Welcome Spring!

As we embark upon a new season, we as dental professionals recognize April as Oral Cancer Awareness Month. 
According to the Oral Health Foundation, close to 53,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year, and only slightly more than half will be alive in five years. Early detection is paramount in treatment and survival! Late detection often results in metastasizing of any lesions into surrounding lymph nodes. Some symptoms to watch for include: patches inside the mouth or lips, a sore on the mouth or lips that doesn't heal, lump in the neck, pain or difficulty swallowing. www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/cancer/ada-04-take-heed-april-is-oral-cancer-awareness-month

Now let's take a look at risk factors. While some diagnosed with oral cancer  exhibit no risk factors, according to the ADA,  these are the top five:AQ23
www.mouthhealthy.org/en/Oral-Cancer-Slideshow?utm_source=mouthhealthyorg&utm_medium=mhrotator&utm_content=oral-cancer-awareness 
1. Huma Papilloma Virus (HPV) 
2. Gender- male are twice as likely to be diagnosed with oral cancer
3. Age- most people diagnosed with oral cancer are 55 or younger; however HPV related cancers are found in those younger.
4. Tobacco
5. Alcohol 

Next time you visit your hygienist, get your screening! You can also do self checks at home! Visit checkyourmouth.org/wp/ for an in depth self discovery check at home! If anything looks suspicious, make an appointment with your dentist! 
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Faith Lao

Your Clutch City Hygienist! ;)

Faith Lao

Clutch City RDH