Darren G. Koch's Blog

The American Cancer Society estimates 53,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with oral cancer in 2019. Unfortunately, it will also lead to over 10,000 deaths this year alone. In addition, the 5-year survival rate for those diagnosed is less than 50%. The long-term survival rate is low due to late detection. Although it can occur in anyone, it is vital those who have a family history of the disease undergo a regular oral cancer screening with their dentist in Cary.
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Who does not enjoy drinks that are carbonated by seltzer? Although the bubbly drinks may taste refreshing on a hot day, they are very damaging to your teeth. Your dentist in Cary will advise you to avoid them to protect your teeth from complications; however, that does not mean you cannot indulge in your favorite drink occasionally.
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Despite several new innovations in dentistry to preserve natural teeth, tooth loss is still a prevalent problem. In fact, it is estimated 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth while another 35 million do not have any remaining. While you may think injury or cavities are the leading cause of missing teeth, they are not. Instead, the #1 cause of tooth loss is due to periodontal (gum) disease. You can help save your smile with the right treatment from your dentist in Cary.
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The holiday season is an exciting time of year. As you surround yourself with family and friends, there are also many great events happening around the community. In addition to a healthy smile, your dentist in Cary also wants you to enjoy the season while supporting local events. If you need something fun to do, here is a list of festivities that are happening in the area.
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The American Dental Association recommends everyone over the age of two visits their dentist in Cary twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. When you have dental insurance, it makes it easy to maintain these appointments for little to no out-of-pocket expense. Despite these savings opportunities, one-third of adults do not see their dentist, allowing their benefits to go unused. Even those who visit regularly rarely use all their coverage. In fact, the National Association of Dental Plans estimates only 2.8% of Americans reach or exceed their plan’s annual maximum. As the end of the year approaches, now is the ideal time to use your remaining benefits.
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From a young age, you have been told that you need to brush your teeth twice a day and floss every night, but are you really following that advice? You may brush as recommended, but if you are like 4 out of 10 Americans, you probably do not floss every day. If you are skipping this part of your nightly routine, you are placing your oral and general health at risk. Although you may view it as a chore, it provides many excellent benefits. By adding it into your routine, your dentist in Cary will be able to notice the difference in the health of your smile.
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