Guard Yourself Against Oral Cancer By Knowing The Signs

Male dental patient in dental chair. Caption: Dentists are the first line of defense against oral cancer.

ORAL CANCER IS A GROWING problem in the United States, and around the world. We care about our patients and want to increase awareness of the risks and signs of oral cancer.

Some Risk Factors For Oral Cancer

  • Alcohol: 75-80% of people who develop oral cancer drink alcohol regularly.
  • Tobacco: This includes any form of tobacco, chewed or smoked. If you use chew tobacco your chances of developing cancer are 50 times greater.
  • Age: As people get older, the chances increase for developing oral cancer.
  • HPV: HPV, or the human papillomavirus, is one of the primary reasons for the rise of oral cancer. 20% of Americans with oral cancer also have HPV.

Early Symptoms of Oral Cancer

  • Sores in your mouth that won’t heal
  • Lumps in the cheeks, or the thickening of cheeks
  • Red or white patches in your mouth or on your tongue
  • Numbness in the tongue or mouth

We Check For Early Signs Of Oral Cancer At Each Checkup

The best defense against oral cancer is keeping your 6 month checkups. The dentist and hygienist will do a visual check of your mouth and tongue each time you visit. If they see anything to be concerned about they will discuss other tests that can be administered. If you have any concerns about oral cancer please schedule an appointment.

Thank you for your trust in our practice.

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