Oral Cancer - A Growing Threat Because of Poor Dental Care

Oral cancer, or cancer of the mouth, strikes an estimated 35,000 Americans each year. In 2007, 25% of those diagnosed with the disease, died. Did you know that more people die from oral cancers than either melanomas or cervical cancer? Yet people continue to neglect the proper care of their teeth and gums and risk developing this deadly form of cancer.

The use of tobacco and excessive alcohol are directly linked to developing oral cancer. But, almost 25% of patients diagnosed with oral cancer did not use either tobacco or alcohol.

A most alarming statistic reported by the ADA (American Dental Association) is that African Americans are particularly at risk for oral cancers. African Americans have an incident rate 1/.3rd higher than Caucasians. Even more frightening, after contracting the disease, African Americans are twice as likely to die from the cancer.

What is the best way to guard against developing oral cancer? Experts unanimously agree that getting in the habit of having regular dental check-ups is the very best defense. Certainly not smoking and using alcohol in moderation are important bur just as with other screenings for cancer, early detection is critical .

Oral screenings are a routine part of regular dental check-ups. A dentist can find a flat, painless white or red spot which may be suspicious and still be completely unnoticed by the patient. Testing of the suspicious cells can be done quickly and if they turn out to be either cancerous or even pre-cancerous, the cells can be surgically removed. Done early enough, this procedure has a very high pro ability that the patient will not develop oral cancer.

Don’t put your health at risk. Many people do not think it is important to see a dentist regularly. Some think that they can’t afford to take proper care of their mouth because they don’t have dental insurance. Traditional dental insurance, especially for individuals is expensive, but non-insurance dental plans have have become increasing popular and available. They are very inexpensive and joining one of these plans could literally save your life.

Take the time to review and compare dental insurance and dental plans available in your area. Many of the large insurance companies now offer discount dental plans as well as traditional dental insurance. Pick a plan that suits your life style and your pocket book.

Whatever plan you choose for yourself and your family, use it regularly. Don’t put your health and even your life at risk because you failed to get routine dental check-ups. This is one cancer you can avoid just by seeing a dentist regularly. Do it for your health. Do it for your life.

Author:

Sheila Guilloton is the owner of Prestige Planners, a health specialty agency placing health and dental insurance for business and individuals. Licensed with all the major carriers, she counsels and advises clients on how to select the most appropriate coverage. To learn more about selecting proper and affordable dental coverage as well as products for the health of your mouth, please visit http://www.prestigedentalplanners.com

Article Source: EzineArticles.com