surprise that by the time it’s detected, the cancer has grown, perhaps
spread, and survival rates drop.
- The American Cancer Society recommends getting a dental examination every 6 months.
Also, according to the American Cancer Society: “Most medical and dental x-rays
are adjusted to deliver the lowest dose possible without sacrificing image quality.”
Dental X-Rays are the only way your dentist can see if tumors are growing in your
jaws and beneath the surface of your gums
Sources:
- Cancer Facts Figures—1994. American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
- Facts on Oral Cancer. American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
- Oral Cancer: What is Your Risk? American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
Mashberg A. Samit AM. Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Management of Oral and Oropharyngeal
Cancer. CA Cancer Journal for Clinicians.
