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Oral Cancer Screening at Hill Avenue Dental in Superior, WI

April 10, 2015

Filed under: oral cancer,oral cancer screening,oral cancer superior,Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , — dr_clark @ 5:21 pm

ThinkstockPhotos-511776085According to the American Dental Association, some 42,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. The five-year survival rate for those who are told that they have oral cancer is slightly more than 64 percent. Fortunately, there is something you can do to avoid the ravages of this disease: have an oral cancer screening. The Oral Cancer Foundation has designated April as Oral Cancer Awareness Month, so there’s no better time than now to come to Hill Avenue Dental in Superior, WI, for an oral cancer screening.

During each of your biannual dental checkups, Dr. Doug Clark, Jr. or Dr. Doug Clark III will visually examine your entire oral cavity from the tip of your tongue to the back of your throat for the early signs of oral cancer. These include:

  • A sore or ulcer that does not heal within two to three weeks
  • A red, white or even blackish colored patch
  • A swelling or lump that is in the tissue or raised above the tissue
  • An area in the mouth or on the lips that feels numb
  • A spot that bleeds when touched
  • A persistent sore throat, raspy voice or cough
  • Painful swallowing
  • A long-lasting earache with no sign of infection

Preventing Oral Cancer

When you come to Hill Avenue Dental for your regularly scheduled dental checkup, our dentists will conduct an oral cancer screening and talk to you about your health history to determine if you are at greater risk. Research has shown that a number of factors contribute to the development of oral cancer. People who smoke or drink excessive amounts of alcohol, especially those who are older than 50 years old, are at greater risk. Additionally, the human papilloma virus (HPV) has been connected to oral cancer.  In non-smoking adults, HPV may be related to the growing number of throat cancers.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Call the office of Hill Avenue Dental to schedule your dental checkup and oral cancer screening. The saying is cliché, but the life you save may be your own. We serve patients in Superior, WI, as well as from Duluth, Douglas County, Northern Wisconsin and Northeastern Minnesota.

The Importance of Regular Oral Cancer Screening

March 4, 2014

Filed under: Douglas County,Dr. Doug Clark,Duluth,Hill Avenue Dental,oral cancer,oral cancer screening,oral cancer superior,Superior,Superior dentist,Wisconsin,Wisconsin dentist — tntadmin @ 6:30 pm
Oral cancercauses approximately one death every hour of every day here in the United States, making it the 11th most fatal form of cancer in the country. At Hill Avenue Dental in Superior, WI, Dr. Doug Clark, Jr. and Dr. H. Douglas Clark, III provide all of their patients with oral cancer screenings as a part of regular preventative dentistry. This proactive approach to one of the deadliest diseases in America allows at-risk patients to pursue the timely treatment they need.
What Are the Signs of Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer most commonly affects the tissues of the lips and tongue, though it can also appear on the gums, the insides of the cheeks, and on the roof and the floor of the mouth. The majority of cases are associated with tobacco use and excessive consumption of alcohol. Genetics and a weakened immune system may also play a role. Other factors include certain medications, HPV (human papilloma virus), irritation in the mouth and poor oral health in general.
While the only definitive way to diagnose oral cancer involves a thorough screening and a subsequent biopsy of abnormal tissues, there are a few signs that you can watch out for at home, too. The following are some of the most common warnings signs of oral cancer:
·         Red or white patches in the mouth
·         Swelling or thickening of any tissue in or around the mouth
·         Unexplained bleeding
·         Loss of sensation and/or tenderness anywhere in the face, neck, mouth or head
·         Chronic hoarseness and/or difficulty speaking
·         A change in dentition, including how your dental prosthetics fit
Oral cancer screeningcan alert your dentist to any abnormalities that may signal the existence of a problem before it progresses. Whether or not you have a family history of oral cancer, this type of regular screening is vital to your oral health and overall well-being. Contact our officein Superior, WI today to find out how Drs. Clark and Clark can help you protect yourself and your family from the dangers of oral cancer. We also warmly welcome patients from nearby communities in Douglas County, Northern Wisconsin, Duluth, Hermantown, Cloquet, Proctor, Northeastern Minnesota and beyond.

Keep Your Smile Safe from Oral Cancer at Hill Avenue Dental

November 6, 2013

Filed under: Douglas County,Dr. Doug Clark,Duluth,Hill Avenue Dental,oral cancer,oral cancer superior,Superior,Superior dentist,Wisconsin,Wisconsin dentist — tntadmin @ 7:13 pm


When asked to name conditions and injuries that can negatively affect your oral health, many patients come with all sorts of common culprits, from gum disease to common cavities to TMJ disorder. But have you ever stopped and thought about the threat of oral cancer? Although it’s not discussed as often in dental offices, the statistics surrounding oral cancer are staggering. For instance, one American on average dies every hour from the condition. Worse, half of the patients who are diagnosed with the condition won’t go on to last more than five years. While it’s true that a majority of the people affected by oral cancer commonly use tobacco and/or drink alcohol, a significant 25% of affected patients don’t participate in any known risk factors. Here at Hill Avenue Dental in Superior, WI, Drs. Clark and Clarktake the threat of oral cancer very seriously. That’s why we take the time to educate our patients about the common symptoms of signs of the condition. These include:

  • A sudden color change in the oral tissues.
  • White or red spots inside the mouth that are flat and painless.
  • A lump, thick area, or rough spot in the mouth.
  • Lingering pain, tenderness, or numbness that occurs on the lips or inside the mouth.

 During every six-month check-up you attend, our team will be sure to do a visual oral cancerscreening in order to catch any possible signs of this potentially destructive disease upfront. The good news is that if caught early, patients with oral cancer have a high chance of being treated successfully. 
ContactHill Avenue Dental in Superior, WI today to schedule an appointment! Our team can’t wait to give you a reason to smile with our comfortable, personalized dental care. We also serve the surrounding Douglas County and Northern Wisconsin areas, as well as Duluth and other parts of Northeastern Minnesota.