Each year in the U.S., approximately 48,250 individuals are newly diagnosed with oral cancer. A majority of the cases are found in the late-stage of the disease. This accounts for a very high death rate. About half the people diagnosed with oral cancer will not survive more than five years. The good news is that your dentist can see or feel the precancerous tissue changes which might lead to a cancer.

Oral cancer has been associated with tobacco usage, but now studies show that HPV16, a sexually transmitted virus, is the fastest growing cause of oral cancers in the U.S. Oral cancer patients are increasingly young, healthy, nonsmoking individuals. Everyone over the age of 18 should be screened
annually. The visual exam is painless and quick.

Dentist Jose Sanchez, D.D.S. pre-screens each patient for oral cancer during routine checkups and appointments. Don’t put off your dental appointments. They can save your life.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Sanchez and get pre-screened for oral cancer, contact Sedation and Implant Dentistry of Tehachapi at (661) 822-3727 or book an appointment online at DentistTehachapi.com. For more information about oral cancer, visit The Oral Cancer Foundation.