As you turn into your dentist’s parking lot, you find yourself thinking of all the times you were “just too tired” to brush your teeth. That combined with the weeks on end of neglecting to floss has you thoroughly convinced they are going to find a handful of cavities as soon as you open your mouth. However, after your dentist completes your exam, they pull away to inform you that you may have the other c-word, “cancer.”

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, the number of cases is expected to rise again with an estimated 53,000 patients being diagnosed this year alone. Therefore, it is more important now than ever that you see your dentist bi-yearly for a routine examination. Read on for what an oral cancer screening entails, the importance of early detection, and how often you should have one!

Staying active is an important part of living a healthy lifestyle. The only problem is that certain activities can put your smile at risk. This is where sports guards come into the picture, but there are several different types to choose from. How do you know that you’re getting the best for your buck? Continue reading to learn more about over the counter and custom-made mouthguards from your dentist. This way, you can make the right decision for your smile.