November is Mouth Cancer Awareness Month
- By Shawn Walton
- •
- 05 Dec, 2016
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.
A dental checkup every 6 months ensures your teeth are in top shape and there aren't any oral issues developing. In addition to regular checkups, we recommend you practice these easy steps in your dental routine:
- Brush at least 2 times a day, for upwards of 3 minutes.
- Always keep your toothbrush clean and know when it's time to invest in a new toothbrush.
- Floss daily to remove plaque from places your toothbrush can't reach.
- Eat healthy foods packed with calcium, vitamin A and C. Avoid sugary foods and drinks.
- Smoking can cause gum disease, tooth loss and other oral health problems. Avoid cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products.
- Exercise preventative care and schedule regular checkups. For best results, visit a dentist every 6 months, approximately twice a year.