Great oral health is often thought of as having bright, beautiful teeth. Your dental checkups involve checking for tooth decay and thoroughly cleaning your pearly whites. However, another major part of the exam is screening for oral cancer. With roughly 54,000 cases diagnosed a year, it is essential to catch this disease before it progresses. Read on to learn from your dentist in Prosper about the risks and signs of oral cancer so you can keep your smile healthy for years to come!
What Are the Risk Factors of Oral Cancer?
Backed by decades of research that has been conducted on oral cancer, the risk factors are now well known. They include:
- Tobacco use: Cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and all other tobacco products increase your chances of developing oral cancer.
- Excessive alcohol consumption: People who drink in excess, especially in tandem with tobacco use, place themselves at higher risk of oral cancer.
- Unprotected sun exposure: A small amount of sunshine is necessary for your health, but prolonged time in the sun without the use of an SPF increases the likelihood of oral cancer developing.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV): Cancers linked to HPV are typically located in the tonsils, at the base of the tongue, and along the back of the throat.
Common Warning Signs of Oral Cancer
Being aware of the risks can help you make better lifestyle choices to keep your mouth in top condition. However, it’s still a good idea to be aware of the common warning signs. By being aware of what to look for, you can seek treatment as soon as possible if you see concerning signs of oral cancer. Keep the following symptoms in mind:
- Mouth sores that won’t heal or continual pain in the mouth
- White or red patches on the lining of your mouth
- Swelling in your neck
- A lump in your cheek
- Difficulty swallowing
- Feeling like something is caught in your throat
- Persistent bad breath
- Trouble moving your jaw or tongue
How Can Your Dentist Help?
Many people already know how important it is to attend your biannual dental exams and cleanings. Not only can your dentist help keep your teeth and gums in top condition, but they can also look for any oral health issues and treat them before they become more serious. This includes an oral cancer screening.
As a matter of fact, that portion of your dental visit is so short you might not even realize it’s happening. During the oral cancer screening, your dentist looks at your tonsils, the soft tissue in your mouth, the insides of your cheeks, and your tongue for any warning signs. Your dentist is normally the only one who examines your mouth so closely, which normally makes them the first ones to notice symptoms (like white patches underneath your tongue).
So, as you can see, your dentist plays a crucial role in the early detection of oral cancer. If they do see a cause for concern, they will guide you toward the next steps to take so you can restore your oral and overall health!
About the Practice
Texas Dental Surgery helps keep the smiles of Prosper whole and healthy through the expertise of its team of dentists. With a certified periodontist, oral surgeon, and maxillofacial surgeon on staff, these highly trained specialists can help you with any oral health issue. By using the latest dental technology and dental techniques, their goal is to keep your smile in top condition. To schedule an appointment, contact them through their website or call (469) 296-8680.