According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, about 54,000 people in the US will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. Of those who are diagnosed, nearly 60% will be alive for at least five years. Catching it early with oral cancer checks – before it has a chance to spread – usually makes it possible to take advantage of more treatment options and makes for a better prognosis.

5 fast facts about oral cancer

• There is usually no noticeable pain or discomfort during the early stages of oral cancer.
• Anyone 18 and older should receive an oral cancer check while seeing their dentist for a routine hygiene appointment.
• Oral cancers can progress to more advanced stages if left undiagnosed.
• If caught early enough, the survival rate is 80-90%.
• At Tuttle Crossing Family Dental, we conduct oral cancer screenings during every checkup.

Ways to protect yourself from oral cancer

• Reduce bad habits and focus on healthy ones. Your risk will go up if you smoke, drink alcohol, have poor oral health, and miss out on fruits and vegetables in your diet.
• Call your dentist or doctor if you notice the signs of oral cancer, including:
  
  • oral pain
  • mouth sores that last for more than two weeks
  • thickening of the cheek lining
  • poor-fitting dentures
  • loose teeth
  • mouth bleeding
  • changes in the voice
  • loss of sensation in the cheeks or lips.
• Other risk factors are: being immunocompromised, history of other cancers, previous human papillomavirus, and oral lichen planus (chronic inflammation in the mouth).

Have more questions about oral cancer or oral cancer checks? Our team would be happy to answer them. We pride ourselves on providing effective preventive dentistry. And you can be sure that we’ll always be on the lookout for not only your smile’s health but your overall health.