At Shwarts Family Dentistry in Richardson, we encourage our patients to come in twice a year for a dental examination and cleaning. Don’t re-schedule because you don’t think you have any cavities, though, because each appointment includes a screening for oral cancer.
In the last few decades, lung and breast cancer have drawn a lot of public attention. There is relatively less awareness of oral cancer even though it claims almost 10,000 lives every year in the United States. If you smoke or have contracted HPV, you have a higher risk for developing oral cancer.
At Shwarts Family Dentistry in Richardson, we work to broaden awareness of oral cancer and the importance of early diagnosis. Courtesy of the CDC, Oral Cancer Foundation, and Johns Hopkins Medicine, here are 5 essential things to know about oral (mouth) and oropharyngeal (back of mouth and throat) cancers.
1. About 80% of people with oral cancer use some variety of tobacco (cigarettes, chewing tobacco, pipes).
2. 40% of individuals who receive late-stage diagnosis of oral cancer pass away within five years. The survival rate for early stage diagnosis is 90%.
3. In many cases, it is almost impossible for the individual to detect oral and oropharyngeal cancers because they can produce inconspicuous symptoms or no symptoms at all. Any abnormality in the mouth or throat, even if small and painless, should be checked by a dentist or doctor.
4. HPV (the most common sexually transmitted disease in the US) is the most common cause of oropharyngeal cancer. Of the copious strains of HPV, HPV16 is the one most repeatedly linked to oropharyngeal cancer.
5. Black males have a higher risk of dying from oral cancer than whites.
At Shwarts Family Dentistry in Richardson, oral cancer screenings are part of every checkup. So is a thorough cleaning. Our services include general and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next appointment with us today.
About the Practice
Dr. Ellis Shwarts and his skilled team have proudly served the dental needs of patients and families in the Richardson, TX community for several years! A Dallas native, Dr. Shwarts received his dental degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and has spent countless hours educating himself and honing his skills so that he can provide a truly unmatched level of care. The practice offers a comprehensive range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options. If you have any questions about the article or would like to schedule your next visit, feel free to contact the practice online or over the phone for further assistance: (972) 525-9283.