It's no secret that visiting the dentist on a regular basis and practicing good oral hygiene is beneficial to everyone. One reason these regular visits are so important to one's overall health is due to the early detection of oral cancer. 

Oral cancer is not a rare disease and unfortunately, it is on the rise. This year, approximately 45,780 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer in the United States alone. Due to late stage discovery, one American dies every hour from oral cancer. This is why it is essential to schedule regular visits with your dentist!

Below are some common factors  that increase your risk of oral cancer.

Oral Cancer Risk Factors:

• Tobacco, smoking, and alcohol use

• Over 40 years of age

• HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)

• History of previous oral cancer

Oral cancer screenings can be performed during any routine dental visit. Your dentist will check for any abnormalities and inform you if further treatment is necessary, if oral cancer is present.

The following are some of the most common oral cancer symptoms that people may experience:

• Persistent pain on the lips or in the mouth

• Loose teeth

• Bump or growth inside the mouth

• Mouth and/or ear pain

• Difficulty or discomfort swallowing

• A white or reddish area inside the mouth

MomE 2 MomE LLC does not provide medical/dental recommendations. The information cited above is for informational purposes only- please address specific concerns with your Provider.