We understandably don’t like to think or talk about cancer, but confronting this serious issue is imperative to good health practices. In the dental health community, we are especially concerned with our patients’ understanding oforal cancer and all necessary screening and preventative measures. Like other forms of cancer, oral cancer can be extremely costly and difficult to fight once it has progressed; but also like other cancers, when it’s diagnosed early, patients greatly improve their prospects for a full recovery.
Since there are a number of behaviors and lifestyle factors that can increase the risk of oral cancer, patients should be aware of the following factors and get a screening if any apply to them:
- Patients over fifty who use any tobacco products, drink frequently or heavily, and/or have a history of oral cancer in their family.
- Patients who have been infected with HPV.
- Patients who regularly experience sores or pain in the oral cavity, especially if due to damaged teeth or past dental work.
- All patients over eighty.
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