When you think of going to the dentist, you probably think of the usual things, like having cavities filled or getting your teeth cleaned. You may not realize that your dentist is performing a potentially life-saving exam each time you have a checkup: an oral cancer screening.
Sadly, oral cancer has been on the rise in recent years. The American Cancer Society estimates that around 50,000 people will be diagnosed with the disease in 2018. As with all types of cancer, early detection is crucial to the prognosis. But with oral cancer that can be easier said than done. Most people simply don’t inspect the nooks and crannies of their mouth on a regular basis! Thankfully, your dentist can do that for you. In this blog, we’ll talk more about the risk factors for this life-threatening condition as well as signs and symptoms.