Did you know mouth, or oral cancer affects more than 45,700 people in the US each year and the death rate for oral cancer is higher than cervical cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma an other cancers that are more commonly known. During Mouth Cancer Awareness Month (November), Dr. Holly Ellis and her team at Ellis Dental want people to have a greater knowledge about this cancer.
Dr. Ellis has had a lifelong passion that has focused on oral health and hygiene, which led her to receive a Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 2006 from the School of Dentistry at the University of Missouri – Kansas City.
“Mouth cancer can be dangerous as it can go undetected by people for a long time,” Ellis said. “This is one reason dentists request bi-annual check ups. Regular check ups are one of the most important preventative measures when it comes to finding mouth cancer.”
Find out what's happening in Sunset Hills-Crestwoodfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Ellis continues to discuss the many signs that can be caused by mouth or other cancers or diseases and what some of the causes are.
“From a persistent sore or pain in the mouth to trouble chewing or swallowing, loose teeth, tongue pain, or constant bad breath. These and many more can be signs of mouth cancer.
Find out what's happening in Sunset Hills-Crestwoodfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“Any type of tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, excessive sun exposure on your lips and the HPV virus are some factors that can increase one’s risk of mouth cancer. This disease, if caught early, is treatable, but the longer it goes undetected, the more deadly it can be.”
Learn more about mouth cancer symptoms, preventative measures and more, visit Ellis Dental’s blog for two articles.