Oral cancer is a serious health condition. Therefore, prevention is key. A healthy lifestyle, including consistent dental care and other lifestyle choices, can reduce your risk for developing oral cancer and oral diseases.
However, your dental office in Mississauga also has an important role to play. Not only are your regular appointments crucial for keeping your mouth healthy, but it’s also vital for early detection.
Early detection is extremely important. With early diagnosis and treatment, more than 80% of oral cancer patients survive. This is one reason why you must visit Bristol Dental Clinic every six months for a thorough examination and oral cancer screening.
This Oral Cancer Awareness Month, take the time to educate yourself on the symptoms and risk factors associated with oral cancer, as well as how to prevent it.
What is oral cancer?
Oral cancer refers to any abnormal growth and spreading of cells in the mouth. There are multiple types of oral cancer, which can occur in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat area. This includes your gums, tonsils, salivary glands, roof and floor of the mouth, and inside your cheeks.
What are the symptoms of oral cancer?
There are many signs and symptoms of oral cancer, which you should familiarize yourself with. Detecting oral cancer early is crucial for successful treatment. Here are some of the most common early signs:
- Persistent mouth ulcers that do not heal within 14 days
- Thickenings, lumps, bumps, rough spots, or eroded areas on the lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, or other areas inside your mouth
- Velvety white, black, red, or speckled (red and white) patches in the mouth
- A sore under a denture that does not heal, even after adjusting the denture
- Any abnormality that bleeds easily when touched
- A painless, firm, fixated lump felt on the outside of the neck
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- Unexplained numbness in any area of the face, mouth, or neck
- Changes in taste or tongue sensation
- A persistent sore throat that makes swallowing difficult
- Feeling like something is caught in your throat
- Hoarseness or change in speech
- Persistent earache in only one ear
- Dramatic weight loss
Who is at risk for oral cancer?
Men over the age of 50 are at the highest risk of developing oral cancer. The highest incidence of oral cancer occurs in people over the age of 60. However, oral cancer can occur to anyone at any age.
Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
- Smoking: Use of tobacco products significantly increases the risk of oral cancer (and other cancers). These products include cigarettes, snuff, chewing tobacco, and vapes. You should stop using these products immediately.
- Alcohol consumption: High consumption of alcohol over a long period of time increases the risk of oral cancers, particularly when combined with smoking. Limit your alcohol consumption to two or fewer standard drinks per week.
- HPV (human papillomavirus): Certain HPV strains are correlated with oral cancer.
- Sun exposure: Ultraviolet radiation from excessive sun exposure can cause lip cancers. Exposure at a young age increases the risk.
- Family history: As with many cancers, a family history of oral cancer means you have a higher risk of developing it yourself.
- Gender: Men are more susceptible than women to developing oral cancer. Current studies have determined that men are twice as likely as women to develop oral cancer, although this could be attributed to higher alcohol consumption and tobacco usage in men.
- Age: The risk for oral cancer increases after the age of 50. Your risk is highest, however, after the age of 60.
- Poor diet: Poor diet has a massive effect on your overall health, including your risk for oral cancer. Some studies have found a link between oral cancer and diets that are low in fruits and vegetables.
- Poor oral health: It’s very important to care for your mouth throughout your life. Otherwise, you increase your risk of developing serious oral health conditions, like oral cancer.
How do you prevent oral cancer?
When it comes to oral cancer, prevention is key. Here are some things you can do to keep your mouth healthy and free of serious diseases and conditions:
- Maintain strong oral health habits. Brush your teeth twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and rinse with water or mouthwash.
- Visit your preferred dental office in Mississauga, like Bristol Dental Clinic, for routine checkups and professional cleanings. We perform regular oral cancer screenings for early detection.
- Don’t smoke or use any tobacco products. Drink alcohol in moderation or quit drinking altogether.
- Use a lip balm with UV protection whenever you’re outside and exposed to the sun. This helps prevent lip cancer, particularly on the lower lip. You should also use UV-blocking sun protection on your skin.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet full of vegetables and fruits. This ensures that you’re getting all the minerals and vitamins you need to stay healthy.
How does your Mississauga dental office screen for oral cancer?
Our Mississauga dental office provides an oral cancer screening exam as part of your routine dental exam. You should receive your first exam when you turn 18 or when you start smoking or having sex.
During your appointment, your dentist feels for any lumps or abnormal tissue changes in your neck, head, face, or mouth. They also look for any sores or discoloured tissue. If any area looks suspicious, they may order a biopsy to determine its makeup.
Can you conduct a self-exam for oral cancer?
Yes! You can check your mouth for signs of oral cancer at home. Inspect your lips, gums, lining of your cheeks, roof of your mouth, floor of your mouth, tongue, and back of your throat.
Use a bright light and mirror to make it easier to see. Make sure to feel for lumps or enlarged lymph nodes, as well. If you notice any changes in your mouth’s appearance or any other symptoms, contact Bristol Dental Clinic immediately.
Preventing Oral Cancer With Bristol Dental Clinic, Mississauga’s Most Trusted Dental Office
You should be visiting Bristol Dental Clinic every six months for an examination and professional cleaning.
If you’re at a higher risk for oral cancer or another oral health condition, you may need to stop by every three months. These appointments are crucial for prevention and early detection, so don’t skip them!
To book an appointment in Mississauga, call Bristol Dental Clinic at 866-673-2109 or contact us here.
