Oral Cancer Awareness Month

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and that means that organizations such as the American Academy of Oral Medicine and the American Dental Association, as well as your local dentist, are coming together to remind you to schedule regular checkups to prevent dangerous health problems and fatalities.

More Common Than You Would Think

Did you know that the death rate due to oral cancer kills nearly one person every hour of every day of the year? The American Academy of Oral Medicine warns that, of all the people diagnosed with oral cancer, only 60% will survive longer than five years, and if you do survive, then you will suffer long-term disabilities and health-related complications.

Symptoms to Look Out For

While it is best to have your dentist search for symptoms of oral cancer thoroughly, there are some steps that you can take between dental visits.

Prolonged soreness in your mouth or throat.
Red or White patches.
Pain, Tenderness, Numbness, Lumps, Thickening of tissues, or rough spots.
A difficulty with chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving your tongue or jaw.
Your teeth don’t feel like they fit together when you close your mouth.

On top of these main factors to look out for, it is also best to avoid all tobacco products and heavy alcohol use.

Visit Your Dentist

What only starts out as a small red or white spot can, unfortunately, turn into something that could take your life prematurely. To prevent damage to your mouth, lips, and throat, visit our office or call (303) 688-2229 today and schedule a screening to check for signs that may save your life.