{"id":817,"date":"2015-12-30T18:18:30","date_gmt":"2015-12-30T18:18:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.smilesbymartin.com\/?p=817"},"modified":"2020-03-20T15:59:13","modified_gmt":"2020-03-20T15:59:13","slug":"the-importance-of-getting-an-oral-cancer-screening","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.smilesbymartin.com\/blog\/2015\/12\/30\/the-importance-of-getting-an-oral-cancer-screening\/","title":{"rendered":"The Importance of Getting an Oral Cancer Screening"},"content":{"rendered":"

Each year, in the United States, about 40,000 new cases of mouth and throat cancer are diagnosed. However, many people are unaware of the need for cancer screening and regular dental exams. At <\/span>Smiles by Martin<\/span>, we suggest that our patients get regular oral cancer screenings near <\/a><\/span>Trophy Club<\/span><\/a>. Dr.<\/span> Greg Martin <\/span>and the team at <\/span>Smiles by Martin<\/span> has a few facts to share with patients about oral cancer and risk factors.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Cancer can affect any part of the mouth, including the lip or tongue. The incidence of oral cancer increases with age. Using tobacco and alcohol together, as well as poor oral hygiene<\/a>, also increase your risk.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other factors may increase the risk for cancer as well. Current research shows that some types of human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause throat cancer, which affects the base of the tongue and tonsils. HPV is very common\u2014many people have the virus in their bodies and don\u2019t even know it. People who often spend long periods of time in the sun are at higher risk for lip cancer. A diet with too few fruits and vegetables may also increase the risk for cancer.<\/span><\/p>\n

Symptoms of oral cancer include:<\/span><\/p>\n