The American Cancer Society estimates that this year alone, 51,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with oral cancer. That is a staggering figure; and it might be cause for concern if you aren’t maintaining good oral health. Even though there are treatment options and preventive measures that you can take to minimize your risks, it is still helpful to know what to look for. Here are some of the common factors and warning signs associated with oral cancer, along with some ways you can reduce your risk of developing it.

After what felt like forever, you shut your laptop and let out a big sigh of relief; you’ve finally finished filing your taxes. Not only is the task done, but you’re receiving a sizable refund—congrats! You start to wonder what you’ll spend your new influx of cash on. Before you book plane tickets for a vacation or put down money for a new car, you should consider spending that refund on something even more important than sand-swept beaches or heated seats and automatic steering; your oral health! Here’s how a small investment in your mouth now can save you a lot of time, money, and stress in the future.