Oral Cancer Awareness Month – Early Detection Saves Lives

This month is Oral Cancer Awareness month. We are highlighting the dangers of oral cancers, warning signs, and ways to ensure optimal oral health care.

Did you know there are over 55,000 new cases of oral cancer each year, and of those 55,000 only 43% will live longer than 5 years. This is why consistent oral care and recare appointments are essential to your well-being.

Common risk factors for oral cancer include excessive:

• Smoking
• Tobacco use
• Alcohol consumption

This is because nicotine and alcohol contain chemicals and acids which enter your blood flow and can damage your gingival tissues. Poor oral hygiene also increases your risk for these conditions. As you know, a healthy mouth promotes a healthy body.

Be aware of the warning signs and visit a doctor if you have any concerns.
A few signs to look out for include:

• Any sore or ulceration that does not heal within two weeks.
• A red, white, or black discoloration of the soft tissues of the mouth.
• Any abnormality that bleeds easily when touched.
• A lump or hard spot in the tissue, usually border of the tongue.
• Tissue raised above that which surrounds it; a growth.
• A sore under a denture, which even after adjustment of the denture, does not heal.
• A lump or thickening that develops in the mouth.
• A painless, firm, fixated lump felt on the outside of the neck, which has been there for at least two weeks.

Our practice offers oral cancer screenings with every cleaning check. Oral cancer screenings from a doctor allows the opportunity for early detection! If you’re in need of a cleaning or recare appointment please call or visit us online to schedule an appointment.