April is oral cancer awareness month. The number of people with oral cancers – which include all cancers in the mouth and throat – has recently been increasing, with men being more than half of those diagnosed. The good news is that the majority of cases are highly preventable by avoiding certain risky behaviors. Equally, early detection via an oral cancer screening and self-examination is key to decreasing the severity of the disease.
Avoiding use of all tobacco products – including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and cigars – dramatically reduces your risk of suffering from oral cancer. Other risk factors include:
Increased Risk
- Drinking alcohol in excess
- Being older than 55
- Spending a lot of time in the sun
- Having certain forms of human papillomavirus (HPV)
Prevention: Even if you are at a higher risk for oral cancer, there are certain steps that you can take to help decrease your chances of getting it:
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Incorporate a lot of fresh produce into your diet
- Avoid being exposed to excessive sunlight during the middle of the day
- Wear a minimum of SPF 30 or higher on your lips
Catching signs of oral cancel early is key to reducing the mortality rate. If you notice any of these symptoms, call your dentist right away:
Symptoms Not to Ignore
- Bleeding in the mouth
- Persistent mouth sores or earaches
- Numbness, pain or swelling in the mouth, throat or jaw
- Teeth loosening
- Changes in your voice
- A lump in the mouth or neck areas
- Red or white patches on the lips, gums, or tongue
Regular Screenings
At Roselle Park Dental, we perform oral cancer screenings as part of every routine dental checkup as a courtesy to all our patients. Our dentists and hygienists will thoroughly check your mouth, teeth, gums, and tongue for any signs of cancer or precancerous conditions. Also, making sure to check your mouth in the mirror once a month for any of the symptoms listed above is vital! If oral cancer is caught early, there is a greater chance that it can be cured.
Call us today at (908) 998-4698 or visit us online to schedule your next oral cancer screening today!
Author: Sara Magnola Taner is an online marketing and communications specialist – with a website development and editorial background – who has 15 years of experience creating and editing clear, compelling content on diverse topics across a wide range of mediums.