{"id":197,"date":"2018-04-02T15:12:21","date_gmt":"2018-04-02T15:12:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ddsdc.com\/blog\/?p=197"},"modified":"2018-05-03T14:38:15","modified_gmt":"2018-05-03T14:38:15","slug":"visit-dentist-in-washington-dc-oral-cancer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ddsdc.com\/blog\/2018\/04\/02\/visit-dentist-in-washington-dc-oral-cancer\/","title":{"rendered":"Visit Your Dentist in Washington DC to Catch Oral Cancer Early!"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"AnIt\u2019s important to visit the dentist every six months to keep your oral health in top condition. Your dentist in Washington D.C.<\/a> uses professional-grade materials and deep cleaning techniques you can\u2019t perform at home. However, did you know that during your examination she\u2019s also checking for early signs of oral cancer?<\/p>\n

Nearly 50,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed annually in America alone. It\u2019s just another reason why regular visits are so essential to both your oral and overall health.<\/p>\n

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To Beat Cancer, It Must Be Caught Early<\/h2>\n

The main cause of oral cancer\u2019s high death rate isn\u2019t because it develops quickly. In fact, most people don\u2019t realize they have oral cancer until their dentist discovers it late in development. Late-stage cancer is always more difficult to treat, and the life span of patients is typically shorter as a result of this progression. According to the American Academy of Oral Medicine, 40 percent of newly diagnosed oral cancer patients don\u2019t live longer than five years.<\/p>\n

This is just another reason why visiting the dentist regularly is so important for your overall health. Treatment for oral cancer is easier when caught early, plus you have a higher chance of being cured. Depending on your risk factors, you may even need to visit more often than twice a year.<\/p>\n

Risk Factors Matter, even if You Have None<\/h2>\n

In the past, it was mostly older patients who saw a higher risk of oral cancer; being over 40 is still a risk factor today. However, other factors also come into play, so it\u2019s essential that you make the effort to visit if you have the following:<\/p>\n