Cancer is a terrifying topic but an issue that must not be overlooked. At every check-up your hygienist and Dr. Ritter will be looking and feeling both inside and outside of your mouth for signs of anything unusual. We look and feel for any lumps, bumps, sores or discolorations. Should we find a suspicious lesion our first step is to see you again no later than two weeks after the initial discovery. Should the lesion persist a simple biopsy by an oral surgeon is prescribed to determine whether or not it is dangerous.

The use of tobacco in any form, and the use of tobacco in combination with alcohol greatly increase the risk for developing oral cancer. Also, oral cancer is more prevalent in those over the age of 40. However, there are individuals that develop a malignancy that do not have these risk factors. It is for this reason that we insist upon screening every patient.