Early Detection

As is the case with most cancers, age is the primary risk factor for oral cancer. Approximately 90% of oral cancer victims are age 40 and older, recent studies indicate that increasingly, patients younger than age 40 are being diagnosed with oral cancer. Though tobacco and alcohol use are the primary lifestyle risk factors that contribute to the development of oral cancer, 27% of oral cancer victims do not use tobacco or alcohol, and have no lifestyle risk factors. Oral cancer affects men more than women, 2:1, but oral cancer in women is on the rise nationwide.Learn more >>

Risk Factors

As is the case with most cancers, age is the primary risk factor for oral cancer. Approximately 90% of oral cancer victims are age 40 and older, recent studies indicate that increasingly, patients younger than age 40 are being diagnosed with oral cancer. Though tobacco and alcohol use are the primary lifestyle risk factors that contribute to the development of oral cancer, approximately 25% of oral cancer victims do not use tobacco or alcohol, and have no lifestyle risk factors. Oral cancer affects men more than women, 2:1, but oral cancer in women is on the rise nationwide. Learn more >>

Statistics, Facts, & Famous Victims

	Every hour of every day, one American dies of oral cancer; 8000 Americans will die this year from oral cancer The mortality rate associated with oral cancer has not improved significantly in the last 40 years
Almost as many women will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year a cervical cancer (approximately 10,000) There are almost as many cases of HPV-related oral cancer as cases of HPV-related cervical cancer.1 Learn more >>
1. Herrero R, et al., for the IARC Multicenter Oral Cancer Study Group.Human papillomavirus and oral cancer: the International Agency for Research on Cancer multicenter study. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2003 Dec 3;95(23):1772-83.

Importance of Screening

Early detection is the key to reducing the devastating impact of oral cancer on victims and their families. Annual oral cancer screening of patients at increased risk for oral cancer, patients age 18 and older, and tobacco users, is the only way to achieve the early detection of oral cancer necessary to reduce the death rate of oral cancer - a death rate that has remained unchanged for more than 40 years! Learn more >>

Diagnosis & Treatment

There are many resources available for those who have been diagnosed with oral cancer and are seeking information and support resources. Click here for additional details. Learn more >>

Additional Resource Links

A number of government organizations are also available as a resource for information on oral cancer and related health conditions. Click here for additional details. Learn more >>

Types of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal (gum) disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth, and is usually classified according to the severity of the disease. The two major stages are gingivitis and periodontitis. In the mildest form of the disease, gingivitis, the gums redden, swell and bleed easily. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene and only affects the gums. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care. Learn more >>

Causes of Periodontal Disease

The main cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. However, a number of other factors can contribute to gum disease such as hormonal changes, illnesses, medications, smoking, poor oral hygiene, or a family history of periodontal disease. Learn more >>

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Symptoms of periodontal disease may include red, swollen, bleeding, or tender gums, receding gums, loose or separating teeth, persistent bad breath or bad taste, permanent teeth that are loose or separating, any change in the fit of partial dentures, pus between the teeth and gums, or any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite. Learn more >>

Treatment of Periodontal Disease

The main goal of periodontal disease treatment is to control the infection. The number and types of treatment will vary, depending on the extent of the disease. Any type of treatment requires that the patient keep up good daily care at home. Additionally, modifying certain behaviors, such as quitting tobacco use, might also be suggested as a way to improve treatment outcome. Learn more >>

Periodontal Disease and Overall Health

Mounting evidence is linking diseases of the mouth with other serious medical conditions including heart disease, stroke, uncontrolled diabetes, preterm births and respiratory disease. Learn more >>