Nearly 50,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer every year, which makes oral cancer screenings essential.  At Bomstad Dental, your hygienist performs a cancer check every time you visit her.  Another reason why it is so important to have regular dental check ups.  Some of the risk factors for oral cancer include, but are not limited to; Tobacco and alcohol use Age-most oral cancer is diagnosed in people over 40 Diet-a poor diet low in fruits and vegetables impacts your risk of oral cancer HPV-this is a sexually transmitted disease known at the human papillomavirus and it has been linked to oral cancers, especially in younger individuals (an HPV vaccine is now available) Some symptoms indicating you could have oral cancer include; A lump, irritated area or a sore Difficulty chewing or swallowing or a change in speech A red or white patch, mostly on the tongue or floor of the mouth A feeling of numbness on the tongue or other area of your mouth … [Read more...]