A British study reported that almost 90% of dental patients would like to be checked for oral cancer during their visits. Despite that number less than 20% of those surveyed said that their dentist had talked to them about the risks and symptoms of oral cancer. Hopefully dentists in the US are doing better at talking to patients about the importance of oral cancer screening than our colleagues across the Atlantic.

Oral cancer screening is a part of every comprehensive oral examination conducted here at Rothfus Family Dental. The rates of oral cancer have been increasing and it is vital for everyone to be screened regularly.

Oral cancers used to be seen primarily in older individuals who smoked and drank alcohol regularly. Unfortunately today we are seeing an entirely different group of patients being diagnosed with mouth and throat cancers — young adults. The primary cause for cancers in this age group appears to be HPV infection.

If you have not scheduled your appointment yet please contact Rothfus Family Dental  in Medford, OR today at 541-858-7994. Your smile and your overall health are important, please don’t delay.