Ready to make the most wonderful time of the year even better? AMBA Discounts can help you save big this Black Friday and throughout the holiday season! Take advantage of all the thoughtful savings available through AMBA and your association. Skip the crowds, save money, and give your family the perfect gifts. Now that’s something to be thankful for!
Electronics – The latest tech can be expensive, but not with AMBA Discounts on your side! We’ve got all the biggest and best brands, including Apple, Samsung, Lenovo, and Dell. We also offer significant savings with Anker, the maker of the industry’s best chargers, power banks, and cables.
Personal Touch– Whether your loved ones have a sweet tooth or a taste for elegance, AMBA Discounts has you covered. From delectable edibles like David’s Cookies and Gourmet Dourmé Chocolate USA to fine jewelry from fine vendors like Enso Los Angeles, the Tresnor Collection, and others, explore the latest savings available to you.
Family Vacations – Nothing brings us together like getting away together. There’s no better way to create lifetime memories and bond with the whole family than with a family vacation. AMBA Discounts partners include Adventures by Disney (AMBA Discounts members earn 4% cash back on your ultimate family enrichment vacation), Villas of Distinction (which gives members 2.5% cash back and $100 credit at hundreds of luxury vacation villas worldwide), and Bellagio Las Vegas (with up to 20% off room rates), and so many more options.
There are so many more savings to explore, including car rentals, hotels, clothing, dining, and more. AMBA Discounts provides excellent savings for the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday wish list.
Best of all, your membership is absolutely FREE! Start your Black Friday savings today – visit www.passportcorporate.com now!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…for scammers. The holiday season is scammers’ favorite time of year. All those busy, distracted people buying gifts, booking trips, and texting like crazy are ripe for digital robbery.
Scammers have grown incredibly skilled at pushing our buttons and playing on our emotions. But don’t worry. AMBA has the info you need to protect you and your loved ones from some of the most dangerous holiday scams, so you’ll know how to avoid them.
Nearly 75% of Americans experienced at least one type of holiday scam last year.
Auld Lang Scam
During the holidays, old acquaintances and friends fill our inboxes and social accounts with hellos and updates. Scammers know these messages bring out our warm-and-fuzzy side, making us more susceptible to phishing emails or phony cries for help.
These are attempts to exploit your compassion for others. If an old friend contacts you and asks for financial assistance, our natural gut response is to help. And every scammer knows it’s easier to hack a person than a machine. Give your friend a call and confirm whether or not their email is genuine.
The Many Dangers of Gift Cards
A common technique used by fraudsters involves gift cards. The scam involves persuading you to buy a gift card and then asking you to either send the physical card to them or tell them the account numbers and information.
This scam can come via email, text message, or direct call. The tactics the scam artists employ also vary, but they usually try to instill a sense of urgency and panic. Sometimes, phishing emails urge you to send gift cards to pay for late fees or fictitious costs. Sometimes, they invent emergencies involving a loved one to trick you into buying and sending cards.
If this happens to you, it’s essential to slow down and question whether you’re reacting emotionally or rationally. Directly contact whoever contacted you—whether it’s your bank, credit card company, or friend—and verify whether the request is authentic.
Even buying gift cards for loved ones has unique dangers. Thieves can access the gift card info on the racks at the store and monitor when someone has purchased (and then activated) the card. You or your loved one will find the card has already been spent before you can use it.
Fake Online Stores Pose a Real Danger
Shopping online at your favorite stores can have dangerous results: thousands of fake online stores are waiting to steal your money, personal information, and credit card information.
Fortunately, these stores aren’t too hard to spot if you know the warning signs to look out for. Some ways to identify a problem include if the URL is misspelled, conspicuous spelling and grammar mistakes throughout the site, or the images appear pixelated (as a result of being copied from a genuine store website).
And as the old saying goes: If the prices seem too good to be true, they probably are. Scammers like to take advantage of people who want to take advantage of a great deal. Resist the urge to make an impulse purchase, and take the time to make sure you’re on a legitimate website.
You Want to Give, Not Give Away Your Identity
For scammers, every tragedy is an opportunity. Fake donation websites, unfortunately, are an effective tool for digital thieves.
These charitable giving websites – whether for crisis appeals, dog shelters, or international aid – are carefully crafted to exploit our emotions and sense of urgency. This is why these sites frequently pressure you to donate now.
