regards to the increase in HPV-related Oral Cancer. So what is HPV?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. HPV is spread through direct sexual contact to genital areas, as well as the mouth and throat. Most people will clear HPV within one to two years, but HPV infection persists in some people.
HPV infects the mouth and throat causing oropharyngeal cancers (cancers of the mouth, back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils). HPV accounts for 70% of oropharyngeal cancers in the United States.
Cancer may take years to develop after initial infection. It is unclear if having HPV alone is enough to cause oropharyngeal cancers, or if other factors (such as smoking or chewing tobacco) interact with HPV to cause these cancers.
What Are the Symptoms of Oropharyngeal Cancer?
Continue reading “Oral Cancer – Why your dentist may ask you awkward questions”
February is American Heart Month. What an ideal time to focus on your heart, and we don’t mean Valentine’s Day! The biggest part of living healthy comes down to simply making healthy choices. While you cannot control or change certain risk factors such as age and genetics, modest changes to your diet and lifestyle can improve your overall health including lowering your risk for heart disease. Part of that lifestyle change includes regular dental visits!
