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Whenever we hear the word cancer, it’s always scary. For everyone at my Bakersfield dental office, we place emphasis on educating our patients on one type of cancer specifically. That type of cancer would be oral cancer.
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’re other potential causes.
Oral Cancer Risk Factors
Obviously, the best way to totally avoid tobacco and alcohol risk of oral cancer is to avoid using alcohol and tobacco. But age is a factor, too. 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 Bakersfield Dental Office immediately.
Signs and Symptoms
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 Bakersfield. 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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