One of the major purposes of a dental checkup and cleaning is to detect signs of oral cancer. Once your dentist is able to identify it from regular monitoring, they’ll be able to give you the necessary treatment right away. But this can be difficult if you aren’t sure what to look for in the first place. For this reason, your dentist in Midlothian can explain the various symptoms and risk factors of oral cancer, and the best ways to reduce your chances.
What Are the Symptoms for Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer typically occurs in and around the mouth. Several signs of this disease include:
- White or reddish patches inside the mouth
- Lip or mouth sores that won’t go away
- A growth or lump within the mouth
- Loose or weakened teeth
- Difficulty swallowing or moving the jaw
- Discomfort in the mouth or ear
What Are the Risk Factors?
Mouth cancers happen when cells in the lip or mouth have mutations in their DNA. These changes lead the cells to grow and divide in an unhealthy way, which can then spread throughout the body and form tumors. Though it isn’t entirely clear what starts these mutations, there are factors that can contribute to an increased risk—such as excessive alcohol or tobacco use, a weakened immune system, and radiation from sunlight on the lips.
How Can I Reduce My Chances of Oral Cancer?
Several ways to reduce your risk of oral cancer involve:
- Quitting tobacco products: Whether smoking or chewing tobacco, it can damage the cells in your mouth, exposing them to cancer-causing chemicals.
- Avoiding excessive alcohol use: Too much alcohol can actually irritate your cells, making them susceptible to oral cancer mutations. While you could choose to moderate how often you drink it in a day, it’s best to avoid it altogether.
- Protecting yourself from excessive sun exposure: Though moderate sunlight can be good for your health, be sure to stay in the shade when possible. Wearing a hat to hide your face or sunscreen lip products can help protect your cells.
- Visiting your dentist routinely: Part of treating oral cancer is to catch it before it gets worse. By visiting your dentist at least twice a year, you can have them monitor your mouth to detect and treat developing issues more often.
In addition to these preventive methods, keeping a proper dental hygiene is always your first line of defense against oral cancer. And if you ever notice any changes or issues along the way, don’t hesitate to speak with your dentist, as they’ll be more than happy to help you!
About the Author
Dr. Jay Oza is a proud member of the American and Texas Dental Associations, and the Fort Worth Dental Society. He earned his dental doctorate at New York University and regularly pursues continuing education to provide the highest quality dental care for his patients. He offers multiple advanced treatments, including routine checkups, cleanings, and oral cancer screenings to keep you healthy and safe. If you wish to schedule a visit or have concerns about oral cancer, feel free to visit our website or call 682-772-3072.