{"id":79,"date":"2017-04-21T22:09:52","date_gmt":"2017-04-21T22:09:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.parkerdentalandortho.com\/blog\/?p=79"},"modified":"2017-10-03T21:17:12","modified_gmt":"2017-10-03T21:17:12","slug":"dentist-in-hurley","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.parkerdentalandortho.com\/blog\/dentist-in-hurley\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Dentist in Hurley Spreads Oral Cancer Awareness!"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"YourIf you\u2019ve been seeing burgundy and white ribbons around more often, it\u2019s because dentists and citizens alike are trying to spread awareness of a very stark reality: oral cancer. Approximately 49,750 patients will be diagnosed with oral cancer, causing about 9, 750 deaths. That\u2019s roughly 1 death per hour, 24 hours a day! April is National Oral Cancer Awareness and it\u2019s important that patients know how to prevent themselves and their loved ones from it. Your dentist in Hurley is here to inform you about high-risk factors, symptoms, and how we can work together to prevent your family from ever suffering from this daunting diagnosis.<\/p>\n

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Are you putting yourself at risk?<\/h1>\n

Although oral cancer can affect anybody, it is strongly associated with the age or gender of a person, and around 91% of all diagnoses link to lifestyle.\u00a0 By altering our lifestyle choices for the better, we can cut the chances of developing oral cancer.\u00a0 Here are the two main risk factors that have proven to play a major role in contracting the disease:<\/p>\n

Tobacco<\/h2>\n

Around one in five people smoke tobacco products. Believe it or not, tobacco accounts for two in every three oral cancer cases! There are thousands of chemicals contained in a single cigarette and they are entering your body through our mouth. There is still time to change your smoking habits, reducing your risk for oral cancer by a whole third.<\/p>\n

Alcohol<\/h2>\n

Drinking large amounts of alcohol is another major risk factor. Moderation is key with alcohol consumption for not just your oral health, but your overall health. The risk of contracting oral cancer is increased by a third<\/a> for excessive alcohol consumers.<\/p>\n

If you are a mixed consumer, meaning you smoke and drink excessively, you are increasing your risk for oral cancer by up to thirty times! It is especially important to visit your dentist at Parker Dental & Orthodontics to receive regular oral cancer screenings if you continue or have participated in these risky habits. Other factors such as viral infections, autoimmune deficiencies like HIV, and diabetes may also take a toll on your oral health, leading to an oral cancer diagnosis.<\/p>\n

Do you know the symptoms?<\/strong><\/h1>\n

The earliest signs of oral cancer can be mistaken for other problems, such as a painful toothache or lingering cold. If you\u2019re battling the same, persistent disruptions to your health for weeks at a time, consider visiting our office for a screening. Either of our dentists will be able to spot the signs and symptoms early on. Some of the telltale signs of oral cancer include:<\/p>\n