{"id":202,"date":"2019-04-04T18:31:35","date_gmt":"2019-04-04T18:31:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.richardfossumdds.com\/blog\/?p=202"},"modified":"2019-04-16T18:35:02","modified_gmt":"2019-04-16T18:35:02","slug":"dentist-in-temple-oral-cancer-screenings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.richardfossumdds.com\/blog\/dentist-in-temple-oral-cancer-screenings\/","title":{"rendered":"Worried About Oral Cancer? Your Dentist in Temple Wants You to Be Screened"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"anDo you ever worry about the risks of oral cancer? When you think about the dentist office, you\u2019re probably more concerned about having a few cavities or your dentist reminding you that you\u2019re not flossing enough. But what about the likeliness of you developing oral cancer? If that thought hasn\u2019t crossed your mind, you may want to listen up. Your dentist is your first line of defense when it comes to this horrible disease, and if you want to receive successful treatment, early detection is key. A dentist in Temple<\/a> explains the importance of oral cancer screenings.<\/p>\n

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Why is Screening for Oral Cancer Important?<\/h2>\n

Every hour, another person in the United States dies from oral cancer. Often associated with smoking or heavy alcohol consumption, it\u2019s not always heavy smoker or drinkers who develop the disease. Since it is often diagnosed in its later stages, only half of the patients suffering from oral cancer live longer than five years. You might even be surprised to know that the mortality rate of those with oral cancer is higher than patients who have cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, kidney, brain, or liver cancer, or Hodgkin’s disease.<\/p>\n

If oral cancer is detected in its early stages, there is a high success rate for treatment. This is why your dentist strongly encourages regular dental visits so you can be properly screened.<\/p>\n

How Often Should I Be Screened?<\/h2>\n

Adults who do not smoke, drink, or practice risky lifestyle behaviors that could increase their chances for oral cancer should be screen at least once each year. Men who are over the age of 40 and women between the ages of 20 and 40 tend to be the most prone to developing oral cancer and may need additional screenings throughout the year. This is because certain lifestyles can increase the risk. These include:<\/p>\n