{"id":554,"date":"2023-04-29T21:30:00","date_gmt":"2023-04-29T21:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dpmgeneraldentistry.com\/blog\/?p=554"},"modified":"2023-05-08T21:31:06","modified_gmt":"2023-05-08T21:31:06","slug":"how-you-can-watch-out-for-oral-cancer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dpmgeneraldentistry.com\/blog\/2023\/04\/29\/how-you-can-watch-out-for-oral-cancer\/","title":{"rendered":"How You Can Watch Out for Oral Cancer"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Oral Cancer Awareness Month begins this April, which means that dentists all across the country are doing what they can to spread the word about this condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Early detection is critically important to people\u2019s long-term prognosis if they contract this disease, so it\u2019s crucial that everyone understand its tell-tale signs. With that in mind, here\u2019s a guide to how you can notice this condition in yourself, what to look for, and what can put you at risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What are the Risk Factors for Oral Cancer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are a wide variety of variables that can increase your risk of contracting oral cancer. Some of them, like genetics and age, are something you can\u2019t really do anything about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, there are risk factors that are related to your behavior. The first is substance abuse\u2014the people most likely to contract oral cancer are smokers and heavy drinkers over the age of 50.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research has also tied oral cancer to the sexually transmitted condition HPV. In most cases, this virus fades on its own, but in certain situations, it can cause complications years down the line. This can include an increased risk for oral cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptoms of Oral Cancer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Diagnosing oral cancer on your own can be tricky because the signs of the disease can be easily confused for minor injuries or other kinds of conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The distinguishing factor for oral cancer is that it won\u2019t heal over time\u2014if you find that you have one of the following symptoms for weeks on end, you should talk to your dentist about an oral cancer exam:<\/p>\n\n\n\n