Oral cancer kills. In fact, more than 54,000 people are diagnosed every year with some sort of oral cancer. Oral Cancer Awareness Month is a time to educate people about the dangers.
What makes this so sad is that those same people probably won’t live more than five years because the cancer wasn’t diagnosed until it was in its later stages.
Xceptional Dental explains that oral cancer isn’t hard to diagnose, but sadly, the person who suffers doesn’t usually notice symptoms. By the time oral cancer is discovered, usually by a dentist, the cancer has already spread to the lymph nodes and organs.
Oral Cancer Awareness Month
Every April dentists, just like Dr. Janette Larsen support Oral Cancer Awareness Month and urge their patients to be extra diligent when it comes to self examination.
If you notice any lumps or bumps, rough or red and white patches schedule an appointment with your dentist in San Diego. If you have chronic bad breath, sores that won’t go away or any other unusual signs don’t hesitate to call as you have a better rate of survival when it is discovered in its earliest stages.
Preventing Oral Cancer
People who use tobacco, no matter what kind, and heavy drinkers all have a higher risk of tongue, throat, cheek, lip and other types of oral cancer.
While the occasional drink is okay, it’s never okay to chew or smoke tobacco. If you follow Dr. Larsen’s Blog, you will remember how dangerous tobacco is for both oral and overall health.
Another way to keep ahead of oral cancer is good oral hygiene. Some studies say that people with gum disease have a higher risk of oral problems including cancer.
Good oral hygiene means brushing twice, flossing once each day, and scheduling regular dental appointments with your San Diego dentist.
Yearly comprehensive dental examinations that include oral cancer screenings are the best way to detect oral cancer. Of course, you may need more than one comprehensive dental exam. Especially if you are in the high-risk category for oral cancer.
Oral Cancer Awareness Month with Xceptional Dental
While it’s vital to take care of your oral health year round, April is the time to remind yourself and everyone you know how important it is to see your dentist in San Diego at least twice a year, or even more so if you are prone to gum disease or tooth decay.
Tell your friends and family about Oral Cancer Awareness Month and schedule an appointment. Spreading the word to the right person could save a life.
Call, send a text or direct message today.