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With all the things dentists check for and help treat during our regular check-ups – cavities, chipped teeth, bleeding gums, or bad breath – the last thing on our mind is to be checked for signs of oral cancer. However, based on recent research, it should be at the top of your list of health concerns to watch out for, and it certainly is at the top of the list for our staff at Simply Smiles Miami! According to research by the American Cancer Society, their most recent 2022 estimates for new cases of oral cavity or oropharyngeal (cancer behind the nose/mouth region) cancer are 54,000.
Oral cancer can be found in many places: on the tongue, the tonsils or region where the nasal passage and throat connect, gums, floor of the mouth, even on lips or minor salivary glands. With so many areas cancer can grow, it’s a good idea to be regularly checking at home for these symptoms:
- Lumps, bumps, white, red or speckled white and red patches, or rough spots on your lips, gums, or other areas in your mouth.
- Unexplained bleeding or numbness in any area of your mouth.
- Sore throat or feeling as if something is caught in your throat.
- Jaw or tongue pain or difficulty chewing, speaking, swallowing.
- Ear pain.
- Changes in your “bite” due to teeth shifting without apparent cause.
The American Cancer Society reports that overall death rates for these cancers have been decreasing over the last 30 years, but early detection is key. With early diagnosis, the chances of survival are nine out of ten. Here are some major risk factors for oral cancer for you to consider:
- Tobacco/Marijuana use – Cancer.net reports that 85% of head and neck cancer is linked to tobacco use, and using marijuana can put you at higher-than-average risk for developing head and neck cancer.
- Alcohol consumption can increase your risk for head and neck cancer.
- Prolonged sun exposure / Fair Skin – too much sun exposure is linked with cancer on the lip region, and people with fair skin are more at risk.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) – if you’ve been diagnosed with HPV, you may be at a higher risk for developing oral cancer.
- Gender – men are more likely to develop oral cancer than women.
- Age – the average age of most people diagnosed with head and neck cancer is 63, but oral cancer can happen at any age. 1 in 5 cases occur in patients younger than 55.
- Poor Oral Hygiene – lack of dental care may cause an increased risk of oral cancer.
If you have any concerns that you may be showing symptoms of oral cancer, please schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Oral cancer screening is a quick, non-invasive procedure where your dentist will examine inside your mouth and under your tongue for any signs of cancer. They will also look at your throat and feel your jaw and neck for any unusual lumps or abnormal thickening. Some dentists also use a blue dye that they can spread over an area, and any abnormal area will turn a darker blue.
If your dentist notices anything suspicious, they can discuss next steps with you which usually consists of consulting with a specialist. Oral cancer is something we should all take very seriously, but if caught early, it’s highly treatable. The best way to ensure your oral health is to maintain your regular appointments with your dentist every six months. Call the Simply Smiles office today to schedule your next appointment, and we will be happy to discuss any concerns you may have, and to help make sure you have a healthy smile.
Sources:
https://www.fidleronthetooth.com/blog/signs-and-symptoms-of-oral-cancer/
https://www.dentalhealth.org/spotthesigns
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/does-your-dentist-screen-for-oral-cancer-why-its-a-good-idea/
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/oral-cavity-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html