Nationally, oral cancer kills more more people than cervical or skin cancer. Those that have been diagnosed, half will not survive more than five years.

On average, one person in America dies from oral cancer every hour and the most common reasons are due to excessive intake of alcohol, constant exposure to bright sunlight, biting of the cheeks and gums, dentures that do not fit properly and the most common reason,  use of tobacco products.

Oral cancers are found in more than 80 percent of tobacco users or that drink alcohol. Still there are 25 percent of individuals that are diagnosed with oral cancer where the risk factor is little to none due to any of the reasons listed above.

Most patients don’t even know that have oral cancer and regular check ups can be the first defense to prevent oral cancer. The fight against oral cancer can be battled with the help of Dr. Layton and his staff in that by examining your mouth for areas that have white or red spots in a area that is flat and that  is painless. Not sure what the signs are of oral cancer? Check for:

• A sore that easily bleeds and that never seems to heal
• Oral tissue that has changed in color
• Areas of gum erosion, rough spots,  lumps or thickening on the gums
• Numbness or pain anyplace in your mouth or even tenderness of the mouth or lips

There is good news in help spotting signs of oral cancer. Tests can be run and one of those is called a brush biopsy. This test is painless and is used to for look  areas that might have cells that area potentially damaging and could be a sign of earl stages of the disease. Another test is called a scalpel biopsy and areas that are an of concern are examined for any signs of the disease. This test requires a local anesthetic unlike the brush biopsy.

If you are concerned that you might be at risk of oral cancer, remember that regular visits with Dr. Layton are important. Twice a year visits can help not only keep your teeth in great shape but help fight the battle against oral cancer.