Important Things To Know During Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know that most dentists perform oral cancer screenings during your routine dental checkups and cleanings? During your visit, they’ll check several areas of your mouth while assessing your smile, which can help keep you safer in the long run. Since this time of year is known as Oral Cancer Awareness Month, it’s a good idea to go over the details of this health condition. Keep reading to learn about oral cancer, the signs to look out for, and how you can avoid any complications in the future.

Why Oral Cancer Awareness Month Is Important

Dentists are some of the first ones to notice any indications of cancer in the oral cavity. This is because they routinely check the inside of the mouth as well as the throat, tonsils, and tongue during regular checkups. Among the many complications they can find, oral cancer is one of the most prevalent, and the condition typically has two forms:

• Cancer of the oral cavity – This can usually impact the teeth, gums, lips, the roof and floor of the mouth, the inside of the cheeks, and the front of the tongue.
• Cancer of the oropharynx – This condition can generally be detected in the throat, the tonsils, the base of the tongue, and the area where it connects to the floor of the mouth.

The Risk Factors for Oral Cancer

Two of the primary risk factors for oral cancer are alcohol and tobacco use. By overindulging or abusing these products, you can end up dramatically increasing the risk of developing this issue down the road. Additionally, a link has been found between oral cancer and the sexually transmitted disease HPV. Although most people who develop this virus tend to recover after some time, it can lay dormant in the cells and contribute to cancer. By understanding the factors that can promote this condition, you’ll be able to effectively minimize your chances of experiencing the issue altogether.  

Indications of Oral Cancer

To minimize your risks of oral cancer, you’ll want to keep an eye out for the following symptoms:

• Discomfort, tenderness, or numbness in your lips or mouth
• Red or white patches on your tongue, gums, or lining of your mouth
• Trouble speaking, chewing, swallowing, or moving your tongue or jaw
• An irritation or sore that persists
• Changes in how your teeth fit together when biting down
• Weakening teeth or your dentures are becoming ill-fitted
• Sounding hoarse or experiencing a change in your voice
• Feeling like something is caught in your throat

If these symptoms don’t go away on their own, then they may be due to oral cancer. Should you experience any of these issues for longer than three to four weeks, make sure to contact your dentist right away. They’ll be able to help screen you for oral cancer and take the next best steps to address your situation.

About the Practice

Our team at Bear Creek Family Dentistry is highly trained and passionate about providing completely customized care for our patients. With multiple professionals and specialists in-office, you can be sure to receive the comprehensive treatments you need to maintain good oral and overall health. If you need to schedule an oral cancer screening, reach out to us to schedule your appointment or give us a call at 972-490-1600.