Unfortunately, over 54,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer each year. To help spread awareness to the public on what it is, what the risk factors are, and what symptoms are associated with this condition, April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. If you would like to learn more about the previously mentioned points as well as the important role your dentist plays in early intervention, read on!
5 Risk Factors of Oral Cancer
Before covering the risk factors, it’s important to identify the two types of oral cancer: cancers of the oral cavity and cancers of the oropharynx. While cancers of the oral cavity impact your teeth, gums, the front of your tongue, your lips, the roof and floor of your mouth, and the inside of your cheeks, cancers of the oropharynx affect your tonsils, throat, and the back of your tongue. Although different, they share the same risk factors, including:
- Gender (males are more likely to get oral cancer)
- Age
- Tobacco use
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
8 Symptoms of Oral Cancer to Look Out For
In short, even patients who aren’t “at-risk” should be aware of the most common symptoms of oral cancer. That way, you can notify your dentist right away, potentially catching it in the early stages. With that in mind, keep an eye out for:
- A sore or wound that doesn’t heal
- Red or white patches on the lining of your mouth, your gums, or your tongue
- Tenderness or numbness in your mouth or lips
- A lump or rough spot in your mouth
- Difficulty moving your tongue
- A change in your bite
- The feeling that something is caught in your throat
- A change in your voice
The Role Your Dentist Plays in Early Detection
Many patients are unaware that their biannual visits to their dentist include an oral cancer screening! In addition to looking for tooth decay and gum disease, they carefully inspect your throat, tongue, and the roof and floor of your mouth to check for red patches, rough spots, and the like. Since they both know what to look for and have a better view of all the surfaces in your mouth, it’s not surprising that they are often the first ones to notice warning signs of oral cancer. If that’s the case for you, then they will walk you through the next best steps, like scheduling an appointment with your primary care physician.
Since oral cancer is potentially life-threatening, it’s important to be aware of the risk factors, symptoms, and where to turn for help. Since your biannual checkups play a crucial role in this process, now is the perfect time to make sure your next one is on the calendar!
About the Practice
Marvel Dental is a top-rated dental practice in Midlothian that is proud to help their patients with routine checkups, oral cancer screenings, periodontal therapy, and much more. Our four talented dentists, convenient hours, and multitude of services make prioritizing your oral health easier than ever too! If you would like to learn more about oral cancer or it’s been more than six months since your last appointment and you need to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (682) 772-3072.