Dentists play a key role in the early detection of oral cancer when patients are able to treat it most successfully. During your routine exam, Dr. Borrowdale checks your neck and oral tissues for recurring sores, white or red patches, or unusual lumps. All of these are common signs of oral cancer.
The biggest risk factors for developing oral cancer are smoking and heavy consumption of alcohol. For this purpose, this involves consuming 30 or more alcoholic beverages in a seven-day period. Smoking, drinking, or both accounts for approximately 75 percent of new oral cancer diagnoses. Environmental, lifestyle, and genetic factors also play a role.