If you want to donate safely, take a moment to type in the actual website of trusted organizations to make your gift. Neverclick on a link in an unsolicited email or download an attachment from a social media post.
False Delivery-Notification Texts
Many of us receive text messages about incoming packages during the holiday season, so this simple ruse is especially effective during this time of the year. In this scenario, you’ll be asked to click on a link prompting you to enter personal information to verify your delivery.
Frequently, this scam will install malware on your phone or computer to secretly steal your information. Occasionally, you’ll even be asked to call a “customer service representative,” who will need your account information to verify your purchase. Don’t fall for it.
Porch Pirates
Home delivery can be a welcome convenience but also a great danger. You’re probably familiar with “porch pirates,” thieves who come to your door and steal your packages and gifts.
There are solutions to help secure your deliveries. One is to opt into delivery-tracking alerts, which will let you know when a delivery will arrive. Another is installing a home security camera, which can have a deterrent effect to keep thieves away and provide evidence if your property is stolen. You can also have packages delivered to your workplace or a nearby UPS store, post office, or Amazon Locker.
Posting Your Holiday Travel Plans? That’s When Scammers Go to Work
Heading out of town for the holidays? Posting your travels creates the perfect opportunity for mischief. You’re informing people – including scam artists – when you’ll be away from home and where you’re going. This can leave you vulnerable on two fronts.
Scammers can alarm travelers with fake offers, insurance cards, visa demands, extra booking charges, etc. One popular ploy is to send out flight-cancellation emails that offer a full refund. The tell? You’ll be asked to provide your bank details. Also, don’t use social media to complain about a flight or holiday. Thieves monitor travel sites and are eager to offer “help.”
If you can resist the urge to post your holiday plans and adventures until after you’ve returned, your home and finances can be much safer. If you have an issue with a merchant during your holiday, contact them directly.
AMBA wants to help ensure you and your loved ones’ holidays are fun, festive, and safe. Following the above tips will help. AMBA will continue to update you on how to stay safe from scam artists. It’s all part of how AMBA looks out for you, your well-being, and your financial safety every day.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly important tool in all walks of life. AI’s ability to analyze data, identify patterns, and make predictions to improve learning and problem-solving has been a game-changer. Healthcare—and eye care in particular—is no exception, as AI is proving to be a valuable tool in helping professionals gain new insights and assist patients in achieving improved diagnoses and results.
Current Uses of AI for Eye Care
Some applications for AI in eye disease detection include:
AI is already being used to detect Diabetic Retinopathy, a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina. If not treated early, this condition can cause vision loss or even blindness. AI, however, has started to assist professionals in determining whether someone has the early signs of the condition.
AI is also being utilized to detect signs of glaucoma, a common issue for older adults. Like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can cause blindness if not detected and treated early. With optic nerve images, AI has been used to identify early signs of glaucoma, enabling diagnosis and treatment.
AI can help address blindness and vision impairment in various ways. Early detection, diagnosis, and personalized treatment based on specific patient needs are just the start. AI will also be key in assistive technologies, including text-to-speech capabilities, smart glasses, and object recognition software.
Potential Uses of AI in Eye Care
As technology continues to evolve, AI will be able to screen ophthalmic diseases with more efficiency and diagnose eye conditions automatically without human intervention. This will make it easier for doctors to spend time treating patients rather than diagnosing them, customize treatment plans, perform remote consultations, and more. AI has the potential to even assist researchers in developing new treatments for previously untreatable conditions.
AI in eye care will continue to improve as long as deep learning evolves. However, AI still has many limitations. Seeing your eye care professional for eye checkups remains critical to maintaining your vision’s health. The Vision Plan from AMBA and NCRGEA covers annual WellVision checkups and features many significant advantages, including 100% coverage for most lenses (even progressives!) and thousands of nationwide in-network providers. Sign up today – acceptance is GUARANTEED! – at www.AMBAdentalvision.com/NCRGEA or call 800-956-1228.
What’s Thanksgiving without stuffing? Let’s face it: stuffing is a mainstay of the Thanksgiving table. However, it can also be challenging for those who need a vegetarian or gluten-free alternative or who want to avoid high-calorie processed foods.
That’s where AMBA’s Healthy Vegetarian Stuffing comes in. AMBA’s recipes are committed to helping you live your best life – including bettering your overall health and helping you discover delicious, healthier alternatives to your favorite foods! This twist on traditional Thanksgiving stuffing uses quinoa, a fluffy, slightly crunchy, high-protein, gluten-free alternative grain. This recipe can be used to stuff a turkey or as a side dish.
