Whenever we hear the word cancer, it’s always scary. For everyone at my Buckhead dental office, we place emphasis on educating our patients on oral cancer.  Prevention and early detection are the key.

When you think of oral cancer, you may automatically assume it’s due to tobacco use. While that’s absolutely a risk factor that goes hand in hand with oral cancer, there are other potential causes.

Oral Cancer Risk Factors

• Alcohol and tobacco use
• Age
• Lots of exposure to UV light
• HPV
• Poor nutrition

Obviously, the best way to totally avoid tobacco and alcohol risk of oral cancer is to avoid using alcohol and tobacco.  Most cases of oral cancer occur in people above the age of 45. If you have a job you do outdoors and have not always been careful about using sunscreen on your lips and face, you, too, may be at a higher risk.

And maybe it’s not surprising to you that a wonderful way to stave off oral cancers is to make sure you’re getting adequate nutrition from fruits and vegetables. We recommend 5 servings of each a day!

Ask your general practitioner or family doctor about HPV risks and vaccines. HPV is present in 80% of adults in this country, so don’t be afraid because early detection is key.

A lot of oral cancer cases go unnoticed, so if you experience any of the following, give us a call at our Buckhead Dental Office immediately.

Signs and Symptoms

• Sore throat that won’t go away
• Hoarse voice
• Pain when swallowing
• Lump in the neck
• Mouth sores that won’t heal

Prevention is key to ensuring a healthy, cancer-free mouth. That’s why we place so much importance on maintaining regular visits to my dental office in Buckhead. Not only does routine care ensure your teeth are strong and your mouth is healthy, it also allows us to catch any potential signs of oral cancer early, increasing the chance for a successful treatment.

Been awhile since you’ve seen a dentist? Give us a call today!

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