It is important for patients to know that when they have their teeth cleaned, the dental prophy is not done for “cosmetic” reasons. Patients with periodontal disease have twice as much chance of developing heart disease as patients without gum disease. The cause is thought to be chronic, low-grade bacteremia in the blood stream, originating from the disease site. This bacteremia is thought to cause a chronic inflammation of vessels, which makes them more susceptible to atherosclerotic plaque accumulation and eventual artery blockage.

A NEW PARADIGM FOR ORAL CANCER DETECTION
A New Website Teaches People How To Do An Oral Cancer Self Examination

We have joined a new groundbreaking website, www.oralcancerselfexam.com which is dedicated to fighting oral cancer and reducing the mortality rate associated with it. This website shows people how to do a self examination for oral cancer so that when they see something suspicious, they can immediately come see us for a thorough examination.
Did you know:

• Oral cancer kills one American every hour of every day.
• Oral cancer claims more lives than melanoma (skin cancer), strikes three times as many victims as cervical cancer and
is as common as leukemia.
• Two-thirds of oral cancer cases are detected in the late stages of which the 5 year survival rate is only 22%.
• Studies have linked oral cancer to exposure to the sexually transmitted human papilloma virus which means that sexually active patients at an early age are at risk.
• The mortality rate of oral cancer has not decreased in 40 years unlike other cancers where patients have gotten involved in cancer self examinations.

“Cancer self examinations have been well proven to help patients live longer and have a better chance for a more favorable outcome if a cancer is found early. This website can easily teach people how to do self-examination for oral cancer that is simple for people to do at home. This is a welcome addition in the fight against oral cancer.” said Dr. Fox.

Now people can help their dentist identify suspicious areas in their mouth. The pictorial guide on www.oralcancerselfexam.com
demonstrates to people how to do a simple one minute self examination for oral cancer which should be done once a month.

Adds Dr. Fox, “Educating people to do this routine oral cancer self examination will be so helpful to dental professionals and will directly result in saving lives. We can all work together to finally help reduce the effects of this devastating disease

For more information, please contact our office at (703) 978-5253

 All too fast, summer is ending, school is back in session and the time between now and the end of the year seems to fly by. 

Many of our patients have dental insurance, cafeteria plans or flex funds that expire at the end of the year.  We will be happy to do everything possible to help you maximize your benefits.  We are writing this note to remind you to schedule your dental appointments soon to help you fully utilize your benefits.

Your insurance policy allows for a certain dollar amount of coverage each year.  If you do not use your coverage during the year, you lose those benefits (unused coverage does not carry over to the next year).  Cafeteria plans and flex funds also do not carry over to the next year.

Although treatment never is dictated by an insurance policy, our experience has shown that careful planning often can maximize benefits.  Our goal for each of our patients is to help you enjoy the benefits of good oral health, to look good, to feel good, have strong teeth and gums and maintain a healthy and attractive smile throughout your life.  We often can plan necessary treatment to take full advantage of your insurance coverage, cafeteria plan or flex fund.  If you are considering treatment or simply concerned about any aspect of your oral health, it may be useful to schedule an appointment before the end of the year.  We also wanted to let you know that the office will be closed from December 24 through December 28.

If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, please call Connie (scheduler@larryfoxdds.com) or Jeny (financial@larryfoxdds.com) at 703-978-5253.

We wish you an enjoyable fall season.Have a happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas. As always, we are accepting  new patients and appreciate the referrals.