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Oral Cancer Awareness Month: The Importance of Early Detection

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and at Liesen Family Dental in Collinsville, Illinois, we emphasize the importance of early detection in effectively treating oral cancer. This blog post will outline why regular screenings are crucial and how they are conducted at our clinic.

Understanding Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can affect any part of the mouth or the surrounding areas, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat. Risk factors include tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, certain HPV infections, and prolonged sun exposure.

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Be aware of the following symptoms:

Sores in the mouth that do not heal within two weeks.
Red or white patches in the mouth.
Unexplained pain or numbness in the mouth or lips.
Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking.
A lump or thickening in the cheek or neck.

The Role of Regular Screenings

Regular dental visits are a key component in the early detection of oral cancer. At Liesen Family Dental, we conduct thorough screenings during routine check-ups, looking for any signs that could indicate the presence of cancer. These exams are quick, painless, and can be life-saving.

What Happens During a Screening?

During an oral cancer screening, your dentist will examine your entire mouth. This examination involves looking for any lesions or irregular tissue changes in your mouth, face, neck, and lips. We may also palpate the neck and jaw areas to check for lumps or abnormalities.

Preventive Measures

Prevention plays a crucial role in combating oral cancer. Steps you can take include:

Conclusion

Oral Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder of the importance of oral health in our overall well-being. We encourage everyone in Collinsville to take an active role in their oral health care and to visit Liesen Family Dental for regular screenings. Early detection is key to effective treatment and can significantly improve prognosis.

For more information on oral cancer screenings or to book an appointment, contact Liesen Family Dental. Let’s work together to keep our community healthy and cancer-free!

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Patient Stories

What Patients
Are Saying

    
 
 
         
   Cajun Peddler 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. You will love Dr Liesen !! He is so personable , friendly and kind… he explains everything thoroughly, up front pricing … very honest ! I used him as a 2nd opinion and the first place I went was trying to rip me off !!! I highly recommend Dr. Liesen … his pricing is also reasonable!!!
  
 
        
   Rene Futrell 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I feel so Blessed to have been referred to Dr. Liesen and his staff. After my dentist retired treating me for ten years, I was lost, upset and worried about finding another dentist that I could Trust & love. Meeting the staff and Dr. Liesen was pure joy and happiness! The receptionist Makayla was terrific!!. She took the initiative to make calls and calls to make sure I was covered. Thank you, M. Heather was wonderful and very gentle cleaning my teeth. Dr. Liesen was energetic, friendly and reassuring that he could fix my teeth and do all the work himself!!! I can't believe I have a new dentist that can meet all my dental needs. Thank you Sabrina for all your excellent follow up. Thank you so much Dr. Liesen & Staff. Renee Futrell Manchester, Mo.
  
 
        
   Jenny Wiener 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Having recently moved from Detroit, I was at a lost about which dentist to see for my checkups, etc. I happened to meet Dr. Liesen's dental hygenist and she told me how incredible her boss, Dr. Liesen is. I decided to make an appointment with him because I figured that if an employee raves about their boss, the boss must be fabulous! She is right! He is a wonderful, caring, knowlegable, GENTLE, experienced dentist! In fact, I would say he is the BEST dentist have ever been to! Dr. Liesen placed an implant in my mouth and it feels as if it has always been there...no pain, no complications! Additionally, having been to the office several times this summer I have never endured an endless wait to be seen. The office is run so efficiently and I sincerely appreciate that too!  I am able to get in and get out of my appointments without any delay. Kudos and thanks to Dr. Liesen, Sabrina and staff!
  
 
        
   S. H. 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great staff, awesome Doc!
  
 
        
   Pamela Rubin 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr Leisen took me as a new patient immediately, answered my questions , explained the whole procedure. I am extremely nervous with Dentists,  he is amazing and his staff.
  
 
        
   Janet Bohnstadt 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been seeing Dr. Liesen beginning in April for an upper denture.  I have had the best experience with this process that I was absolutely dreading.  I highly recommend Dr. Liesen for your fixed and removable dental work.
  
 
        
   Courtney P 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Going to the dentist should never be a chore and it's not at this office. You can't find a friendlier more thorough dentist. His work is impeccable. Even in emergency cases.
  
 
        
   william shadwick 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr Liesen isn't just Fantastic Dentist, he's a great dentist. He the best ive ever been to. I'm very happy he stepped into Dr. Zambaldis practice when he retired. I wasn't looking forward to try and find a new dentist.