All About Oral Cancer - Yorktown Heights Dental - David L. Lerner, DDS, PC

Focusing On Your Whole Body Health

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Oral cancer affects approximately 35,000 people every year. Of those, nearly 8,000 will die. Oral cancer is very real, very prominent, and very scary. At my Yorktown Heights dental office, we’re here to help you understand the disease and know the risks associated with it.

The Risks

Before we dive into some risk factors of developing oral cancer, it’s important to note that anyone, despite having or not having any risk factors, can get oral cancer. However, some people are more likely to suffer from the disease than others. While many of the risk factors are unavoidable, there are some we can control. Risks include:

  • Gender: Men are two times more likely to develop oral cancer than women. This may be in part because the likelihood of men participating in other risk factors is greater than women.
  • Age: The average age of diagnosis is 62, and the majority of oral cancer patients are at least 55.
  • UV Rays: Those whose jobs or leisure activities are outside are at increased risk for oral cancer, as well as other cancers. If you have to or choose to be outside, wear protective sunscreen.
  • Tobacco Use: 80% of oral cancer diagnoses are in people who use tobacco, including cigarettes, cigars, or smokeless tobacco.
  • Alcohol: Nearly 70% of those diagnosed with oral cancer are heavy drinkers.
  • Alcohol + Tobacco = DANGER! If you drink alcohol in large amounts often, and partake in smoking or smokeless tobacco, your chance for oral cancer can be as high as 100%.

The Symptoms

Knowing the signs and symptoms of oral cancer can increase your chance of survival greatly. The earlier the cancer is caught, the more successful treatment can be. Keep an eye out for the following:

  • Chronic bad breath
  • Sore(s) that don’t go away
  • A lump on the cheek
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Changes in your voice

If you do notice any of the signs above, call your dentist in Yorktown Heights right away.
Regular dental checkups are important for many reasons, but a really important one is to catch oral cancer early. If it’s time that you see a dentist, give my Yorktown Heights dental office a call to schedule an appointment today. You never know, one visit could save your life.

Your Top-Rated & New Favorite Dentist In Yorktown Heights, NY

"I can’t thank Dr. Lerner and his staff enough, notably his assistant Nicole for expertly handling my mercury filling removals.I had it done in 2 phases and they took very good care of me on both occasions. The whole office is very pleasant, so professional and I look forward to my visits. On this most recent cleaning appointment, Linda did my cleaning. She was gentle and thorough. Highly recommend."

- Vanessa R.

"Excellent experience during my initial consultation. The most complete examination I have ever had by a dentist, including full body muscle testing. This testing uncovered major alignment issues with my jaw which has been causing a lifetime of misalignment throughout the rest of my body. Dr. Lerner and his staff are outside the box thinkers and I am very happy I have found them."

- Greg R.

"Very professional and compassionate. Love the use of Nucalm, eye mask, calming music, and making removing my mercury fillings a pleasant experience. Well as pleasant as can be. Thank you!!!"

- Jodi B.

"Been seeing Dr Lerner since I was about 11 years old, I’m now 31! I continue to see Jane for cleanings and just did the zoom whitening treatment with them in preparation of my wedding- highly recommend!"

- Chloe L.

*The reviews listed are from actual patients of The Center For Holistic Dentistry. Individual results may vary. Reviews are not claimed to represent results for everyone.

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What To Expect On Your First Visit

Our mission is to encourage full-body wellness through oral health while allowing you to feel heard and understand all your options. During your new patient exam, Dr. Lerner will spend time reviewing your health history, concerns, and goals. Your comprehensive exam will address items you may not have considered such as airway screening and dental materials sensitivity testing. We look forward to meeting you!

Comprehensive Review Of Your Health History & Concerns

Evaluation Of Teeth, Bite, Gums & Airway Passage

Low Radiation Digital X-Rays

Discover Your Options & Receive A Custom Treatment Plan