At Dentistry by Design, our mission goes beyond creating beautiful smiles — we’re committed to your whole-body health. In honor of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Ionescu and our team want to highlight an important, often overlooked health issue that affects tens of thousands of Americans each year.
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer includes cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and throat. When caught early, oral cancer is highly treatable. Unfortunately, many cases go undetected until later stages, which is why early detection is absolutely critical.
The Power of Prevention
A key part of Dr. Ionescu’s holistic dental philosophy is preventive care. During your routine dental exams, we’re not just checking for cavities — we’re also looking for subtle signs of oral cancer. These include:
- Persistent mouth sores or ulcers
- Lumps or thick patches in the mouth or throat
- Red or white patches
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing
- Numbness in the mouth or lips
If you notice any of these symptoms, please don’t wait — schedule a consultation right away.
Who’s at Risk?
While anyone can develop oral cancer, certain lifestyle and health factors can increase your risk, including:
- Tobacco and alcohol use
- Excessive sun exposure (especially to the lips)
- HPV (human papillomavirus) infection
- A weakened immune system
- Poor nutrition
That’s why we emphasize not only regular screenings but also supporting a healthy lifestyle — inside and out.
What You Can Do
Visit your dentist regularly — We recommend exams every 6 months, which include oral cancer screenings.
Practice good oral hygiene — A clean, healthy mouth is your first line of defense.
Stay mindful of your body — You know your body best. If something feels “off,” don’t ignore it.
Make healthy lifestyle choices — Eat nourishing foods, stay hydrated, avoid tobacco, and limit alcohol.
Our Commitment to You
At Dentistry by Design, we are proud to offer thorough oral cancer screenings as part of every comprehensive dental exam. Dr. Ionescu combines advanced diagnostic tools with a caring, personalized approach to ensure you feel safe, informed, and empowered.
Your oral health is a window into your overall well-being — and we’re here to protect both.
Let’s raise awareness together.
Share this blog post with someone you love. If it’s been a while since your last checkup, we encourage you to schedule your appointment today.
Call us at (916) 685-4662
Learn more at www.elkgrovedentistry.com