Spice It Up!
Add spices like rosemary, sage, pepper, Himalayan salt, cumin, ground jalapeno pepper, and Cuban seasoning to the olive oil to enhance the flavors.
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
4 cups vegetable stock
2 cups quinoa
2 small zucchinis, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 butternut squash – peeled, seeded, and diced
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1 cup diced dried apricots
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 lime
¼ cup olive oil
Directions
In a saucepan, bring vegetable stock to a boil. Reduce heat to low.
Add in the quinoa and stir.
Cover the pan and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until the quinoa absorbs the liquid. Remove from heat.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook and stir in the zucchini and butternut squash in the hot oil until slightly browned, approximately 10 minutes.
Stir quinoa into the vegetables and gently mix green onions, apricots, cranberries, and parsley into the stuffing.
Drizzle with lime juice.
Serve and enjoy.
Your friends at AMBA wish you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving!
Falls are one of the most significant health risks for older Americans. According to reports, more than one out of four adults over 65 suffered at least one fall in the past year. One of the most significant factors for fall risk is quality of vision. Studies have found that impaired eyesight more than doubles the danger.
Falls can lead to injury, loss of independence, and worse. Many of these injuries are avoidable. From updating your home to making sure your eyesight is in good health, there are simple ways to protect yourself from the risks of a fall.
1. Lighting – Make sure all rooms – especially stairs – are well-lit. Put night lights and light switches near your bed. Keep a flashlight by your bed in case the power goes out.
2. Stairs – Install handrails on both sides of all stairs inside and outside your home.
3. Floors and Rugs – Fix uneven floors and repair loose floorboards and carpeting. You can also put non-slip strips on tile and wooden floors. Be careful to avoid walking on slippery, recently washed floors.
Keep your floors clutter-free, including cords, papers, shoes, books, boxes, newspapers, and electrical cables.
If you have small rugs on your floors, consider removing them. Otherwise, to help make them safer and more stable, use double-sided tape, tacks, or slip-resistant backing.
4. Grab Bars – Grab bars can help anyone stay safer in the bathroom. Install grab bars to help you climb into the tub or stand in the shower. They will steady you while you reach for the hand-held shower. They will help you get on and off the toilet. They can even keep you from slipping on wet tiles.
Use non-slip mats in the bathtub or shower. You can also use a bath seat to sit on while showering.
5. Make Sure Your Eyes Are Healthy – Poor vision can increase the risk of falls. Not only can poor vision prevent you from seeing obstacles in your path, but being able to see well is vital for your overall ability to balance. Remember to:
Use prescribed glasses and avoid wearing sunglasses indoors.
Bifocals can blur your vision when navigating steps, curbs, or edges. When stepping over curbs and on stairs, look through the distance portion of your glasses, which can provide a clearer view.
Add nightlights in the bedroom, bathroom, and hallway to help you navigate in the dark. Don’t forget to give your eyes time to adjust when moving from well-lit to poorly-lit areas.
Get annual eye exams to update your glasses prescription and catch early warnings of issues like glaucoma and cataracts.
Remember: everything you do to prevent a fall is an investment in your health…and your vision! AMBA and NCRGEA have a comprehensive Vision Plan at affordable rates. Advantages include annual WellVision checkups, 100% coverage for most lenses (even progressives!), and thousands of nationwide in-network providers. Sign up today – acceptance is GUARANTEED! – at AMBAdentalvision.com/NCRGEA or call or call 800-956-1228 Mon.-Fri. 8am-6pm ET.
The overwhelming majority of Americans prefer to enjoy retirement “aging in place,” continuing to live independently in their homes and communities. In fact, 80% of Americans aged 50 and older say they want to remain in their own homes.
Aging in place has many advantages, but understanding and preparing for risks is also important.
Three Advantages of Aging in Place
1. Independence and Empowerment
Nothing beats maintaining control over your schedule. You can come and go as you please, have guests (and privacy) when you want, and enjoy autonomy and freedom. Aging in place is an excellent option for people who wish to maintain a sense of independence and control over their lives. It can also let you enjoy maintaining the same home and community where you raised your family and built many memories.
