Oral cancer screenings are very important. Read on to find out why you should book a screening with a dentist in Bayside, NY.

Did you know that about 54,000 Americans will get diagnosed with oral cancer this year? Of those 54,000 Americans, only fifty-seven percent will still be alive five years from now. Oral cancer kills approximately one person an hour.

Oral cancer is a type of cancer belonging to the head and neck cancers and is something taken very seriously. Fortunately, your future Dentist in Bayside, NY is here to help you out.

We'll tell you how to recognize oral cancer, when to get a screening, and how to minimize the risks. All you need to do is keep reading.

What to Know About Oral Cancer

Oral cancer develops inside the mouth for the most part, although lip cancer can also be developed. The biggest indicator you may have oral cancer is if you regularly experience pain while swallowing.

However, there are other symptoms you might notice that are painful. These include sores that don't heal, lumps, red or white patches occurring inside the mouth, and even ulcers. Other oral cancer signs that aren't necessarily painful but are still noticeable include coughing, bad breath, and enlarged lymph nodes.

Oral cancer is highly curable, but only so long as you get it treated right away.

When Should I Get an Oral Cancer Screening?

Twenty is when the average oral cancer screening age is recommended to begin. Starting then, you should have an oral cancer screening done every three years. After you reach forty years of age, it is recommended you get an oral cancer screening done annually.'

If they find oral cancer, there are plenty of next steps to be taken. Early steps involve surgery to get rid of the cancerous tissue. Other tissue around the neck and mouth might also be taken out.

Other options are local therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. If you are having radiation therapy done, they will sometimes perform a tooth extraction before it starts.

How to Cut Down on Oral Cancer Risks

The best thing that you can do to prevent oral cancer is to stay away from any nicotine products- including secondhand smoking. In addition, you should cut down on any alcohol consumption. People who have three or four drinks a day are twice as likely to get oral cancer as people who don't drink.

Make sure you keep up with dentist visits, including those to a dental hygienist. If you do, the odds are better that they will catch anything before it becomes a problem.

Lastly, check out the inside of your mouth once a month. If you find anything you're uncertain about, get in touch with your dentist.

Contact Us Today

Now that you've heard all about oral cancer and know how to find a dentist in Bayside, NY, you may be wondering about your dental health in general. Our company offers preventative, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry, so we've got you covered.

Whether you've got more questions or are ready to sign on as a patient, the next step you need to take is the same one. Contact us here to have your questions answered or to become a new patient.

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