According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, approximately 8,000 men and women will succumb to oral cancer this year alone, with about 43,250 new diagnoses made in 2014. Because of the aggressive nature of the disease, early detection is critical. At Southridge Dental in Denton, TX, Dr. Ted Dunson and his team offer a wide range of general and preventive dentistry services, including oral cancer screening.

The Importance of Routine Oral Cancer Screening

More than half of those diagnosed with oral cancer will not survive past the five year mark following their diagnosis. Oral cancer can affect anyone, but there are some people that are more likely to develop the condition than others. Risk factors for oral cancer include:

• Tobacco use
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Genetic syndromes, including dyskeratosis congenita and fanconi anemia
• Advanced age (over 60)
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
• Excessive exposure to UV rays

Though the earliest stages of oral cancer typically do not result in any noticeable symptoms, our advanced screening technology allows us to detect abnormalities before they are visible to the naked eye. The earlier the cancer is detected and treated, the better the chances for survival. This is another reason that visiting Dr. Dunson every six months for a routine checkup is so imperative to overall health.

Schedule Your Oral Cancer Assessment Today

Regardless of whether or not any of the traditional risk factors apply to you, oral cancer should still be on your radar. If it has been more than one year since your last oral cancer screening, please contact our office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Dunson at Southridge Dental. Our Denton, TX dental practice is privileged to serve the complete oral healthcare needs of families from throughout the surrounding areas as well, including Flower Mound, Frisco, Plano, Richardson, The Colony, North Dallas, and beyond.