Each year, over 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer. Although this is still technically considered “rare,” this illness can often be extremely dangerous and even life-threatening. Here’s a closer look at a few important facts you should know about oral cancer, and why visiting your dentist every six months could save more than just your smile- it could save your life, too!
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer (also known as mouth cancer) is cancer that develops in any tissue connected to the oral cavity, including the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, roof and floor of the mouth, tonsils, and the back of the throat. It can also affect other areas of the neck and head.
Most cases of oral cancer are defined as squamous cell carcinomas.
What Are the Symptoms of Oral Cancer?
There are many different symptoms that could indicate oral cancer. A patient needn’t experience all of them to be at risk. These include:
- Oral ulcers or a persistent sore throat.
- A lump or swelling in the mouth or neck.
- Persistent red or white patches inside the mouth.
- Persistent hoarseness.
- Difficulty moving the tongue or the inability to stick the tongue out straight.
If any of these symptoms persist for over three weeks, please seek help from your dentist or primary care doctor as soon as possible.
How Can I Reduce My Risk of Developing Oral Cancer?
While there is no way to completely prevent any cancer, you can do your part to reduce your risk of developing oral cancer by:
- Not smoking or using tobacco products (including vapes, chewing tobacco, cigars, and pipes).
- Drinking alcohol in moderation (and avoiding smoking and drinking together).
- Using safe sex practices including receiving the HPV vaccine, as HPV in the mouth has been linked to the development of oral cancer.
- Wear an SPF on your lips when spending time outdoors.
Why is Early Detection So Important?
Oral cancer can be life-threatening, especially when found at later stages. Early diagnosis can help improve your odds for a successful treatment and could even mean you’ll need a less aggressive treatment overall. It also can help protect things like your speech, ability to eat, and even your physical appearance.
The good news is that your dentist already includes an oral cancer screening at your regular dental checkups, so as long as you are visiting every six months for your routine care, you’ll automatically be checked for this potentially life-threatening condition on a consistent basis. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, routine screenings have been shown to improve five-year survival rates from approximately 30 percent to over 80 percent!
Remember, oral cancer is a potentially life-threatening illness that occurs in the mouth, but it can be hard to detect it on your own. That’s why it’s so important to visit your dentist every six months for your routine preventive exams and cleaning. So, don’t wait any longer to protect your smile and your health, and schedule your dental checkup (including your oral cancer screening!) today!
About Our Practice
At Grateful Dentists, Dr. Danzig and Dr. Snook want to protect more than just your smile – they want to ensure you live a long, healthy life, too. That’s why they’re proud to offer oral cancer screenings as part of your routine dental checkups. If it’s been more than six months since your last exam, don’t put your oral and overall health off any longer. Schedule your preventive dental care now by visiting our website or calling 978-667-5807, and get a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime!