{"id":687,"date":"2023-04-02T17:21:56","date_gmt":"2023-04-02T17:21:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.danvilledentalassociates.com\/blog\/?p=687"},"modified":"2023-05-17T17:23:40","modified_gmt":"2023-05-17T17:23:40","slug":"what-your-dentist-wants-you-to-know-about-oral-cancer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.danvilledentalassociates.com\/blog\/2023\/04\/02\/what-your-dentist-wants-you-to-know-about-oral-cancer\/","title":{"rendered":"What Your Dentist Wants You to Know About Oral Cancer"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Though its name might not be as frightening as brain cancer or lung cancer, oral cancer is among the deadliest iterations of the illness. A staggering 54,000 new cases are diagnosed annually\u2014with around 43% of these cases having a grim prognosis, and most of the rest suffering from severe long-term complications. That said, oral cancer is also one of the most preventable types of cancer\u2014and it all starts with knowing what to look for and how to protect yourself! Here\u2019s what your dentist<\/a> wants you to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Risk Factors Associated with Oral Cancer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Oral cancer is typically categorized into two groups: cancers of the oral cavity, which affect the lips, teeth, gums, cheeks, front of the tongue, and roof\/floor of the mouth, and cancers of the oropharynx, which include cancers that target the throat, tonsils, and base of the tongue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Historically, those at especially high risk of developing oral cancer have been heavy smokers or drinkers over the age of 50. However, other common risk factors include things like sun or radiation exposure, a weakened immune system, other types of head or neck cancer, and even HPV (Human Papillomavirus), a sexually transmitted disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reducing Your Risk of Oral Cancer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The bottom line is that there\u2019s no surefire way to prevent oral cancer entirely; however, there is quite a lot you can do to drastically lower your risk! It all starts with visiting your dentist regularly for preventive care. These visits give your provider the chance to conduct an oral cancer screening, which is a thorough examination of your oral cavity for precancerous conditions. Oral cancer isn\u2019t always obvious, so letting a trained set of eyes examine your smile is the best<\/em> way to ensure that you are cancer-free!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s also important to strive to lead a healthier lifestyle\u2014so if you\u2019re a heavy smoker or drinker, consider kicking the habit altogether to protect yourself. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is also in your best interest, as this won\u2019t just protect you from oral cancer, but also several other chronic oral health issues that\u2019ll compromise the health and<\/em> beauty of your smile. Lastly, you should also consider the little things: lip balm with SPF sunscreen, a hat to cover your face, and opting for healthier foods and beverages can all contribute to a cancer-free smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oral Cancer Warning Signs & Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even though your dentist is trained to detect signs of oral cancer, it\u2019s useful to know what to look for yourself\u2014that way, as soon as you realize something\u2019s not right, you can jump into action and schedule an appointment. Don\u2019t hesitate to call your dentist if any of the following issues last for longer than two weeks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n