Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer with roughly 40,000 new cases of oral cancer reported annually in the United States. The vast majority of oral cancers occur in people older than 45 years, with men being twice as likely as women to develop the disease.

The most frequent oral cancer sites are the tongue, the floor of the mouth, and soft palate tissue areas in back of the tongue, lips, and gums. If not diagnosed and treated in its early stages, oral cancer can spread, leading to chronic pain, loss of function, irreparable facial and oral disfigurement following surgery, and even death.

Dr. Crete and the staff at Rivertown Dental Associates are experts in screening for oral cancer and do so during every routine checkup. You can help prevent oral cancer by abstaining from smoking, using spit tobacco or drinking excessive alcohol. Research suggests that eating plenty of fruits and vegetables may safeguard against oral cancer.

As always, if you have any questions about oral cancer or any abnormalities you may discover in your own mouth, don’t hesitate to contact us and come in for a check-up.