Prevention and early detection of oral cancer are among topics tackled by ADA President Dr. Charles H. Norman III this week.

He introduces the Action for Dental Health paper, Bringing Disease Prevention into Communities.
“The two most prevalent dental pathologies—tooth decay and gum disease—are almost entirely preventable. Education about the dangers of tobacco and alcohol use can, by leading to behavioral changes, help prevent oral cancer. For patients with oral cancers, early detection yields a much greater survival rate than those whose disease has progressed undetected. Significant facial trauma can be prevented with the use of mouth guards and other protective equipment in recreational sports,” Dr. Norman said. “Disease prevention is the object of increasing focus in all of health care and holds the greatest promise for continued success.”

Read the ADA report at their website.