No one talks about oral cancer nearly as much as some other cancers, but oral cancer deserves just as much attention. According to the American Cancer Society,

• About 53,000 people will get oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer
• An estimated 10,860 people will die of these cancers

Risk factors for oral cancers include everything from lifestyle choices such as tobacco and alcohol use and physical factors such as sun exposure to biological factors such as fungi and viruses. Even a diet low in fruits and vegetables could increase your risks. Clearly, not smoking or chewing tobacco does not remove your risk for oral cancer! That’s why the team at Kari Ryan Dentistry screens for oral cancer at every visit. Getting these screenings regularly is very important because, when caught early, mouth cancer is quite treatable. Unfortunately, if you aren’t visiting your dentist with regularity, oral cancer can flourish unnoticed because the symptoms are so subtle. If you do happen to notice any rough patches, bumps or discolorations, or unexplained bleeding that does not heal or go away within 14 days, or if it has been a while since your last dental checkup, please call our Mt. Pleasant office right away. It could save your life!