[INFOGRAPHIC] Did You Know? A recent study concluded that the rate of cognitive decline for older Americans was 70% less in people with frequent social contact than those with low social activity.
2. Physical Health Benefits
Aging in place gives superior access to the physical fitness activities you most enjoy, including gyms and exercise classes, golf courses, or local yoga or Pilates studios. The more access to the physical fitness routines you most enjoy –going to the gym, walking outside with friends, or taking classes at local yoga or Pilates studios – the more likely you’ll stick to them and reap their benefits.
3. Mental Health Benefits
Aging in place also has advantages for mental health. Access to familiar and beloved existing social networks and activities, community organizations and clubs, favorite restaurants and hang-out spots, and entertainment like theater or movies is critical for someone to remain engaged and enthusiastic about their daily activities. A recent study concluded that removing an older person from their home and introducing them to new environments and social settings means stripping them of foundational long-term memory stimuli, which can result in confusion, stress, and depression.
One Significant Challenge to Living Independently
For all the advantages of living independently, thinking ahead to possible challenges is crucial. Perhaps the most significant thing is being prepared if you have an accident or medical emergency at or near home and can’t drive yourself to the hospital or if a friend or loved one is unavailable. What if you fall and break your leg? What if you recognize the signs of a heart attack?
An ambulance ride to the emergency room might be necessary in these emergencies. However, most insurance – including Medicare – does not cover the cost of medical emergency transportation. That’s why you need aMedical Air Services Association (MASA) plan from AMBA and NCRGEA. Services are paid in full, with no deductibles, co-pays, or dollar limits. MASA covers your ambulance or airlift, regardless of age or medical condition. Learn more at www.AMBAmedtransport.com/NCRGEA or call AMBA at 800-956-1228 M-F 8am-6pm ET.
What if there was a miracle drug that could help reduce stress, enhance memory, improve sleep, provide community, and supply information and entertainment all the while? And what if it wasn’t a drug at all?
Everyone, especially older people, can enjoy the incredible benefits of reading. Reading is more than a leisurely activity. For book lovers and news hounds alike, AMBA is here to reveal how reading can positively impact health and well-being.
The Many Benefits of Reading for Older Adults
Muscle Up Your Memory
Want to be a true muscle-head? Research proves that reading strengthens your brain. Studies have proven that people who engage in mentally stimulating activities such as reading have slower rates of memory decline than those who do not.
Reading exercises your memory, which is critical to the short-term recall of everyday events. Regular mental workouts such as reading can strengthen the brain’s neural network, helping your mind become more receptive to learning and memory retention.
Data shows that engaging in frequent cognitive activity later in life can reduce the rate of decline by 32%.
Getting Lost in A Book Can Help You Find Peace of Mind
The mental benefits of reading can improve your quality of life. Research shows that reading beats listening to music, having tea, or going for a walk. Studies found that once participants dove into a book, their heart rate and muscle tension relaxed in a mere six minutes.
Frequent readers are also less prone to anxiety and acting impulsively. Reading improves analytic skills, making readers more likely to think before reacting and better equipped to process information, prepare for life’s uncertainties, and reduce their anxiety.
Want to Count Sheep? Read a Book.
Creating and maintaining a bedtime ritual, such as reading, signals the body that it’s time for sleep. For the body’s sleep cycle, reading is healthier and more effective than falling asleep watching TV or taking out the phone and reading social media posts. In fact, the blue screens of these devices are proven to disrupt sleep cycles and keep people awake longer.
Reading Can Protect Against Dementia and Depression
One of the most promising benefits of reading for older adults is that it can help preserve brain structures important to cognition later in life and reduce the speed of cognitive decline.
Research suggests that adults in their 70s who engaged in mentally intense hobbies, such as reading, from ages 20-60 build a reserve of neuronal connections and are less likely to develop dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Reading Can Be a Great Way to Stay Social!
Joining a book club is a great way to boost your reading habits, meet new friends, and enjoy social discussions. Book clubs can offer stimulating conversations where you and others can share insights, socialize, and have fun together.
If you’re not already a book lover, don’t fret! There are many ways to get inspired to pick up a book:
Audiobooks—If reading from a book isn’t your thing, try audiobooks. They’re a great option because you can listen in the car, at home, or on a walk!
Large–print books. Many publishers now offer large-print books, typically printed in 16- to 18-point font (compared to regular print, which is between 10 and 12 points).
