Oral Cancer

Dentists are your first line of defense against oral cancer. Oral cancer screenings are performed during routine visits, although patients may not be aware of this. The dentist or hygienist examines three areas where oral cancer most commonly develops: the side of the tongue, the florr of the mouth, and the back of the upper hard or soft palate.

Oral cancer, especially of the malignant variety, occurs most commonly in patients who are regular smokers and heavy drinkers. If you have either one of these habits your likelihood of getting oral cancer increases considerably. If you have both those habits, your rish of getting oral cancer is 10 times greater than if you have either habit alone.