Take Heed: April Is Oral Cancer Awareness Month-A Good Time To Visit Your Dentist For A Screening

More than 21,000 men and 9,000 women in the United States annually receive oral cancer diagnoses, according to the National Cancer Institute.

In 2013, there will be 41,380 new cases of cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx in the U.S., resulting in 7,890 deaths, according to NCI.
Oral cancer can strike in the mouth and throat with most of these cancers beginning in the flat cells-squamous cells-that cover the surfaces of the mouth, tongue and lips. Some of the risk factors for oral cancer include tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, infection with human papillomavirus, sun exposure, diet, betel nut use, and personal history of oral cancer.
A healthy smile is important – not only to oral health, but for overall health, too. Did you know a dentist can detect more than 120 symptoms of non-dental diseases-including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and osteoporosis-during a routine oral exam? A dentist may be the first line of defense in diagnosing health problems that could be more costly in the long run.
As the nation’s leading dental insurance company, Delta Dental works with companies to help protect their employees’ smiles with the largest network of dentists, quick answers and personalized service.
About four out of five dentists nationwide participate in one or more of the Delta Dental networks, giving Delta Dental the nation’s largest network of participating dentists. What does that mean for you? By increasing in-network claims, we can better control costs with our industry-recognized best effective discounts.

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