THIS YEAR ALONE, 400,000 people throughout the world will be diagnosed with oral cancer. 40% of those diagnosed won’t live another five years. Oral cancer has such a dismal survival rate because it’s usually not detected until very late in its progression. Because April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we’re encouraging everyone to get screened this year during their regularly scheduled checkups.
Early Detection Is SO Important
Early oral cancer detection can boost survival rates to 80–90%! One of the reasons oral cancer goes undetected is because many of the symptoms are not painful. If you experience any of the following symptoms, please let us know right away:
- A lump or thickening of your cheek
- A white or red patch on any part of your inner mouth or throat
- A sore inside your mouth that doesn’t heal within two weeks
- Difficulty moving your tongue or jaw
- Numbness inside your mouth
- Chronic difficulty swallowing or chewing
- Jaw swelling
The Best Offense Is A Good Defense
Keep regularly scheduled cleaning appointments and screenings. Doing so GREATLY increases the likelihood that any problems will be detected early. It’s worth it.
If You Have Any Questions, Let Us Know
Please be aware that smoking, chewing tobacco, and alcohol consumptions have all been linked to an increased incidence of oral cancer.
If you or a family member have any unusual lesions in your mouth, inside your cheek, or on your tongue, which has lasted for more than 10 days, please have it examined by your dental health care professional or physician. We can help at Gorczyca Orthodontics (925) 757-9000. Call us for a complimentary oral exam or visit us at www.clubbraces.com.
Gorczyca Orthodontics serves the great East Contra Costa Community including Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley, Pittsburg, Concord, Discovery Bay, Bethel Island and Rio Vista. Let us be your partner in oral health.
