If you’re not a smoker or heavy drinker, you may assume oral cancer isn’t something to worry about. While tobacco and excessive alcohol use remain the leading risk factors, recent studies show a growing number of oral cancer cases in individuals with none of these habits. Other contributing factors—like HPV (human papillomavirus), genetics, prolonged sun exposure (which can affect the lips), and even poor oral hygiene—are now being linked to increased risk. This makes regular dental check-ups and screenings more important than ever, even for those who lead otherwise healthy lifestyles.
As you’ll see from this video, people with the HPV virus are 30 times more likely to get oral cancer. April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, so it’s a perfect time to schedule a dental exam at one of our two offices. We look for signs of it during your exams, along with more common problems like cavities and gum disease. If we find any, we’ll likely recommend you get a biopsy.
As with many other types of cancer, early detection plays a critical role in improving long-term survival rates for oral cancer. That’s why it’s so important to stay proactive. In addition to coming in for professional dental exams twice a year—where we check for early signs—you can take charge of your health by doing quick and easy self-exams at home. It only takes a few minutes, and it could make all the difference. Not sure how to start? Watch the video below for a simple step-by-step guide.
Call Oasis Dental in Vancouver, WA at 360-695-3369 or in Ridgefield, WA at 360-727-0335 to make an appointment. You can schedule your visit online.
Learn to perform an oral cancer self-exam. from MyOMS.org on Vimeo.