Part of our goal is to educate our patients about oral health and raise awareness regarding serious oral diseases. It is our hope that by sharing information and raising awareness, we will be able to assist our patients in identifying oral cancer, as well as guiding them to achieve accurate and proper treatment.
According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, more than 43,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal (throat) cancer this year. Public awareness is key to saving lives. The Rockville Dentists and hygienists have a unique opportunity to perform neck exams and oral screenings on each patient, helping identify any abnormalities in the mouth at the earliest stage.
Risk Factors
Surprisingly, young, healthy, non-smoking individuals are a growing population to develop oral cancer. It’s not only smokers who can get oral cancer! Here are some risk factors:
1) Heavy use of alcohol.
2) Smoking or use of tobacco.
3) HPV virus, this sexually transmitted disease is the leading cause of oropharyngeal (the back part of the mouth) cancer.
What are the Symptoms?
Talk to your dentist immediately if you see or feel something that is not quite right. Symptoms of oral cancer include:
1) Sores in the mouth that bleed easily or do not heal.
2) A thick or hard spot or lump.
3) A crusted or roughened area.
4) Tenderness, numbness or pain.
5) A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite down.
As Always, Early Detection is Key
It takes less than 5 minutes for an oral cancer screening. When discovered early, the chance of survival rate is 80-90%. However, most oral cancers, especially the types that are caused by HPV, are discovered at a later stage, resulting in a high death rate.
If you feel that something is just not right in your mouth, don’t wait! Make an appointment with your Rockville Dentist at Fallsgrove Center for Dentistry for an oral cancer screening.
