Do you know what can put you at risk of developing oral cancer? Do you even know what signs to look out for at home outside of a professional health establishment like your doctor’s office or dental practice? The answer is most likely no—not enough people are adequately educated about oral cancer and the damage it can have on the body.
That’s why your dentist on University Boulevard wants to take time to discuss the disease during oral cancer awareness month. Reading this post may just save your life!
Are you at risk of developing oral cancer?
You might think that oral cancer only affects tobacco users or smokers specifically, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, anyone can be at risk for developing oral cancer—but especially tobacco users.
Tobacco users increase their chance of developing the disease by up to a third! Another third is attributed to alcohol abusers. The harmful chemicals found in tobacco products and the harsh nature of alcohol can do a number on the teeth, gums, and soft tissues.
But these aren’t the only risk factors. You can still develop oral cancer from other viruses like HPV infection, which can affect anyone. It’s best to get regular oral cancer screenings to catch the early symptoms before it develops into a serious concern.
What should I look out for?
The signs of oral cancer can easily be mistaken for a minor oral condition or even missed altogether because they are so subtle. You should pay attention to these signs and visit your dentist so that a trained professional can examine your head, neck, and mouth.
- Abnormal swelling.
- Lesions in the mouth.
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
- Sores, lumps, or bumps.
- A sore throat.
- Change in tone of voice.
- Numbness throughout the mouth.
How can a dentist help you?
We’ve discussed briefly that visiting your dentist is critical to preventing and surviving deadly oral cancer, but why? How can a dentist help you?
Here’s the truth that you need to know most: the earlier you address oral cancer, the higher are your chances for survival. If you discover that you have oral cancer in its advanced stages, your chances of surviving the disease are unfortunately much lower.
Your dentist has the expertise, resources, technology, and skill to thoroughly examine the head, neck, and mouth for any signs of oral cancer—even the smallest ones. If something seemed to be abnormal, it would be sent to testing right away so that you can begin planning recovery treatment as soon as possible.
When was your last oral cancer screening? Regular examinations are key to the early detection that could save your life.
About Our Office
When you choose to visit Parker Dental & Orthodontics, you can be confident that we don’t just take care of the aesthetics of your smile—we want your smile to be healthy and strong for years to come. Plus, you have an experienced dental team on your side that’s ready and able to help with any dental concerns you might have. Give us a call today to schedule your next visit.