It’s oral cancer awareness month- have you been screened for this growing health concern?
Oral cancer has been on the rise globally, and it is estimated that more than 8,000 deaths are attributed to this type of disease each year.
Tobacco use and smoking are both major causes of oral cancer, but the rise of the HPV virus has also been linked to the rise in oral cancer rates.
Do you know the common symptoms of oral cancer?
Symptoms of oral cancer can include:
- Persistent hoarseness
- Pain or difficulty swallowing
- Lump in the throat or neck
- Persistent earache- often in both ears
- Numbness in or around the mouth
- Lesion or sore that does not go away
The signs and symptoms of oral cancer can frequently be spotted by Northborough dentist Dr. Gauthier during a routine dental exam.
Visiting Apex Dental twice per year can be a lifesaver- it enables Dr. Gauthier and his staff to detect changes in the oral cavity that may indicate a possible health issue that a patient would not notice with typical oral hygiene practices at home.
Detecting oral cancer in the early stage can dramatically increase the effectiveness of treatment: less than 50% of patients can be treated successfully when diagnosed in later stages.
Preventive dental care is important! Oral cancer screening is part of preventive care with Dr. Gauthier- at your regular visit for a dental cleaning, Dr. Gauthier will perform a thorough exam of the mouth and check for lumps in the neck area as part of screening for signs of oral cancer.
Have you been avoiding the dentist due to dental anxiety? Dr. Gauthier works with patients who have a fear of the dentist to ensure their comfort and help them feel confident during their treatment.
Don’t compromise your oral health because of anxiety- schedule an appointment at Apex Dental in Northborough to restore your oral health- and get screened for oral cancer!