{"id":138,"date":"2019-04-03T13:58:12","date_gmt":"2019-04-03T13:58:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drbc.com\/blog\/?p=138"},"modified":"2023-08-22T17:45:09","modified_gmt":"2023-08-22T17:45:09","slug":"oral-cancer-awareness-regular-checkups","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.drbc.com\/blog\/2019\/04\/03\/oral-cancer-awareness-regular-checkups\/","title":{"rendered":"Oral Cancer Awareness: Why It\u2019s Another Reason You Should See Your Dentist"},"content":{"rendered":"If you\u2019re like most Americans, you know all the reasons it\u2019s important to see your dentist twice a year. It can prevent tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and more, right? But what about screening for oral cancer? Do you know why it\u2019s so important? You\u2019ve probably been checked in the past and you didn\u2019t even know it. Since April is Oral Cancer Awareness<\/a> Month, let us tell you how often you should be checked for this disease and what you can expect during a typical screening process.\n\n\n

Oral Cancer Facts<\/h2>\nIndividuals who smoke and\/or use tobacco products may be at a higher risk of developing oral cancer, but people who\u2019ve never even picked up a cigarette can be diagnosed with the disease. The American Cancer Society says an estimated 53,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. It can appear on your tongue, lips, tonsils, gums, and even your salivary glands.\n\nOral cancer appears most often in men over the age of 50, but risky behaviors in recent years have seen a slight shift in the demographic. Now, more and more people under the age of 50 are developing the disease. Some of the risk factors include:\n