Oral cancer is not a rare disease.  Screening at your dental visits is simple , easy , painless and quick. 

It kills one person every hour , every day and over 115 cases are diagnosed each day . 

Oral cancer like gum disease does not hurt.  You may notice a strange spot on your tongue, cheek or somewhere in your mouth.  We use an advance light to detect irregularities which may indicate pre-cancerous cells. 

Early indicators range from red or white discolorations in the mouth and soft tissue, sores that do not heal in 14 days , hoarseness that lasts more than 6 weeks, numbness, difficulty in swallowing , ear pain , a sore under a denture, lump in the mouth or neck .

The leading cause of oral cancers in the USA is HPV16 virus.  Alcohol and tobacco have also played a major role in the major risk factor. The fastest growing of the oral cancer population are the healthy , young, non smokers due to HPV virus. 

Oral cancer screening should be conducted yearly at your dental visits, always ask your dentist or hygienist if they see anything suspicious .