Almost 53,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer every year. This condition is often first identified at a dental appointment— while a dentist can’t ascertain if an abnormality is cancerous or not, they can spot symptoms and direct people to specialists that will assist. To raise awareness about this condition and help you stay healthy, here are answers to a few of the common questions people have about this disease.

Common Questions About Oral Cancer

What is it?

Oral cancer develops when cancerous cells grow in the oral cavity. This can happen in any area of the mouth, including the tongue, gums, cheeks, lips, teeth, or palate.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms often include persistent mouth or jaw pain, which is why the condition is often first diagnosed by dentists. A person affected by it may also have a sore throat, mouth sores that won’t heal, lumps on the cheeks, red or white patches on the gums, and difficulty chewing or swallowing. Many of these signs could also simply point to an issue like gum disease, so it’s essential to visit a dentist if you notice them.

Who is most at risk?

Men are twice as likely to have the disease than women, and most cases occur in people who are over 50 years old. Around 80% of people diagnosed are tobacco users and 70% are heavy alcohol drinkers. More recently, smokeless products like chewing tobacco have been identified as culprits, too. While these are heralded for reducing lung cancer, they still introduce the substance to the mouth, contributing to tumors.

How can I prevent it?

The most important step you can take is to implement lifestyle changes that will help reduce your existing risk factors. For example, cutting out tobacco products and minimizing alcohol consumption will improve your chances of avoiding it. Visiting your dentist regularly may also help you catch the condition in its early stages.

The friendly, experienced team at Riviera Dental Care PC in Foley, AL, love to create healthy smiles in a positive, caring environment. They listen carefully to each patient before developing customized treatment plans. Whether you need teeth whitening or a root canal, this dentist will be glad to assist. Learn more about what they offer online or call (251) 943-3368 to schedule an appointment.