There are two main reasons to visit your dentist this month. If you overate your share of candy on Easter, it may be time to schedule an appointment with C and C Dentistry today! Candy is notorious for damaging your teeth and a dentist visit is sure to slow down the damage caused by sugary foods and treats. The second reason to visit us is because April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. You may think that cancer can’t affect you, but prevention is key.
According to Colgate.com, more than 21,000 men and 9,000 women in the United States receive oral cancer diagnoses a year, resulting in almost 8,000 deaths annually. Oral cancer begins in the flat cells of the mouth, throat, and lips and may be caused by risk factors such as tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, sun exposure, unhealthy diet, and also by a history of oral cancer.
Symptoms to watch out for to detect the possible presence of oral cancer include patches inside the mouth or on the lips, sores on the mouth that don’t heal, bleeding in the mouth, loose teeth, pain or difficulty swallowing, a lump in the neck, numbness of the lower lip or chin, difficulty wearing dentures, and a painful earache.
Become an advocate for cancer. In order to spread awareness for oral cancer, visit your dentist for a checkup. On social media, tag yourself out at the dentist office or take a photo of yourself a dental chair. Let your friends and family know that it’s Oral Cancer Awareness Month and that they should get checked.
If you feel that you’re at risk of oral cancer, visit your dentist immediately. Call C and C Dentistry and schedule an appointment for a post-Easter dental cleaning and speak with your dentist about oral cancer risks.