Q: Do I have to go to a regular doctor to get checked for oral cancer?
A: No. In fact, one of the best reasons for making regular visits to your dentist is because your dentist is the person most likely to detect oral cancer or its warning signs. More than 10,000 Americans die each year as a result of oral cancer, according to the American Dental Association.
Your dentist can detect most oral cancers. Cancer can develop on any part of your mouth, including the tongue and lips. Smokers, of course, are far more likely to develop cancer in the mouth or throat. And those who smoke and drink alcohol are more likely to develop the disease than those who do one or the other. Though you can certainly be watchful for changes in your mouth, your dentist is in the best position to notice pre-cancerous tissue.
On your part, watch for red or white patches in your mouth or for a sore that doesn't heal. As with any form of cancer, early detection dramatically increases the chance for effective treatment. Talk to your dentist about ways you can lower your risk for oral cancer.
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