The American Cancer Society’s most recent estimates for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers in the United States for 2019 are:
- About 53,000 people will get oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer.
- An estimated 10,860 people will die of these cancers.
- The average age of most people diagnosed with oral cancer is 62, but they can occur in young people.
How To Prevent Oral Cancer
- Limit smoking and drinking
- Avoid HPV infection
- Limit exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light
- Eat a healthy diet
- Wear properly fitted dentures
How To Detect Oral Cancer
Possible signs and symptoms of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers include:
- A sore in the mouth that doesn’t heal (the most common symptom)
- Pain in the mouth that doesn’t go away (also very common)
- A lump or thickening in the cheek
- A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsil, or lining of the mouth
- A sore throat or a feeling that something is caught in the throat that doesn’t go away
- Trouble chewing or swallowing
- Trouble moving the jaw or tongue
- Numbness of the tongue or other area of the mouth
- Swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable
- Loosening of the teeth or pain around the teeth or jaw
- Voice changes
- A lump or mass in the neck
- Weight loss
- Constant bad breath
Of course these can all be caused by other things but if any of these conditions last more than 2 weeks, talk to one of our doctors. Get checked regularly!
At Marx Family Dental you will find trusted dental care and our friendly team of dental professionals. Our menu of services includes: dental implants, porcelain veneers, and Invisalign. Contact Marx Family Dental today at (816) 452-2000 to schedule an informative consultation.