E–readers—E-readers, such as Kindles or Nooks, are lightweight electronic alternatives to printed books. The advantages of E-readers include choosing the font most comfortable for you, adjusting its size, and storing a large quantity of books on your device. E-readers can also access magazines, newspapers, and other publications.
Whether it’s history, sports, gardening, romance, or all of the above, you can find a book that interests you. Given the proven health benefits of reading, even adding a small daily dose to your routine could be just what the doctor ordered!
You brush and floss every day. Maybe you also use a tongue scraper and gargle with mouthwash. But still, somehow, you’re aware of it, and so are others around you. Why can’t you stop suffering from bad breath?
According to research, over 50% of adults complain of chronic bad breath, and older adults are more prone to the problem.
Many people think there’s nothing they can do to prevent bad breath. AMBA is here to clear the air (literally!) of that misconception. The road to fresh breath can be very simple and straightforward. The first step to preventing bad breath starts with understanding the source of the offending odor.
Common Causes of Bad Breath
Food
Bad breath is often a temporary problem caused by eating certain foods. Garlic, onions, and various spices are among the usual suspects, as are alcohol, smoking cigarettes, and chewing tobacco. Preventing bad breath caused by these factors can be solved simply by avoiding the offensive substance.
In fact, many foods can help improve your breath. These include crunchy fruits and vegetables. These foods – such as apples, citrus fruits, carrots, and more – can help to fight bad breath in two ways. First, they scrub away plaque and bacteria from the teeth as you chew. Second, they stimulate saliva flow, which helps to rinse away odor-causing bacteria, sulfur compounds, and food debris. Chewing on fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and mint can also help to freshen the breath naturally.
Dry Mouth
Older adults frequently suffer from dry mouth, also known as xerostomia. Prescription medications cause more than 90% of dry mouth cases. Many common prescriptions can cause a decrease in salivary function. The resulting lack of sufficient saliva to wash away food debris can cause bacteria to accumulate. Dry mouth can also be an effect of autoimmune diseases, diabetes, or chemotherapy. Keeping your mouth moist can help prevent bad breath. Many older people rely on artificial saliva products. But sipping plenty of water throughout the day and sucking on sugarless lozenges or candy can help, too.
Gum Disease
If you don’t brush your teeth regularly and thoroughly, bacterial plaque can begin to collect on your teeth and gums, leading to gum disease. The risk of gum (periodontal) disease increases with age: 70% of adults 65 and older in the U.S. suffer from the condition.
One of the first warning signs of gum disease is bad breath. As gum disease progresses, the severity of the odor increases due to inflamed gum tissue and excessive bleeding.
Treatment for periodontal disease can help eliminate bad breath. Your dentist will likely first remove tartar deposits so that the gums can heal. Ask your dentist what steps you can take in your home care routine to reduce the bacteria in your mouth and prevent it from accumulating again.
Artificial Teeth
Bacterial plaque can affect dentures, bridges, and crowns as much as natural teeth, so regular oral cleaning remains as crucial as ever. One effective way to remove plaque from dentures is to take out your dentures daily and clean them with the appropriate cleansers. Likewise, food and bacteria can also become trapped under fixed crowns and bridges. Clean under your bridge or crown with the floss threaders or small interdental brushes.
If you regularly experience bad breath, talk with your dentist about potential underlying conditions. Problems such as gingivitis, cavities, or tonsil stones could also cause bad breath. Your dental professional is best suited to diagnose oral health and hygiene problems. It’s just one more reason why regular checkups are so important. AMBA and NCRGEA can help you keep your mouth healthy with a Dental Plan that includes coverage for routine cleanings and many procedures, including fillings, crowns, implants, and more. Even better, there is NO WAITING PERIOD for covered services! Sign up now at www.AMBAdentalvision.com/NCRGEA or call 800-956-1228Mon.-Fri. 8am-6pm ET.
Pepperoni, sausage, or other unhealthy toppings on pizza? That’s so last season! AMBA’s October recipe puts a fresh, delicious, healthy spin on homemade pizza. This recipe swaps traditional marinara sauce for pureed pumpkin. It is topped with chicken, peppers, and creamy part-skim mozzarella. You can also use other healthy toppings in a fun, family-friendly way, like sweet potato instead of pumpkin, or make it meatless with chickpeas or mushrooms instead of chicken.
