Oral cancer is one of the diseases that everyone must be wary of since it can pose a danger to the overall health and can be life-threatening. This type of cancer usually appears as a growth or sore in the mouth that does not easily go away. Oral cancer can be fatal, especially if not diagnosed, and treated early. That said, undergoing screenings can help in detecting any signs of developing oral cancer. With the help of early detection, proper measures will be given to the patient right away to prevent the condition from becoming worse. At Sunny Dental of Wilton Manors, we highly encourage the said service, for we highly understand the importance of early detection when it comes to oral cancer.
What is oral cancer screening?
Oral cancer screening is an examination performed usually by a dentist or doctor to identify any signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in the mouth. The primary purpose of oral cancer screening is to detect irregularities early for a higher chance of treating the disease successfully.
What are the common signs and symptoms of oral cancer?
- Pain, tenderness, or numbness in the mouth or lips
- A change in the way the teeth fit together when closing the mouth
- Red or white patches
- Difficulty in swallowing, chewing, speaking or moving the tongue and jaw
- A lump, thickening, rough spots, crust, or small eroded area
- Soreness or irritation in the mouth that does not go away
- Unexplained bleeding
- Ear pain
What are the risk factors of oral cancer?
Some of the factors that can increase a person’s chance of developing oral cancer are heavy alcohol consumption, excessive exposure to the sun, human papillomavirus (HPV), and family history of cancer.
What are the preventive measures for oral cancer?
- Avoid any kind of tobacco. Smoking or chewing the harmful product should be avoided.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Excessive exposure to the sun can increase the risk of cancer, especially on the lips. Using sunblock or any other sun-protection products on the skin as well as on the lips will help.
- Be wary of the changes in the oral cavity. Conducting a self-examination for any signs of oral cancer in the mouth, such as lumps, patches, or soreness in the mouth, is best.
- Visit the dentist regularly. Although self-examination may help, a professional examination is still the best way to identify the signs of oral cancer accurately. Professionals such as dentists are experts in detecting early signs of oral cancer by thoroughly examining the mouth using advanced technology or tools.
Always remember that early detection of oral cancer can prolong your life. Visiting the dentist regularly can help in keeping you away from oral cancer or any other oral problems. Do not wait for it to get worse before you seek professional help.
For more information about Oral Cancer Screenings in Wilton Manors, FL be sure to contact Sunny Dental of Wilton Manors. Our entire team looks forward to meeting you in person and help you achieve the best possible dental health. We are located at 2517 NE 9th Ave., Wilton Manors, FL 33305.