Oral cancer is often overlooked, yet it is one of the most serious oral health conditions. It can develop in the mouth, tongue, lips, or throat. Globally, oral cancer affects hundreds of thousands of people each year—and survival rates are much higher when detected early.
Risk factors include:
- Tobacco use (smoking or chewing)
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- HPV infection
- Poor oral hygiene
- Chronic irritation from poorly fitting dentures
Warning signs may include persistent mouth ulcers, red or white patches in the mouth, lumps, or difficulty swallowing. Sadly, many patients ignore these symptoms until it is too late.
Dentists are often the first professionals to detect early signs of oral cancer. This is why routine dental visits aren’t just about cleaning your teeth—they can be life-saving.
At Explicit Dental, we emphasize prevention through awareness, education, and timely referrals for specialist care.