ViziLite Plus uses technology that has proven successful in identifying soft tissue abnormalities in your mouth. A ViziLite Plus exam is particularly important if you are at increased risk for developing oral cancer.
Mesa, AZ -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/14/2014 -- Dr. Donald Clifford states, “Oral cancer is one of the most curable diseases when it’s caught early. That’s why we are using ViziLite Plus.” An annual ViziLite Plus exam, combined with your regular visual examination, provides a complete oral screening procedure. The ViziLite Plus exam is painless and fast, and could help save your life. ViziLite Plus is performed immediately following a regular visual examination.
Oral cancer is rising due to the link to HPV. When oral cancer is detected early it can save your life. The research shows that these tests do aid in early detection. Dr. Clifford remarks. “The ViziLite Plus test, which is what I use, is not a harmful test; the patient only needs to rinse with a vinegar tasting liquid and open their mouths. What other cancer screening test is that simple and pain free?”
According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, “The human papilloma virus (HPV) is a double-stranded DNA virus that infects the epithelial cells of skin and mucosa. The moist epithelial surfaces (squamous cells) include all areas covered by skin and/or mucosa such as the mouth interior, throat, tongue, tonsils, vagina, cervix, vulva, penis and anus. Transmission of the virus occurs when these areas come into contact with a virus, allowing it to transfer between epithelial cells. While it is established now that sexual contacts, both conventional and oral, are means of transferring the HPV virus through direct skin to skin contact, it is still poorly understood what other transfer pathways may exist. It is highly unlikely that the virus can live for long on inanimate objects outside of a cell.”
Dr. Clifford says, “Although the exact causes of these cancers are sometimes unknown, alcohol and tobacco use are major risk factors. More than half of patients are diagnosed after the cancer has spread to other areas in the body.” Chances of successfully treating mouth and oropharynx cancer are highest when it is found early.
“If you have a suspicious “lesion or red or white spot in the mouth, then you definitely should seek the attention of your physician and/or dentist,” especially if you’re a smoker,” comments Dr. Clifford.
The American Dental Association, The Oral Cancer Foundation and local and national groups are trying to educate the public about oral cancer and other head and neck cancers.
About Dr. Clifford
Dr. Clifford graduated with honors from Arizona State University. He received his doctorate degree from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry. He was awarded top honors in his class for oral and maxillofacial surgery. Dr. Clifford served in the United States Air Force from 1983-1986. While there, he received extensive training in diagnosis, endodontics, oral surgery, I.V. and nitrous oxide sedation and was appointed head of the prosthodontics department.
Dr. Clifford has remained committed to continued education since opening Arizona Advanced Dental. Care, confidence, and quality embody Dr. Clifford’s philosophy of dentistry. His desire is to make his patients feel comfortable and at ease while at the same time providing the best dental treatment dental medicine has to offer.