You
know the importance of visiting your dentist regularly for healthy teeth and
good oral health. But did you know visiting your dentist can also help screen
for cancer? Cancer can occur in the mouth, affecting lips, tongue, cheeks, and
throat. Since no one is looking very carefully inside their own mouths, your
dentist and dental hygienist are your best bet at early detection of mouth
cancers.
According
to oncolink.org, people who
smoke, use smokeless tobacco, and drink alcohol are at higher risk of
developing oral cancers. In recent years, oral cancers in younger people
without these risk factors are on the rise. In addition, other cases occur in
people with no risk factors at all, so screening is important for everyone.
Mouth
cancer can often be spotted in its early stages by your dentist during a
thorough mouth examination. If mouth cancer is recognized early, then the
chances of a cure are good. A thorough oral cancer screening exam includes more
than looking around your mouth. Your dentist will examine and feel your face,
neck, lips, mouth, tongue, thyroid gland, salivary glands and lymph nodes for
any abnormalities. If you have dentures or partials, they should be taken out
to allow the entire mouth to be inspected (source).
In
addition to routine dental screenings, be aware of the potential signs of oral
cancers and report these to your healthcare provider:
- A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal
- A color change of the oral tissues
- A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area
- Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue.
November
is Mouth Cancer Awareness Month. Early detection is key. Make sure you’re
seeing your dentist regularly (every 6 months!) and if you’re currently overdue,
schedule an appointment with Walton Dental Health
right away! Your
health is too important to wait.