Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know that dental examinations can help protect you from cancer? We at Redwood Dental Smiles in Castro Valley are observing National Oral Cancer Awareness Month by educating the public on which symptoms to look out for and how dentists are on the front lines of detecting this deadly disease.


Oral cancer is a serious menace when it is not caught in time. Only about 60% of people who are diagnosed with it live longer than five years, and a little less than 50,000 Americans get diagnosed with it each year. Typically, oral cancer is associated with the use of tobacco and alcohol and is found in middle-aged people. However, cancer in the top of the throat, in a region called the oropharynx, is becoming increasingly common due to HPV and is showing up more in younger people.


During a dental examination, a doctor will inspect the patient’s mouth for common symptoms such as discoloration and cysts or areas that are crusted over. They may also shine a special light in the patient’s mouth which will allow them to find suspicious areas beneath the tongue surface. Patients should be sure to schedule an appointment if they notice symptoms such as pain on one side of the head or ringing in their ears, as wells as difficulty swallowing or lumps on their necks.


Redwood Dental Smiles is operated by Dr. Vijay Munagala at 20212 Redwood Rd, Suite 101, Castro Valley, California, 64546. To schedule an appointment, visit Redwood Dental Smiles or call 510-886-6416.


 

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