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Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 28,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed annually. Oral cancer may occur on the mouth, lips, tongue, gums, salivary glands, and throat. It is important to take every precaution available to avoid oral cancer. Since oral cancer begins with an asymptomatic stage in which symptoms may not be obvious, it is often painless initially and difficult to detect. With self-examination and dental checkups, oral cancer can be detected and treated early on. Your Boynton Beach dentist has the skills and tools necessary to ensure that early signs of cancer and pre-cancerous conditions are identified early, when the opportunity for cure is greater. Causes and Symptoms There are numerous risk factors involved in developing cancer with the greatest being smoking. Smokers are up to six times more likely to develop cancer of the mouth and similarly, those who use smokeless tobacco such as snuff are at an even greater risk of developing oral cancer in the lining of the lips and the gums. Alcohol can also increase your risk of developing oral cancer and so can excessive exposure to sunlight at a young age. Additionally, you are at an increased risk of developing cancer if it runs in your family as there is a strong genetic factor involved. The majority of patients with oral cancer commonly experience swelling and lumps inside their mouth or on the lips and gums. These may also appear as crusts, eroded patches and rough spots. Bleeding may occur for no reason and red or white patches in your mouth may develop. Frequently, a loss in sensitivity is experienced in your mouth, face or neck and sores appear in similar areas as well. The sores bleed often and remain present for an extended period of time. Oral cancer may often begin with an asymptomatic stage during which symptoms may not be obvious and is often painless initially making it difficult to detect. Make Healthy Choices for Prevention According to the American Cancer Society, there are several ways in which you can help protect your mouth from oral cancer and remain healthy. The American Cancer Society suggests: * Eat a variety of healthy foods, with an emphasis on plant source.
* Adopt a physically active lifestyle.
* Maintain a healthy weight throughout your life.
* If you drink alcoholic beverages, limit your consumption. Alcohol combined with tobacco increases the risk of oral cancers. Your most important step in protecting your mouth against oral cancer, however, is maintaining regular dental exams. Oral cancer can be caught early, even as a pre-cancer. Any irritation of the mouth, gums or tongue may increase the risk of oral cancer. You are advised to perform periodic self-examinations of your mouth, gums, tongue and cheeks to check for the presence of any abnormalities.
Since symptoms associated with oral cancer may be confused with other medical conditions, self-examinations should not replace seeing a dentist for oral care maintenance at least twice a year. When used in conjunction, periodic self-examination and regular dental hygiene visits can help promote early-stage detection of oral cancer. And remember, it is always best to see your dentist in Boynton Beach to properly evaluate your symptoms.
Sean Hartmen writes for leading dentists in Boynton Beach, Drs. Lorne and Jordan Tomalty at Tomalty Dental Care. Since 1978, Tomalty Dental Care, sedation dentists in Boynton Beach, has been working with patients to provide the best cosmetic dentistry care for patients in the Florida area, including services in implants, veneers and teeth whitening.
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