April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month
Someone dies every hour of every day of every year of oral and oropharyngeal cancer (cancer of the mouth and throat). This disease used to predominately affect people over the age of 50 who were heavy drinkers and smokers. More recently, these diseases are detected more frequently in younger people who neither smoke nor drink.
Early detection is key with cancers of the mouth and throat, through oral cancer examinations. A regular exam, performed by your dentist regularly, such as Dr. Gilmer in Columbus, can catch signs of oral cancer before it’s too late. Catching and treating cancer early can ultimately lead to a complete recovery. In addition to regular exams, part of early detection includes contacting your dentist if you have any of the following symptoms that persist for longer than 2 weeks:
- A lingering sore or irritation
- Pain, tenderness, or numbness in the mouth or lips
- Difficulty speaking, chewing or swallowing
- Difficulty moving your jaw
- Red or white patches in your mouth
- A change in your bite when your mouth is closed
April is the perfect time to take action in preventing oral cancer. Contact the dentists at The Dental Center today to schedule an appointment for an oral cancer examination. Remember – early detection can save your life!
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