EP #5: One American an Hour

The silent killer lurking in your mouth could be taking your life without you even knowing it. One American dies every hour from oral cancer, yet this devastating disease remains largely under the radar compared to other forms of cancer. Why aren't we talking about this more?

Dr. Alex Semidey and Jeremy Wolf dive deep into the world of oral cancer, exploring the early warning signs that could save your life. That persistent sore in your mouth that won't heal after two weeks? That numbness or tingling that feels slightly off? These subtle signals might be your body's desperate attempt to alert you to something serious happening beneath the surface.

We explore the holy trinity of risk factors – tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and HPV – and how their combined effect creates a perfect storm for oral cancer development. With HPV now changing the demographic landscape of oral cancer patients, even non-smokers and younger adults need to pay attention. The conversation takes an important turn toward vaping, that seemingly innocuous alternative that might be causing cellular DNA changes we don't fully understand yet.

The power of early detection cannot be overstated. Learn about the comprehensive screenings that should be part of every dental visit, from physical examinations to cutting-edge fluorescence technology that can detect suspicious tissue changes before they're visible to the naked eye. We also explore the revolutionary world of salivary diagnostics – how a simple spit test might soon transform how we detect and treat oral cancers, potentially saving countless lives.

Whether you're a regular at your dental office or someone who avoids the dentist like the plague, this episode delivers critical information about a disease that could profoundly impact your quality of life. Give yourself the gift of awareness – your future self might thank you with many more healthy years of smiling, eating, and kissing the people you love.