You can make this recipe gluten-free using a cauliflower pizza crust instead of whole wheat.
Ingredients
2 prebaked 12-inch thin whole wheat pizza crusts
1-1/2 cups cubed cooked chicken
1-1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
3/4 cup canned pumpkin
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup mild chunky salsa
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 425°. Place crusts on ungreased baking sheets; brush with oil.
Combine pumpkin, minced chipotle peppers, salt, and pepper; spread over crusts.
Combine chicken and salsa and spoon over the pumpkin layer.
Top with cheese and red onion.
Bake until edges are lightly browned and cheese is melted, 12-15 minutes.
Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting. If desired, sprinkle with cilantro.
Have you ever looked in the mirror and discovered that your gums, seemingly suddenly, have black spots on them? The good news is that several things may cause this, and most aren’t harmful. Gums are usually pink, but sometimes they can develop black or dark brown spots. However, black spots on your gums can be a warning sign of more serious conditions. AMBA is here to help explain the causes of dark spots in your mouth and what they mean.
What Causes Black Spots on the Gums?
Bruises
Like any other part of your body, your gums can be injured. Bruises on the gums are usually dark red, purple, or black. Minor bleeding and pain may also accompany the bruise. Walking into a wall, falling and hitting your face, eating something with sharp edges, and even brushing or flossing your teeth too aggressively can cause your gums to bruise.
Bruises frequently heal on their own without medical treatment. If you start developing more bruises or discover your gums are bleeding, you may have thrombocytopenia or hemophilia, two conditions that make it difficult for your blood to clot. If this happens, be sure to inform your doctor so they can help you find the right treatment.
Blue Nevus
A blue nevus is a harmless mole. It appears round and either flat or lightly raised. Blue nevi can be black or blue and usually resemble a freckle on the gums.
Your doctor can usually diagnose a blue nevus simply by looking at it. Although these moles typically don’t require any treatment, if their shape, color, or size starts to change, your doctor may do a biopsy, which involves removing a piece of the nevus to test it for cancer.
Amalgam Tattoos
It’s not unusual for a deposit of amalgam to remain on your gums after you’ve had a cavity filled, creating a dark spot. Amalgam is the particle used for dental fillings. Amalgam can sometimes lodge in the area around the filling, causing a stain in the soft tissue. Your dentist can usually diagnose an amalgam spot just by looking at it.
Although amalgam tattoos aren’t removable, they’re harmless and don’t require treatment. To prevent the risk of an amalgam tattoo, ask your dentist to use a rubber dam when you need a filling. This can help separate your teeth from your gums and prevent particles from getting into the surrounding tissue during the procedure.
Spots That Look Like Freckles
Melanotic macules are harmless spots that resemble freckles. Some people are born with them, and others develop them later in life. They can appear on different parts of the body, including the gums. Melanotic macules are usually between 1 and 8 millimeters in diameter and
Although doctors aren’t sure about the exact causes of melanotic macules, they don’t cause any other symptoms and don’t require treatment. If the spot’s shape, color, or size starts to change, your doctor may perform a biopsy to test for cancer.
Oral Cancer
Black gums can also be a symptom of oral cancer. Additional symptoms associated with oral cancer include open sores, unusual bleeding, and swelling in the mouth. You may also have a chronic sore throat or notice a change in your voice. The most significant risk factors for developing oral cancer are drinking large amounts of alcohol and chewing tobacco or smoking cigarettes. Drink in moderation and avoid tobacco use to help prevent oral cancer.
While black spots on your gums can be harmless, they can also result from an underlying disease. If you notice black spots on your gums, especially if the spots are painful or change in size, shape, or color, schedule an appointment with your dentist. Many oral conditions, including oral cancers, are treatable when caught early. However, if left untreated, they can lead to severe complications, including reconstructive facial surgery and death.
Visit Your Dentist
Catching early signs of a potential problem can be as simple as going for routine check-ups with your dentist. As part of a routine dental examination, your dentist will usually inspect your entire mouth for abnormal areas that may indicate oral cancer or precancerous changes. A high-quality Dental Plan through NCRGEA and AMBA can help you keep up with your regular dental check-ups. The plan features checkups, access to any dentist you want with bigger savings by visiting one of the thousands of in-network providers, and significant savings on fillings, X-rays, and many other procedures. Learn more at www.AMBAdentalvision.com/NCRGEA or call 800-956-1228.
