Oral cancer is abnormal cell growth out of control on the cheeks, gums, tonsils, throat, hard palate, tongue, or lips. Oral cancer kills 1 person per hour. We have 53,000 diagnosed cases each year in the U.S. A biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis. Treatments include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Remember that a regular dental exam schedule can help keep you on the path to good oral health and help catch any irregularities early. Early detection frequently results in a more favorable outcome.
Oral Cancer Risk Factors:
Tobacco use and smoking
Alcohol – especially when you add tobacco use
HPV 16 Virus exposure – approximately 70 % of cases is caused by Human Papillomavirus
Immunosuppression
Chronic irritation from jagged teeth
Poor oral health, poor nutrition
Infectious diseases
Family history of cancer
What Can You Do?
Visit your dentist for regular checkups. A dentist can assess your mouth thoroughly for abnormalities and are trained in detecting signs of oral cancer
Check your mouth regularly for any unusual sores or lesions
Avoid smoking – tobacco exposes the mouth to cancer-causing chemicals
Limit alcohol use – alcohol can cause cancer by damaging DNA
Get vaccinated against HPV – HPV (human papillomavirus) infects oral cells. HPV often has no symptoms. Vaccinating is essential.
Maintain a healthy weight and be active – Poor diet and lack of exercise can make it easier to develop cancer
Don’t delay in seeking advice from a dentist if you notice any unusual symptoms in and around your mouth
Early Oral Cancer Detection
How can we prevent oral cancer? Self-screen can help decide when it is time to consult a dentist for a full exam. Check around your mouth with your tongue and look for anything abnormal, then use a light to look on your cheeks, lips, tongue, the roof of your mouth, under your tongue, and around your gums. Use light to be able to see if there are any changes, growths, or tumors forming. A white, red, or black patch in the mouth could be an early sign of oral cancer. At any signs of differences see your dentist for a full screening.
It is essential to see a dentist regularly because many diseases in the mouth are silent or asymptomatic. This includes dental decay, chronic gum disease & oral (mouth) cancer. Did you know that your dental hygienist plays an important role in detecting oral cancer? It's true! Your dentist looks for signs of oral cancer on your lips, gums, tongue, throat, and tonsils as part of your routine hygiene appointment. The goal is to detect cancer early and increase the chance that it can be treated effectively. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further complications.
The goal of oral cancer screening is to detect any suspicious signs that may lead to mouth cancer at an early stage – when cancer or lesions are easiest to remove and most likely to be cured. Ask your dental hygienist to learn more about oral cancer screening. Oral cancer screening should be done by your dentist at every visit. It can save your life! Dental cleanings usually include oral cancer screenings. Your dental visit isn’t just about your teeth, it’s about your oral health in its entirety! Early detection is crucial, particularly if you have a history of smoking and tobacco use.
Early oral cancer detection increases the survival rate. Remember that a regular dental exam schedule can help keep you on the path to good oral health and help catch any irregularities early. Early detection frequently results in a more favorable outcome.
Please visit your dentist and hygienist regularly to maintain a healthy mouth and a healthy life. Oral cancer screenings are done easily and quickly in our Advanced Dental Center in Norwalk, CT. Every patient receives an oral cancer screening at their routine examination.
If you have any concerns, please call at (203) 364-5084 or contact us online.
Special Offer for New Patients only!
Oral Cancer Screening with Initial Cleaning and Dental Exam for just $98*!
** In absence of gum disease
Includes: Dental Cleaning, Fluoride, X Ray, Exam and Oral Cancer Screening
*for patients without insurance
Call us today or fill up the form and our scheduling coordinator will reach to you to schedule your appointment!