With an estimated 50,000 new cases of oral cancer diagnosed each year, it is important to understand the risks, facts, and symptoms associated with this disease.
If diagnosed and treated early, oral cancer has an 80 to 90% survival rate. However, many times, oral cancer goes undetected due to symptoms that are many times painless and a lack of awareness about the disease. Symptoms of oral cancer include
- White or red patches inside the mouth
- Swelling, lumps, or rough spots in the mouth
- Unexplained bleeding
- Persistent sores that won’t heal
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing or speaking
So who is at risk of developing oral cancer? Like most cancers, oral cancers can occur in anyone. However, certain lifestyle factors increase the risk, including tobacco and alcohol use, certain diet deficiencies, and excessive exposure of lips to the sun.
The best way to prevent oral cancer is to avoid the risky behaviors listed above and to see a dentist every six months for screening. If it’s been a while since you’ve been to a dentist or you’re looking for a new dentist, give Jackson Dental a call at 573-243-5200 to schedule a consultation.