Ask about it

Does your dental office do oral cancer screenings? Don't be afraid to ask. You may not even realize that you are receiving an oral cancer screening as a regular part of your routine dental hygiene visit.

About 50,000 Americans a year are diagnosed with oral cancers. Like every other cancer the earlier it is detected, the better the outcome. If you're not sure you are being screened for oral cancer, ask your dentist or dental hygienist to do an oral cancer screening. 

If you smoke and/or drink alcohol or have a history of other cancers, oral cancer screening is particularly important. The risk of oral cancer in people who drink alcohol heavily is about two to three times that of non-drinkers. Smokers are 80% more likely to get oral cancers. In people who smoke and drink, oral cancer risk increases by 70 times.

If you have pain in your mouth or face, have a sore in your mouth that doesn't go away or gets larger, or difficulty swallowing, tell your doctor or dentist. Know that you know your body better than anyone else. Don't wait - the life you can save is your own!

Did you know that drinking more than 21 drinks a week is an indication of alcohol abuse? If you feel that you have a drinking problem, get help!

For some great facts about oral cancer visit:

http://oralcancerfoundation.org/dental/

This post is not meant to diagnose or treat any disease or condition. Visit your doctor or dentist!