{"id":139,"date":"2024-03-25T19:21:05","date_gmt":"2024-03-25T19:21:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.whitepeakdental.com\/blog\/?p=139"},"modified":"2024-04-06T19:24:14","modified_gmt":"2024-04-06T19:24:14","slug":"mouthy-malignance-oral-cancer-awareness-month","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.whitepeakdental.com\/blog\/mouthy-malignance-oral-cancer-awareness-month\/","title":{"rendered":"Mouthy Malignance: Oral Cancer Awareness Month"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Oral<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Did you know that April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month? It\u2019s estimated that every hour (24 hours a day and 365 days a year) someone dies from this medical condition. It\u2019s been estimated that about 43% of the 54,000 patients diagnosed in a year won\u2019t survive longer than 5 years. It\u2019s natural to feel intimidated by those statistics, but thankfully, oral cancer can often be treated effectively if it\u2019s diagnosed early enough. Keep reading to learn more about this condition and how your dentist can help you prevent<\/a> it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What is Oral Cancer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although we tend to think of oral cancer as a singular issue, there are two distinct types. They are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Cancers of the oral cavity<\/strong> that impact your lips, teeth, gums, inside your cheeks, the floor of your mouth, and the front two-thirds of your tongue. This kind is predominantly caused by excessive use of tobacco and\/or alcohol.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Cancers of the oropharynx<\/strong> that occur in your throat, tonsils, base of your tongue, and pharynx (where your throat starts at the roof of your mouth).  It\u2019s often the result of an HPV (human papillomavirus) infection.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    What Are the Symptoms of Oral Cancer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Some warning signs that could point to this medical condition include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n