Oral Cancer Awareness Month is Here: Time to Get Screened!

Oral cancer screening is quick and painless- and can save your life!

Oral cancer has been on the rise globally and it is estimated that 8,000 deaths are attributed to this type of disease each year. Tobacco use and smoking are both major causes of oral cancer, but the rise of the HPV virus has also been linked to the rise in oral cancer rates.

Do you know the common symptoms of oral cancer?

Symptoms of oral cancer can include:

  • Persistent hoarseness
  • Pain or difficulty swallowing
  • Lump in the throat or neck
  • Persistent earache- often in both ears
  • Numbness in or around the mouth
  • Lesion or sore that does not go away

The signs and symptoms of oral cancer can frequently be spotted by Dr. Cappy Sinclair during a routine dental exam at Coastal Cosmetic Dentistry in Virginia Beach. Visiting Dr. Cappy twice per year can be a life saver- it enables Dr. Cappy and his staff to detect changes in the oral cavity that may indicate a possible health issue that a patient would not notice with typical oral hygiene practices at home. Detecting oral cancer in the early stage can dramatically increase the effectiveness of treatment: less than 50% of patients can be treated successfully when diagnosed in later stages.

Preventive dental care that includes an oral cancer screening can dramatically reduce the risk of late stage diagnosis and the poor prognosis that is often given for patients in this situation. Routine dental care is not only the key to lifelong oral health, but is also an important part of the solution to rising oral cancer rates!

Have you been avoiding the dentist? Celebrate Oral Cancer Awareness month by scheduling a visit to Virginia Beach dentist Dr. Sinclair and get screened!