Oral cancer is a type of cancer that affects the oral cavity, which is the area inside your mouth on the lower jaw and above your molars. The oral cavity consists of the lips, cheek lining (buccal mucosa), hard palate (the bony part of the roof of the mouth), the floor of the mouth (oropharynx), the tongue, and the floor of the throat (hypopharynx). Many risk factors for oral cancer include smoking, excessive drinking, sun exposure, and HPV (human papillomavirus) infection. Oral cancer is also more common in people with a family history of the disease.

To help prevent oral cancer, it is important for dental patients to get regular oral cancer screenings. Oral cancer screenings can include a simple exam and check for signs of oral cancer or more comprehensive exams that may include a biopsy. If you have any concerns about oral cancer, please don’t hesitate to contact us.