While oral cancer might not earn much recognition next to other kinds of cancer, it represents an important and serious health problem that could become deadly if neglected. Routine dental visits involve screenings for oral cancer, highlighting the critical part your dentist has in recognizing this disease early.

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer is the term for cancerous cells that form in any part of the mouth, including the lips, gums, the lining inside the cheek, and the tongue. It customarily begins as a minor white or red lesion that may look unthreatening at first glance. What’s most concerning is that these early spots usually cause no pain or discomfort, making them commonly ignored by patients until the condition deteriorates.

Frequently Occurring Signs of Oral Cancer
When screening for oral cancer, your dentist looks for several signs, such as:

• An ulcer or sore in the mouth that won’t heal
• Variations in the hue of oral tissues (either white or red patches)
• A node or unevenness in any part of the mouth.
• Blood in the mouth that has no explanation.
• A lasting pain in either the mouth or throat
• Having a hard time chewing, swallowing, moving the tongue, or the jaw

These symptoms are very mild in the early phase, making it necessary to see the dentist routinely. During your visit, the dentist will perform an oral cancer screening, checking your mouth for anything unusual. If there are any concerns, a biopsy might be collected and sent to a lab for a complete analysis.

Risk Factors for Oral Cancer

A variety of considerations increase the likelihood of getting oral cancer, with smoking and drinking heavily being among the top risks. Don’t forget that oral cancer can impact non-smokers and non-drinkers just as well.

Other common risk factors include:

• Age: The risk of developing oral cancer is higher in people over 40 years of age.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Certain strains of HPV are associated with oral cancer.
• Sun exposure: Exposure to the sun can increase your chance of developing cancer on your lips.
• Poor diet: dietary habits that are low in consuming fruits and vegetables may increase your risk.

Prevention Strategies for Oral Cancer
While not all cases of oral cancer can be avoided, you may be able to reduce your risk by implementing these measures:

• Stop Tobacco and Limit Alcohol Use: Tobacco and the use of excess alcohol are significant risk factors. Stopping tobacco use and limiting alcohol use may reduce your likelihood of developing oral cancer.
• Use Good Oral Hygiene: maintaining good oral health by brushing and flossing your teeth and seeing your dentist regularly will reduce the chances of dental issues and identify them as they arise.
• Schedule and Attend Routine Dental Appointments: Early detection clarify is necessary for successfully treating oral cancer. A dentist will have training to detect early signs of oral cancer by looking for abnormal lumps, white or red patches, and toothaches, which might indicate oral cancer. Your dentist might even recommend additional screening if you are at increased risk.
• Apply Lip Balm with Sunscreen: Just like protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, apply lip balm with sunscreen to the lips and even around your mouth to reduce the risk of developing lip cancer.
• Maintain a Healthy Diet: Good nutrition, including an adequate diet with shakes of fruits and vegetables, contributes vitamins and antioxidants that may reduce your risk of developing oral cancer.

The Value of Early Detection

The survival rate of mouth cancer is considerably higher when it is identified early, before the late stages of the disease. That’s why screenings are so important. Oral cancer, like cancers at other sites in humans, is more treatable in the earlier stages, and treatment options may range from minor surgery to major surgery (resection), radiation, and sometimes chemotherapy, depending on the stage of the disease and patient health considerations.

Scheduling an oral cancer screening as part of your oral health routine is a critical, lifesaving visit to your dentist. When you become symptomatic, there is no time to have your preventive screening done, so don’t delay if it’s been a while since your last visit.

Your dentist is a member of your first defense team for preventing oral cancer. By being proactive in every area of your lifestyle and getting regular check-ups at your dentist, you will dramatically reduce your risk. Since risks do not manifest into a problem, you increase the likelihood that if there is a problem, it will be found sooner rather than later.

Conclusion.

Oral cancer is a complex disease that is serious and frequently preventable. You will decrease your risk by understanding your risks and implementing changes in your oral health to prevent potential oral cancer. Demand dental visits and screenings are key for creating a protective pathway. Lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking and creating awareness around your treatment to your oral hygiene are clearly essential factors in the prevention of oral cancer and the negative side effects on your health care.

Please do not fear asking your dentist any questions you may have about your current situation or questions leading up to your next appointment. They want to play a big role in keeping your mouth safe and protecting your future health!