{"id":3278,"date":"2021-04-12T15:30:38","date_gmt":"2021-04-12T15:30:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thedentalexpress.com\/?p=3278"},"modified":"2024-03-07T01:23:18","modified_gmt":"2024-03-07T01:23:18","slug":"how-to-easily-identify-prevent-oral-cancer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thedentalexpress.com\/dental-blog\/how-to-easily-identify-prevent-oral-cancer\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Easily Identify & Prevent Oral Cancer"},"content":{"rendered":"

With oral cancer, early detection is key. Learn everything you need to know about this condition and how to keep your smile safe<\/span><\/h2>\n

As humans, we\u2019re naturally stubborn.<\/span><\/p>\n

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It\u2019s in our nature to think, \u201cThat\u2019ll never happen to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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But when it comes to oral and oropharyngeal cancer\u2013cancer of the mouth and upper throat\u2013it\u2019s better to be safe than sorry.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Many people believe that if they avoid tobacco and drink in moderation, they\u2019re safe from these conditions, but sadly, this isn\u2019t the case.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Even if you\u2019re diligent about your dental health, you could still be at risk.<\/span><\/p>\n

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This April marks the 22nd annual Oral Cancer Awareness Month. So, we wanted to cover the early signs and symptoms to give you the knowledge you need to build a solid preventive foundation.<\/span><\/p>\n

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And be sure to stay tuned. Later on in this blog, we\u2019ll share a resource showing you how to perform an oral cancer self-exam at home.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Oral Cancer Isn\u2019t a Bite-Sized Issue<\/span><\/h2>\n

According to the <\/span>Oral Cancer Foundation<\/a><\/strong> (OCF), someone dies of oral or oropharyngeal cancer every hour. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThis year, an estimated 54,0001 new cases of oral cancer will be diagnosed. Of those individuals, 43 percent will not survive longer than five years, and many who do survive to suffer long-term problems, such as severe facial disfigurement or difficulties with eating and speaking. The death rate associated with oral and oropharyngeal cancers remains particularly high because the cancers routinely are discovered late in their development.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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And it doesn\u2019t help that these cancers fall under the category of squamous cell carcinoma, which are known for how aggressive they can be.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Oral Cancer Risk Factors<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you know the risk factors, you can minimize your chances of developing oral cancer and ensure your smile stays healthy.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Here\u2019s a list of traits and lifestyle factors that can increase your risk:<\/span><\/p>\n