Early Detection and Prevention
About 2.9% of all cancers that are found in the United States are oral cancers.
Oral cancer can happen anywhere in the mouth and throat, but it is most often found on the tongue, tonsils, oropharynx, gums, floor of the mouth, lips, inside of the cheeks, or hard palate.
Oral cancer Risk Factors
Oral cancer can happen to anyone, but men are twice as likely to get it as women. Men over 50 who smoke and drink alcohol are more likely to get oral cancer.
Other risk factors include:
- UV exposure from the sun or sunlamps
- GERD (gastrointestinal reflux disease)
- previous radiation treatment to the head and neck
- exposure to certain chemicals,
- bad diet

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Technology Meets Dental Expertise
As a trusted dentist in Columbia, we’ve established a reputation for excellence by providing the highest quality skilled and experienced state-of-the-art care.
We have an extensive collection of articles written to educate you on procedures, techniques, and more.
As part of a full checkup, the dentist will do a test to see if you have oral cancer. First, the dentist will look at the patient’s medical and dental history and ask if there have been any changes to his or her oral or overall health. The dentist will then carefully check the mouth, as well as the head and neck, for any signs or symptoms that could mean there is a problem.