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Why You Might Need an Oral Cancer Screening

By Franklin Family Dentistry
January 22, 2021
Category: Oral Health

Have you noticed any pain in your mouth that doesn’t seem to go away on its own? Dr. J. David Fowler offers oral cancer screening at his practice, Franklin Family Dentistry in Franklin, KY.

Why You Might Need an Oral Cancer Screening

  • Do you see any sores or lesions on your tongue, gums, or other areas?
  • Are you having trouble tasting or moving your tongue around?
  • Is any part of your mouth swollen or otherwise irritated, and you do not know why?

If you have answered yes to any of these, you may want to ask your dentist to perform an oral cancer screening at your next visit.

Some risk factors for oral cancer include:

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is a condition spread through sexual contact that affects 79 million Americans. This virus is also responsible for an increased risk for certain kinds of cancer, including oral. If you have been diagnosed with HPV, it is a good idea to talk with your dentist. They can help to determine which steps to take to reduce the spread of the infection from one person to another and also how to decrease the risk of developing oral cancer.

Lifestyle Habits

Many people diagnosed with oral cancer tend to be drinkers and/or smokers over the age of 50. This correlation suggests that quitting all tobacco consumption and reducing your alcohol intake can prevent the development of oral cancer or slow its progression.

Luckily, preventing oral cancer is relatively simple, with a few new habits. These are:

  • Practicing safer sex techniques and reducing the number of partners you have.
  • If you do not consume tobacco, do not start -- and if you do, talk to your dentist about tobacco cessation programs.
  • Reducing your alcohol consumption

For more information on preventing or treating oral cancer, contact Dr. Fowler at (270) 586-0606 in Franklin, KY. Franklin Family Dentistry is here to help!

 

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