When asked to name conditions and injuries that can negatively affect your oral health, many patients come with all sorts of common culprits, from gum disease to common cavities to TMJ disorder. But have you ever stopped and thought about the threat of oral cancer? Although it’s not discussed as often in dental offices, the statistics surrounding oral cancer are staggering. For instance, one American on average dies every hour from the condition. Worse, half of the patients who are diagnosed with the condition won’t go on to last more than five years. While it’s true that a majority of the people affected by oral cancer commonly use tobacco and/or drink alcohol, a significant 25% of affected patients don’t participate in any known risk factors. Here at Hill Avenue Dental in Superior, WI, Drs. Clark and Clarktake the threat of oral cancer very seriously. That’s why we take the time to educate our patients about the common symptoms of signs of the condition. These include:
- A sudden color change in the oral tissues.
- White or red spots inside the mouth that are flat and painless.
- A lump, thick area, or rough spot in the mouth.
- Lingering pain, tenderness, or numbness that occurs on the lips or inside the mouth.
During every six-month check-up you attend, our team will be sure to do a visual oral cancerscreening in order to catch any possible signs of this potentially destructive disease upfront. The good news is that if caught early, patients with oral cancer have a high chance of being treated successfully.
ContactHill Avenue Dental in Superior, WI today to schedule an appointment! Our team can’t wait to give you a reason to smile with our comfortable, personalized dental care. We also serve the surrounding Douglas County and Northern Wisconsin areas, as well as Duluth and other parts of Northeastern Minnesota.