{"id":561,"date":"2022-04-15T20:59:00","date_gmt":"2022-04-15T20:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.waterburysmiles.com\/blog\/?p=561"},"modified":"2022-05-15T20:59:58","modified_gmt":"2022-05-15T20:59:58","slug":"visit-your-dentist-for-oral-cancer-screening","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.waterburysmiles.com\/blog\/2022\/04\/visit-your-dentist-for-oral-cancer-screening\/","title":{"rendered":"Benefit from an Oral Cancer Screening"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Physician

Concept of application new technology in future medicine<\/p><\/div>\n

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month because tooth decay and gum disease may not be the only threats lingering in your mouth. The American Cancer Society reports 11,230 deaths from oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer annually. Despite the latest advancements in health care, 43% of people won\u2019t survive longer than 5 years, which is attributed to late detection. Contrary to common belief, you don\u2019t have to smoke or use tobacco to be at risk. Oral cancer can occur in anyone, but you can benefit from the power of early detection.<\/p>\n

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Cases of Oral Cancer on the Rise<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

About 54,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed annually, which includes the tongue, tonsils, and oropharynx. However, it can also affect the gums, palate, floor of the mouth, and other oral structures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oral cancer is often associated with tobacco use or age, but those aren\u2019t the only risk factors. Cases have been on the rise over the past 2 decades. It\u2019s partly due to the increase of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which is associated with oral cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, many people are unaware they have signs of oral cancer because the early symptoms can be subtle. As a result, it isn\u2019t until it has spread to other areas of the body that it\u2019s discovered. While the overall death rate for oral cancer has decreased over the past 30 years, long-term life expectancy can increase with early detection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Power of Early Detection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Up to 80% of new oral cancer cases can be diagnosed early through routine dental appointments. The American Dental Association recommends a cleaning and checkup<\/a> every 6 months; however, 42% of Americans don\u2019t see a dentist as often as they should. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Routine appointments are vital for more than just healthy teeth and gums. They allow your dentist to perform an oral cancer screening. They\u2019ll conduct a visual examination to look for any concerns, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n