It’s oral cancer awareness month- have you been screened for this growing health concern?
The signs and symptoms of oral cancer can frequently be spotted by Dallas area dentist Dr. Jacob Grapevine during a routine dental exam. Visiting the dentist twice per year can be a life saver- it enables Dr. Grapevine and his staff to detect changes in the oral cavity that may indicate a possible health issue that a patient would not notice with typical oral hygiene practices at home. Detecting oral cancer in the early stage can dramatically increase the effectiveness of treatment: less than 50% of patients can be treated successfully when diagnosed in later stages. Preventive dental care is important for both maintaining optimal oral health and overall physical well being.
Oral cancer has been on the rise globally and it is estimated that more than 8,000 deaths are attributed to this type of disease each year. Tobacco use and smoking are both major causes of oral cancer, but the rise of the HPV virus has also been linked to the rise in oral cancer rates.
Do you know the common symptoms of oral cancer?
Symptoms of oral cancer can include:
- Persistent hoarseness
- Pain or difficulty swallowing
- Lump in the throat or neck
- Persistent earache- often in both ears
- Numbness in or around the mouth
- Lesion or sore that does not go away
Preventive dental care is important! Oral cancer screening is part of preventive care with Plano family dentist Dr. Grapevine- at your regular visit for a dental cleaning Dr. Grapevine will perform a thorough exam of the mouth as part of screening for signs of oral cancer.
The post April is Oral Cancer Awareness month- protect your health with regular screening! | Plano, TX appeared first on Jacob Grapevine DDS.