Oral Cancer:  Are You at Risk?

Each year approximately 35,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer and nearly 7,500 will die from it according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. This fact is startling considering most oral cancer is preventable and even curable if detected early.

Lower your risk of developing oral cancer by:

• Eliminating tobacco use
• Limit alcohol use
• Use lip balm with sunscreen
• Eat a balanced diet

During regular dental exams your dental professional can inspect your mouth and throat for the following signs of oral cancer:

• Flat, painless spot, either white or red, anywhere on the mouth
• Tenderness, numbness or pain in the mouth or lips
• Change in oral tissue color
• A sore in the mouth that bleeds easily and does not heal
• A difference in the way teeth come together
• Difficulty speaking, swallowing, chewing or moving the jaw