At Lane Dental, we prioritize your health, and one of the most important aspects of preventive care is regular oral cancer screenings. Oral cancer is a serious disease that claims one American life every hour, according to The American Academy for Oral Systemic Health. Unfortunately, many cases go undetected until it’s too late, making early diagnosis essential. Regular dental exams can be life-saving, especially if you visit a trusted dentist in Carol Stream who knows what to look for. Below are some key facts about oral cancer, including warning signs, risk factors, and more.

1.) Oral Cancer Affects More Men Than Women
Although oral cancer can affect anyone, studies show that men are more at risk. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, men are diagnosed with oral cancer at twice the rate of women. This is often linked to higher rates of smoking and alcohol consumption among men. However, oral cancer is rising in women too, so it’s crucial for everyone, regardless of gender, to be aware of the symptoms and get regular screenings from a dentist in Carol Stream.

2.) 450,000 New Cases Are Diagnosed Each Year
Oral cancer affects more people than you might think. With hundreds of thousands of new cases each year, it’s likely that someone in your life has been impacted by this disease. Early detection is key, so regular dental visits and oral cancer screenings are important steps in staying healthy.

3.) Smoking and Alcohol Are Major Risk Factors
Your lifestyle choices can significantly influence your risk of developing oral cancer. The Cancer Treatment Centers of America report that about 80% of people with oral cancer are heavy smokers, and 70% are heavy drinkers. If you’ve been looking for more reasons to quit smoking or reduce your alcohol intake, consider this: both habits dramatically increase your risk of developing oral cancer.

4.) Oral Cancer Has a 90% Cure Rate When Detected Early
Oral cancer is highly treatable when caught in its early stages, with a 90% survival rate according to many experts. Unfortunately, the disease often goes undetected until it has advanced. This is why regular screenings by your dentist in Carol Stream are crucial—early detection could save your life.

Know the Warning Signs:

• Persistent sores in the mouth
• Unexplained bleeding
• Red or white patches in the mouth
• Difficulty swallowing or chewing
• A lump in the neck or mouth
• Ear pain without infection

Don’t ignore any unusual changes in your mouth—your oral health is a vital part of your overall well-being. At Lane Dental, we’re committed to keeping you healthy and providing thorough oral cancer screenings as part of our routine exams. If you have any concerns or would like to schedule a screening, contact our office today.

Let’s work together to protect your smile and your health. Trust your dentist in Carol Stream to help detect any early signs of oral cancer and provide you with the best care possible.

Have you ever noticed small cracks on the surface of your teeth when looking in the mirror? If so, you may have what are known as craze lines. While they might seem alarming at first, craze lines are relatively common and harmless in most cases.

Craze lines are tiny cracks that develop in the enamel of your teeth due to years of natural wear and tear. Over time, regular chewing can cause this kind of stress on your teeth. If you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding) or frequently use your teeth to open packaging or cut objects, you may be more prone to these lines.

These lines can appear on both the front and back of your teeth, and they are especially common in adults. Most of the time, craze lines are considered more of a cosmetic issue than a medical one. However, they can become stained if you consume certain beverages like coffee or red wine, or if you use tobacco products.

At Lane Dental, our dentist in Carol Stream can evaluate your craze lines to ensure they aren’t causing or contributing to other dental issues, such as increased wear from teeth grinding. In the vast majority of cases, craze lines are not harmful and don’t require treatment. There is some research suggesting that these lines could increase tooth sensitivity after whitening treatments, but the evidence is still inconclusive.

If you’d like to minimize your chances of developing craze lines, regular dental visits and maintaining excellent oral hygiene are key. While craze lines may be unavoidable for some people, keeping up with preventive care can help keep your teeth in the best possible condition.

At Lane Dental, we’re dedicated to helping you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile. If you have any concerns about your dental health or have noticed craze lines on your teeth, don’t hesitate to contact our dentist in Carol Stream. We’re here to answer your questions and provide the care you need to keep your smile bright for years to come!