Everything Your Dentist Wants You to Know About Oral Cancer

This year, an estimated 54,000 new cases of oral cancer will be diagnosed in the US—and of those individuals, it’s predicted that roughly 40% have a pretty grim long-term prognosis. Oral cancer is a serious and widespread issue, and despite continual advancements in medicine and healthcare, there is still no definitive cure for the disease. And to make matters worse, late diagnoses often make treatment incredibly complicated. That said, there are many risk factors associated with oral cancer that your dentist wants you to know about, and by arming yourself with this knowledge, you can take better care of your mouth and prevent the disease from taking its toll. Here’s more.

Common Oral Cancer Risk Factors

Oral cancer can potentially affect every structure inside of your mouth; your lips, teeth, gums, tongue, cheeks, throat, and tonsils are all at risk! Here are a few of the most common risk factors that contribute to the disease:

• Smoking, using tobacco products, and excessive alcohol consumption
• HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
• Sun or radiation exposure
• Old age
• Weakened immune system
• Other types of head or neck cancer
• Chronic poor oral hygiene

Tips for Minimizing Your Risk of Oral Cancer

Believe it or not, oral cancer is among the most preventable types of cancer and there are quite a few things you can actively do to lower your chances of developing it. Consider the following:

• Never start smoking, or quit if you already do. Smoking is notorious for causing a slew of health problems that affect your mouth and the rest of your body.
• Maintain optimal oral health; brush and floss your teeth every day, use an antibacterial mouthwash, and visit your dentist for routine preventive care—these visits include oral cancer screenings that allow your provider to ensure there aren’t any signs of oral cancer.
• Try to lead a healthy lifestyle and fortify your body’s immune system. This can be done by exercising, eating a vitamin- and nutrient-rich diet, and avoiding excess sugars and starches.
• Drink plenty of water; it’s by far the best beverage for your oral health and encourages your mouth’s flow of saliva, which is your mouth’s first line of defense.
• Consider physically protecting your mouth; use SPF sun balm when you’re out and about, and if you can, limit your face’s exposure to harsh sunlight by wearing a hat.

Common Warning Signs to Watch For

You shouldn’t hesitate to contact your dentist if you notice any of these warning signs—while they might not always seem serious at first, any of them might indicate that something serious is unfolding:

• Swelling in your mouth, neck, or throat
• Lumps in your cheeks
• Abnormalities that bleed easily when touched
• Red, pink, black, or white sores on your mouth tissues or tonsils
• Loose teeth
• Constant bad breath
• Difficulty speaking, biting, chewing, or swallowing

This Oral Cancer Awareness Month, you shouldn’t second guess anything; your smile is too important to your overall well-being to let it unknowingly suffer from oral cancer!

About the Practice

Shore Points General and Implant Dentistry is honored to serve the needs of the Wall Township, NJ community under the leadership of Dr. Jason Aptaker and his skilled team! They offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative options that are certain to keep your smile as healthy and bright as possible! If you have any questions about the article or you’d like to schedule a visit, you can contact the practice online or over the phone for further assistance: (732) 223-9199.