Oral cancer is a very dangerous type of cancer that grows in the mouth or throat. Early diagnosis and treatment are very important for better results and raising the mortality rate.
This article will talk about how important it is to get screened for oral cancer, what causes this disease, and what people can do to protect their mouth health.
A dental practice in El Centro can help find mouth cancer early and treat it effectively. For finding any possible signs or symptoms of the disease, it is important to get regular dental checkups and tests.
Understanding oral cancer.
Oral cancer can start in many places in the mouth, like the throat, lips, tongue, cheeks, and gums. Anyone can get this disease, but some things make it more likely for some people. These risk factors are:
- Tobacco use: The main things that cause mouth cancer are smoking and chewing tobacco.
- Consuming too much alcohol: Heavy drinking, especially when mixed with tobacco use, can greatly increase the risk.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV): People who have certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) can get mouth cancer, especially in the throat.
- Age: The chance of getting mouth cancer goes up with age.
- Sun exposure: Lips that are exposed to too much sun can make them more likely to get lip cancer.
- Genetic predisposition: Having a family history of mouth cancer may also make the chance higher.
Why early detection of oral cancer is important.
Finding mouth cancer early is very important for good treatment. Getting regular checkups with a dentist or other health care professional can help find problems in the mouth and throat that could be signs of cancer or conditions that could lead to cancer. When mouth cancer is found early, it is often possible to treat it.
What you can expect during an oral cancer screening.
Screenings for oral cancer are usually quick and do not hurt. During a test, a doctor or nurse will look at your mouth and throat to see if there are any problems, such as:
- Open wounds or sores that will not heal
- Spots of red or white
- Feeling numb or tingly
- Having trouble eating
- No relief from a sore throat
- Ear pain
In the event that any questionable areas are found, your doctor may suggest more tests, like a sample, to be sure of the diagnosis.
What role do dentists play in the prevention of oral cancer?
Dentists are very important for preventing mouth cancer and finding it early. Regular dental checkups give dentists a chance to look for any signs of problems in your mouth and throat. Dentists can also give you good tips on how to lower your risk of getting mouth cancer, like giving up smoking and drinking less booze.
Taking steps to protect your oral health.
Aside from getting regular dental checkups and tests, here are some other things you can do to protect your mouth health and lower your chance of getting oral cancer:
- Stop smoking. Smoking is the main thing that makes you more likely to get mouth cancer. Giving up smoking can lower your risk by a lot.
- Limit how much alcohol you drink. Drinking too much alcohol can raise your risk of getting mouth cancer.
- Keep up a healthy diet. A well-balanced diet full of fruits, veggies, and whole grains can help your health and lower your risk of getting cancer.
- Keep your lips safe from the sun. To do this, use sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher.
- Take care of your teeth by brushing them twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing every day. Also, make sure you see your doctor regularly for checkups.
You can lower your risk of getting mouth cancer and improve your general oral health by following these steps and going to the dentist regularly.
