CAPITAL REGION, NY (WRGB) \u2014 It’s recommended to get your teeth cleaned twice a year, according to dentistry professionals.<\/p>\n
What some may not realize- it’s just as important to get screened for any oral cancers.<\/p>\n
April is Oral Cancer Awareness month and the New York State Dental Association (NYSDA) says it’s one of the best ways to protect your health.<\/p>\n
Dentists add it’s painless and can be done during your cleaning.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe exam itself is we take gauze or a mirror and we\u2019re looking all around the mouth for any kind of suspicious lesions, any discoloration, the patient saying they have pain on something,\u201d said NYSDA President, Dr. Maurice Edwards.<\/p>\n
NYSDA takes the month of April to spread awareness and education about oral cancer and the importance of early detection, which can lead to better outcomes.<\/p>\n
Dr. Edwards explains, \u201cIf you have a tooth and it\u2019s cancer, if it\u2019s stage 1 or 2 we can probably just take the tooth out and we\u2019re done. If it\u2019s stage 2-3 or 3-4; instead of just taking that one tooth you\u2019re taking one or two teeth in front, one or two teeth behind it and the bone underneath it.\u201d<\/p>\n
He adds, the later the stages, the more aggressive treatment will likely be including surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.<\/p>\n
Top risks for oral cancer include HPV, tobacco in all forms, excessive alcohol consumption, gender, and age.<\/p>\n