28/365

It's oral hygiene day!

I LOVE (LOVE! LOVE!) my hygenist. Not only is she brilliant and engaging but I learn something new with every visit.

Today we had a long talk about the rise of oral cancer in the United States.

The incidence of oral cancer has spiked recently, increasing by 5.5%. This year alone, more than 30,000 Americans will be diagnosed with the disease -- and it's not just the smokers/smokeless tobacco users. There also seems to be a correlation, especially in women, with the HPV virus.

If your dentist isn't doing a thorough exam on your bi-annual visit, you need to find another dentist.

Beginning next year, Dr. Moss will begin cancer screening using Vizilite Plus (http://www.vizilite.com/).

[in this photo: Dee Dee notes the sores on the back of my tongue. They're from the methotrexate, which causes mucosal tissue trauma. Fortunately, they're not bleeding today.]