Protect Yourself Against Cancer and Other Diseases of the Mouth and Gums
Malignant melanoma is rare in the oral cavity and accounts for less than 1% of all melanomas. Nevertheless, the disease can be fatal, and early diagnosis and treatment may improve prognosis dramatically.
A thorough evaluation by a periodontist - a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the gums - can save your life. Your periodontist will also look for signs of periodontal disease (gum disease) - a serious infection that, left untreated, may lead to tooth loss as well as heart attack, stroke, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and premature/underweight babies. Here's what you can do to protect your health:
- Take a short quiz to determine if you are at risk for gum disease.
- Contact a local periodontist - an expert in treating gum disease.
- Get information on gum disease from the AAP Web site.
The American Academy of Periodontology is an 8,000-member association of dental professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. Periodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.
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