More people are at risk for oral cancer than you think.  None of us wants to think about any type of cancer.  One may think that simply brushing your teeth and flossing several times a day is enough to ward off oral cancer.  While those habits certainly contribute to healthier gums and teeth, they are not alone in warding off cancer.

Many studies show that tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and persistent viral infections such as HPV, are the biggest contributors to oral cancer.  Tobacco use is the number one risk factor for true oral cavity cancers in individuals over 50.  In fact, historically, at least 75% of those diagnosed at 50 or older have been tobacco users.   When tobacco use and alcohol are combined, a patient has a 15 times greater risk of developing oral cancer than others.   Those individuals with HPV are also at a higher risk of developing oral cancer.   Sign up to receive oral cancer research updates.

Many adults choose to avoid regular dental exams and cleanings from a general dentist, because it takes time to carve out these appointments in our busy daily lives! Please heed this plea from Dr. Ramsey Fanous and Dr. Gene Morris to have consistent check-ups with your general dentist so you can avoid many dental and oral health problems.  Dr. Fanous and Dr. Morris have previously given you three reasons to get oral cancer screenings.

If you ever have a sore or discolored area of your mouth that does not heal within 14 days, you need to have that area checked out by a dental professional!  Approaching these issues with caution is always smarter than ignoring a problem that can only continue to grow over time.  The only way to know for sure if the area is benign is to biopsy the area, which is painless and inexpensive.

Learn how to give yourself a routine mouth exam and the tools needed on the Check Your Mouth website.  It is important to take good care of YOU so that you can also take care of those you love and enjoy life to its fullest!