Oral, or mouth, cancer is diagnosed in astonishing numbers. In fact, it is one of the fastest growing cancers today – and yet many people never think about it. That is dangerous, indeed, considering that the Oral Cancer Foundation has found that oral cancer causes the death of at least one person a day, 24 hours a day. Oral cancer is nothing to ignore! The team here at My Rivertown Dentist take oral cancer so seriously, we look at your oral tissue every time you come see us, keeping an eye out for any changes, discoloration, pimples, bleeding, patchiness, or sores that can’t be explained. We also recommend regularly -scheduled oral cancer screenings, especially for those who have a family history of this cancer or are in a higher risk group for other reasons. Risk factors include:

• Prolonged sun exposure
• Smoking or using smokeless tobacco
• Alcohol use
• The Human Papillomavirus
• Dietary issues

The biggest problem with oral cancer is that it can begin and spread with no noticeable symptoms or pain until it has reached an advanced stage. This is why professional screenings are crucial – we know what to look for and are usually much more familiar with the inside of your mouth than you are!