{"id":161,"date":"2018-04-03T16:27:45","date_gmt":"2018-04-03T16:27:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.veroimplantdentistry.com\/blog\/?p=161"},"modified":"2019-08-28T16:03:11","modified_gmt":"2019-08-28T16:03:11","slug":"stop-oral-cancer-dentist-in-vero-beach","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.premierdentalvero.com\/blog\/2018\/04\/03\/stop-oral-cancer-dentist-in-vero-beach\/","title":{"rendered":"Stop Oral Cancer in its Tracks by Seeing Your Dentist in Vero Beach"},"content":{"rendered":"

According to the American Academy of Oral Medicine, the death rate of oral and oropharyngeal cancers remains high mainly because of how common they\u2019re discovered late in development. That means by visiting your dentist in Vero Beach<\/a> regularly, you can dramatically reduce your chances of developing oral cancer before it\u2019s too late.<\/p>\n

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, so your dentist thought it would be a good time to help patients protect themselves by learning about oral cancer, taking note of the warning signs, and explain the importance of regular visits.<\/p>\n

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What is Oral Cancer?<\/h2>\n

Like all cancers, it is defined as an uncontrollable growth of cells that damage surrounding tissue. In this case, oral cancer appears anywhere within the oral cavity, such as the cheek lining, gums, tongue, hard palate, and lips. Oropharyngeal cancer appears in the throat, the base of the tongue, tonsils, soft palate, and walls of the pharynx.<\/p>\n

People who are newly diagnosed with oral cancer can survive if caught early. However, 40 percent of those newly diagnosed will not survive longer than five years, according to the American Academy of Oral Medicine. Even after surviving, many patients also report long-term problems, including facial disfigurement and difficulties performing basic tasks like eating and speaking.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s these reasons why both you and your dentist in Vero Beach must remain diligent and pay close attention to the warnings signs should they appear.<\/p>\n

What are the Warning Signs of Oral Cancer?<\/h2>\n

You\u2019ll need to pay attention to your risk factors just as much as your physical symptoms to reduce your chances of oral cancer. For example, if you drink heavily or use tobacco frequently, you\u2019re much more likely to develop oral cancer, especially if you do both. Other common risk factors include having HPV, being above the age of 50, and sustaining prolonged exposure to UV rays.<\/p>\n

Here are the symptoms you and your dentist will need to watch out for:<\/p>\n