November is Mouth Cancer Awareness Month, which means we need to highlight the causes of the cancer, but more importantly be proactive about our oral health.
Oral cancer is more present than you think. According to the American Cancer Society’s most recent study, about 48,330 people have mouth cancer and about 9,573 will die from it. “Mouth cancer” is a broad term, so let me make this clear. The types of cancers that this includes are oral cavity cancer and oropharyngeal cancer. Both of these are fatal and should be taken very seriously. Oral cavity cancer affects the lips, the lining of the lips, cheeks, teeth, gums, front two-thirds of the tongue, the floor of the mouth below the tongue, and the roof of the mouth. Oropharyngeal cancer includes the throat just behind the mouth. This is the back section of the tongue, the back part of the roof of the mouth, the tonsils, and the side walls of the back of the throat. [gallery ids="4002,4000"] Since it is Mouth Cancer Awareness Month, it is necessary to understand the areas the cancer affects and also what the cause of it is. The main cause of oral cancers is tobacco. Those who smoke or chew tobacco are many times more likely to develop these cancers. Not only can smoking cause damage to your oral health, but it also has significant effects on other aspects of your health as well. By eliminating smoking and the chewing of tobacco, you cut your risks in half. Not only should you be cautious about what you allow your body to consume, but you should also be proactive about your oral health. You can do this by regularly scheduling check-ups and cleanings to make sure you’re healthy. Since it is National Mouth Cancer Awareness Month, Perfect Teeth is accepting patients. They also have a $34 new patient special! Make your appointment and end the year on a good note. Make your appointment HEREFor something more light hearted, click here to view adorable videos of wolves
