Almost 2.9% of United States citizens are diagnosed with Oral Cancer.
According to the cancer society it’s estimated that 51,000 people develop oral cancer this year. Those who are most probably developing oral cancer are men over age of 50 who are heavy smokers and frequently drink alcohol.
And as for both genders who are exposed to UV rays from the sun or sunlamps.
GERD (Gastro-Intestinal Reflux Disease), prior head and neck radiation treatment, exposure to certain chemicals and poor diet as well.
Thanks to early detection and advanced methods of treatment, death rates from oral cancer have decreased.
Despite the recent rise in the incidence of Oropharyngeal Cancer due to increased transmission of the sexually transmitted Human Papillomavirus(HPV) affected the numbers of cases.
Oral cancer most often is found on the tongue, tonsils, oropharynx, gums, floor of the mouth, lips, cheek lining or the hard palate.
Our dentists at Chesapeake Smiles Dental will perform a screening for oral cancer, review the patient’s medical history and dental histories.
Ask if there have been any changes to his or her oral health or overall health.
Therefore, the dentist will check in and around the oral cavity as well as the head and neck area for any symptoms that may indicate the presence of the disease.