The month of April is back – there’s now no denying that spring is here. In the coming days, you’ll likely try to enjoy the mild weather and get outside a lot. However, don’t spend all your time on sunny fun. April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, so you’d do well to observe it. Just let your Raleigh dentist help you honor this period. So, here’s a summary of oral cancer’s risks, its symptoms, and the method dentists use to screen for it.
Learn Oral Cancer’s Risk Factors
Per its name, oral cancer is cancer of the mouth and throat. It occurs when your oral cavity’s squamous cells grow, multiply, and spread. The risk factors most associated with it are:
- Age – The likelihood of getting oral cancer increases with age, especially for people over 55 years old.
- Genetics – Multiple studies show biological males have a higher risk of oral cancer. Similarly, those with a family history of the disease are also likely to get it.
- Sun Exposure – Unless you apply sunblock, too much time in the sun can cause cancer in your lips.
- Usage of Tobacco & Alcohol – In reality, tobacco has carcinogens that cause cancer. Alcoholic drinks can also help those carcinogens enter your mouth tissues.
Should you manage the factors above, you can greatly reduce your risk of oral cancer.
Get a Sense of its Symptoms
While oral cancer is very harmful, its symptoms make it resemble less severe mouth issues. So, always take the following signs very seriously:
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Bleeding sores on your lip or inside your mouth
- Lumps or thick patches in your mouth
- Rough or crusty areas on your lips or gums
- Numbness, pain, or tenderness on your face
- Loose teeth
Know How Dentists Screen for It
Even if you know its risk factors and signs, you can’t just diagnose yourself with oral cancer. You’ll need to see a dentist (or another trained doctor) for a proper screening.
There are several steps to a dentist’s oral cancer screening. Firstly, you’ll undergo an oral rinse with a cleansing solution. The dentist will then use their tools to assess your mouth closely. To wrap things up, they’ll note and diagnose any issues they find and suggest treatment options.
Even if a dentist diagnoses you with oral cancer, don’t worry too much. They’re likely to catch the condition in its early stages – phases with an 80-90% cure rate. Otherwise, they can still refer you to a qualified cancer specialist.
As Oral Cancer Month continues, keep the facts above in mind. They’ll help make your April a cancer-free one.
About the Practice
Rensch and Laster is based in Raleigh, NC. Led by Drs. Brandon Rensch and Christine Laster, our practice strives to give each patient the dreamy smile they deserve. That means we offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services, as well as emergency dental work. Of course, every dental checkup our office performs also includes an oral cancer screening. For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (919)-787-0355.