{"id":102,"date":"2023-11-07T19:00:35","date_gmt":"2023-11-07T19:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saltlakecityperio.com\/blog\/?p=102"},"modified":"2023-12-31T19:06:24","modified_gmt":"2023-12-31T19:06:24","slug":"oral-cancer-facts-3-things-you-didnt-know-but-should","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saltlakecityperio.com\/blog\/2023\/11\/07\/oral-cancer-facts-3-things-you-didnt-know-but-should\/","title":{"rendered":"Oral Cancer Facts: 3 Things You Didn\u2019t Know, But Should"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Most people don\u2019t spend a lot of time considering the possibility of developing oral cancer<\/a> because it\u2019s often considered a rare but serious condition. It\u2019s not unusual for the diagnosis to come in the later stages, as the earliest symptoms can be hard to spot. Fortunately, your dentist can help! They have the expertise and instruments necessary to determine whether oral cancer is present. Keep reading to learn 3 more facts about oral cancer to help you better understand and prevent this risky condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Fact #1: There\u2019s More Than One Type<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a common misperception that oral cancer refers to a singular issue, but the truth is that there are two types that can potentially occur. They are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Oral cavity cancer<\/strong>. This occurs in the front part of the mouth and is found on the tongue, floor of the mouth, inside of the cheeks, and lips. It\u2019s often caused by unhealthy habits like smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco and is also associated with frequent alcohol consumption. It\u2019s an aggressive disease and can be difficult to treat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Oropharyngeal cancer<\/strong>. This version impacts the back of the mouth which includes the back of your tongue, tonsils, larynx, and upper throat. This can also be caused by tobacco and alcohol use, but HPV is recognized as the most common underlying cause. This type is generally more responsive to treatments.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Fact #2: It\u2019s a Very Serious Condition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Did you know that oral cancer is the 6th<\/sup> leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States? That means that while it may be unlikely that you\u2019ll get it, the risk is high if you do. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, just over half of the people diagnosed will live longer than 5 years. The prognosis is better for those with oropharyngeal cancer, but still, catching it early can make all the difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Fact #3: You Should Be Checked Regularly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    This disease is particularly dangerous because the earliest warning signs are easy to miss, so you must visit your dentist for consistent check-ups every 6 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Some of the first indicators that might indicate a problem include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n