oral cancer

Warning Signs of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer typically is painless in its early stages but can become painful as it spreads. Go to your dentist immediately if you observe any of the following: 

During an oral cancer screening, your dentist will feel for lumps or irregular tissue changes in your neck, head, cheeks and oral cavity. He or she also will examine the soft tissues in your mouth, looking for sores or discolored tissues. He or she also may use screening devices that use rinses, dyes or different types of lights to detect abnormal cells. It’s important to remember that your dentist does not necessarily think you have oral cancer if he or she performs a screening. An oral cancer screening is part of a routine dental checkup, even when you have no symptoms.

Methods of treatment for oral cancer include surgery, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy. Each individual patients’ treatment plan is determined in conjunction with their physician.

Risk factors for oral cancer include tobacco use, alcohol use, sun exposure (lips), previous head and neck cancer diagnosis and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV can cause cancer in the back of the throat (oropharyngeal cancer), including the base of the tongue and tonsils.

To help prevent oral cancer, abstain from using all forms of tobacco, and avoid excessive sun exposure and alcohol consumption. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all preteen boys and girls ages 11 to 12 should be vaccinated for HPV, which may aid in reducing the risk of oral cancer. The vaccines are also recommended for males and females ages 13 to 26 if they haven’t received them already.

Because successful treatment and rehabilitation of oral cancer are dependent upon early detection, it is extremely important to regularly check your mouth for any changes and to maintain regular dental visits, at least once every six months. Oral cancer screenings are a quick and painless part of your typical cleaning and exam, so don’t wait- schedule your next appointment at DC Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry today!